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Speech therapy for children in a private center/clinic setting here in the Philippines usually lasts for one (1) hour. The schedule of therapy per week is fixed on a specific day and time. This would depend on the assessment of the therapist and the caregiver’s preference. That means the child might need speech therapy once, twice, or thrice a week. Each child has a permanent schedule and it is highly encouraged that they come to the clinic regularly and on time. This is to maximize their sessions, stay consistent with the therapy process and avoid conflict of schedule with other students.
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Speech therapy can be done individually (one child and therapist for focused intervention) or in small groups (with other children to work on child's social skills). But due to pandemic, group sessions are now limited.
The Speech-Language Pathologist or SLP will also ask you to bring a Feedback notebook to document and write the activities done, the child’s performance and the SLP’s comments/recommendations. It is important that you take the time to read the notes, ask questions and use it as guide when teaching at home. You can even take note of your child's new behavior or significant observations on the notebook as well! This is to help the SLP monitor progress and performance of the child outside the clinic.
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The time is generally divided into:
(1) Preparation
(2) Management
(3) Feedback
SAMPLE SCHEDULE PRE-PANDEMIC
9:00 AM = The secretary or SLP will take the child in the therapy area
9:00-9:05 = Child gets a 5-minute free play while the SLP prepares the toys and materials needed for the activities.
9:05-9:50 = Therapy goals are individualized based on the child’s needs. These are targeted through play, table-top activities, obstacle course, group activities, simulation of activities of daily living etc. for about 45 minutes.
9:50-9:55 = SLP will ask or assist the child in returning the toys used (this helps build a routine, teach responsibility and also clear the room for the next student). SLP will write the notes on the notebook.
9:55-9:59 = SLP will provide general feedback to the caregiver, ask for updates and teach what they can work on at home.
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9:00 AM = The secretary or SLP will take the child in the therapy area
9:00-9:05 = Child’s temperature will be checked and he will be asked to wash his hands. Child gets a 3-5 minute free play while the SLP prepares the toys and materials needed for the activities.
9:05-9:50 = Therapy goals are targeted through engaging activities for about 40-45 minutes. Limited number of people will be allowed in the therapy area. Most sessions will be one-on-one/individual.
9:50-9:55 = SLP will ask or assist the child in returning the toys used and clean/disinfect the therapy area. SLP will write the notes on the notebook.
9:55-9:59 = SLP will provide general feedback to the caregiver.
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Play is a child’s main occupation and it is through play and fun activities that we are able to keep them engaged and motivated to learn. SLPs use play to target speech, language and feeding goals. Parents are also the primary teachers of the child as learning opportunities and growth starts at home. We should try our best to be our child’s favorite playmates too!
If you don’t know where to start or how to play with them, do not hesitate to ask help from the therapists, the teachers, the doctors, or any members of the team.
Technology is well advanced now and almost everything can be searched in a click. We can find a lot of worksheet, movement activities, indoor activities, arts and crafts, toys and other fun ideas online that we can use. A lot of these professionals as well are becoming active on social media, sharing tips and information on how to better understand and support our kids. It is encouraged to keep an open communication with your therapist and verify information that you get online.
Hope you learned something! ❣️
Getting your child into speech therapy can be a little overwhelming. There will be new information to absorb, a schedule to follow, a budget to set aside, homeworks to be done. And sometimes you get too busy thinking about all these that you tend to forget about yourself. I hope you also take the time to take care of yourself mentally, emotionally and physically. It's okay to pause, take a break, find something that helps you de-stress and recharge.
Because "Happy parents make happy children. Be good to yourself."
Thank you for reading! ❤️
I also made a post about Speech-Language Evaluation. You may check it out here: @chillwithshanna/what-to-expect-during-my-childs-speech-language-evaluation-or-philippines
For other questions, comment below or you may reach me here: https://www.facebook.com/ChillwithShanna
Welcome to Chill with Shanna. Shanna is a life enthusiast and a wanderer. She is easy going, spontaneous and want to challenge herself by testing her limits. She aspires to be an effective storyteller and content creator. She is in pursuit of fulfilling her purpose, living a good life and ticking adventures off her bucketlist.
She is a Speech-Language Pathologist and AXA Financial Advisor by profession.
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