Neurological Conditions (SLT) (with associated communication impairment)

We work with children and young people that have neurological conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida and Head Injury. Please see NHS choices for more information on what these conditions are.

If you are a parent concerned your child may have a neurological condition

If you are a parent concerned your child may have a neurological condition, please look at NHS choices first, and then the best health professional to speak to is your GP to work out if testing is required, and to receive a diagnosis.

It may be that a neurological condition has been detected early in your newborn baby whilst they are receiving other specialist treatment - if this is the case a diagnosis will be handled by the hospital and your lead consultant.

If it is not something detected as a baby, diagnosis will involve meeting with a Community Paediatrician and Physiotherapists simultaneously.

For neurological conditions that have an effect on speech, a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) will be involved in the support and care package.

Community Paediatrician and Multi-Agency Support

When referred to a Community Paediatrician, please expect an 'opt-in' letter within 8 weeks of receipt of the referral. When you receive this 'opt-in' letter please make contact as requested to arrange your appointment.

A range of services within the CCHP are involved in treating neurological conditions including Speech and Language Therapy (SLT), Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy. There is a separate section dedicated to explain Physiotherapy suport for those with neurological conditions, and more details about SLT support below. Please explore the Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy sections from the menu options on the right hand side.

Following assessments, all the professionals working with you or your child meet together within six weeks of the assessment. They will work out and co-ordinate a package of care and services to meet your child’s individual needs, and contribute to any necessary reports or recommendations. This was previously a Statement of Special Educational Needs. As of September 2014 this was replaced with an ‘Education, Health and Care’ plan. Education, Health and Care plans say what support you need to get the most out of you/your child’s education, but it will also include any support that may be needed from health services or social care.

Following the meeting of professionals, you will be invited to attend a family support meeting to meet with the professionals involved and have any questions answered. Family support meetings, and co-ordination of the team around the child (which may include health, education and social care) will continue to happen.

Speech and Language Therapy Support related to Neurological Conditions

The Speech and Language Therapists are part of the multi-disciplinary team involved in the assessment process, and co-ordination of a care package.

Assessment to identify speech and language strengths and needs will occur over 1 – 2 contacts, and objectives will be set over another contact or two, and an intervention package individual to your child’s needs will be commenced. This may involve Speech and Language Therapists working directly with your child, or working supportively alongside yourselves and education or both. This will be working towards goals set, and progress will be reviewed.

Please click on the related links on the right hand side for more information about relevant CCHP services.

Other CCHP services that may also be involved: