HELLO.
WELCOME TO
MY WEBSITE.
I am Alison Wood, a highly specialist speech and language therapist (SLT) who works with children and schools.
As an SLT, I work with parents and carers to change the lives of children who have difficulty with one of the most important human skills – communication. I do this by combining precise diagnosis with practical interventions that stimulate and engage the child to enhance their interaction with others. I support children whose speech might be unclear, whose language skills may be behind those of their friends and classmates, or who can find play and socialising difficult.
In tandem with my own independent practice, I work on a contract basis with the NHS in Waltham Forest, where I have worked since 2008.
I love my role as an SLT and am passionate that every child should be able to communicate effectively. This is not only key for their learning, but also, importantly, for their everyday life.
I understand how very worrying it can be for parents of children with speech, language and communication needs. Parents often say that they feel better for being listened to and for having an agreed and clear plan of action.
Many of the children I support may have similar areas of need, but my experience as an SLT has taught me that every child is unique. It is, therefore, very important to work closely and co-operatively with the child and their parents, as well as with nursery/school staff and other professionals whenever possible. Working together as part of a team ensures the best outcome for each child.
I work closely with families and with nurseries/ schools, offering support to children who have a range of speech, language and communication needs, including:
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attention and listening;
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social communication;
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unclear speech;
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understanding and use of language;
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higher-level language skills;
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auditory memory;
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Autism Spectrum Disorder
Whether you are contacting me as a parent, from a school, or nursery I offer a no-obligation, free 15-minute phone consultation, during which we can discuss any concerns you may have. If you then decide that I can help, we can jointly agree a way forward. I have included the services I can provide and an indication of fees at the end of the parent and school sections. Since it is impossible to provide a cost for every option, I can also look at bespoke packages if needed.
TESTIMONIALS
What People Say
‘Of all the professionals I have met during my SEN journey with R you have been the one who has supported us the most and who signposted other things like the DCD…I found the work you did in helping us to understand R’s needs so inspirational it was a real lightbulb moment for me seeing day-to-day so closely how SLCN runs through everything…’
Mother of child based in Waltham Forest School
‘I would just like to take this opportunity to thank you for your input and involvement in all matters relating to C’s speech. C has surpassed everybody’s expectations and made incredible progress and I consider his success in the main should be attributed to you.’
Grandmother of child based in Waltham Forest Primary School
‘Thank you so much for your support and help, especially over the last two terms. It has been invaluable in many ways. I have really appreciated your support on the ‘tricky days’.’
TA based in Waltham Forest Primary School
‘I am so very grateful for all that you do. You are a real asset to the inclusion of the children at Downsell’
SENCo, Downsell Primary School, Waltham Forest
‘We are very grateful to have you in our lives. You are a big help to us. Thank you for all your support you give us. Especially for Y. She talks about you whenever she sees you.’
Mother of child based in Waltham Forest School
‘Thank you for being a very valued member of the inclusion team. What would I do without you!’
SENCo, Waltham Forest Primary School
‘I just wanted to say thank you for being an absolute star. It has been a pleasure to work with you over many years and I have learned so much from you.’
Head of Nursery at Waltham Forest Primary School
‘Thank you so much for all your help with R this year. I’m really grateful for your expertise and support and for being so nice!’