Meet Rachel

Based inCarric on Suir - Kidd Talk is a private speech and language therapy practice for children operated by CORU registered speech and language therapist Rachel Kidd

Qualifications

B.Sc., (Hons) Clinical Speech and Language Therapy, Trinity College Dublin.
M.Sc., (Hons) Distinction Disability Studies, Trinity College Dublin,
Awarded the TCD “Schols” Scholarship in 2013 for excellence in clinical speech language studies

Kidd Talk in 5 Words

Kidd Talk in 5 Words

Let’s keep
things simple !

Finding the right supports for children is not an easy task for parents in Ireland today. Waiting lists and highly technical jargon can make the process even more daunting.

In Plain English

At Kidd Talk, we like to keep things simple. Kidd Talk's mission is to provide real world solutions for children with speech and language difficulties - solutions that get right to the core of a child's needs and dovetail with your busy schedule and not against it. As a member of NALA, all reports and correspondence are completed using "Plain English" ® principles.

Member Groups and Associations

Late Talkers

Assessment sessions for late talkers under the age of 3 years involve play based assessment plus a demonstration of key techniques that you can use straight away at home.

The assessment is also usually split over two appointments so that an accurate measure of ability can be obtained.

It's okay if your child is shy or reluctant to engage at the start - I use lots of different approaches to help your child feel as comfortable as possible. When children feel happy and comfortable they are more likely to show more of what they know.  

Stammering

Children’s experience of stammering is often one of the most commonly misunderstood. I am a member of the IASLT Special Interest Group for Stammering. I have attended multiple specialist training seminars in stammering and am qualified to deliver the latest therapies.

I understand , given the nature of stammering that one size does not fit all – everyone’s therapy experience is different. Sometimes we need to get out of the clinic room and explore school, playgrounds and phone calls to ensure that therapy is as effective as possible.

Unclear Speech

Children can have unclear speech or delays in their speech sound development for lots of different reasons. At KiddTalk, comprehensive assessment and therapy packages are available to support children with a wide range of speech sound difficulties.

I use “Jollyphonics” resources in most of my speech work. Jollyphonics is the phonics programme most commonly used within the primary school curriculum; this helps to make the learning process as easy as possible for children and their parents. I also attend annual online evidence base training sessions for speech intervention run by AmyGraham SLP- clinical specialist in speech sound disorders.

Down Syndrome

Thanks to the support of their families and supporters more and more children with Down Syndrome are now attending mainstream school and connecting with their community. For my clients with Down Syndrome, it’s really important for me to make sure that the therapy targets have an impact in school, home and the playground.

Sometimes, I have a “sibling session” where we integrate our targets into a game that siblings can play together. Siblings play a huge role in the inclusion process. In keeping with a strengths based approach we select therapy programmes that are as “visual” as possible.

Intellectual Disability

Also known as:
• general learning disability (in the UK)
• developmental disability (in the USA)
In Ireland,“intellectual disability” is the most commonly used term.

The terminology around intellectual disability changes frequently in policy and the media. In the 90s , the more common term was "special needs."

Children with Down Syndrome and Global Developmental Delay have an intellectual disability. Equally, children can have an isolated intellectual disability with no impact on physical development.

At Kidd Talk, individualised communication packages are developed over time so that every child can reach their potential. I work closely with parents, teachers and other key supporters to ensure that the communication package has an impact in everyday routines

Developmental Language
Disorder

Developmental Language Disorder, also known as DLD is more common than autism and ADHD. Yet, it is often missed and is probably one of the most misunderstood conditions affecting school aged children. DLD occurs when a child has average non-verbal IQ alongside significant language processing diffculties.

Diagnosis of DLD requires psychological assessment plus a comprehensive speech and language assessment.At Kidd Talk , we stock all of the specialist assessment materials required to diagnose DLD.

Please contact the clinic if you have any concerns about DLD

Autism

It is brilliant to see how “autism friendly” community initiatives have blossomed over the past few years in particular. In keeping with this move towards greater inclusion, I always consider how therapy gains will generalise into everyday life situations such as preschool and the playground.

I have completed Gina Davies Attention Autism programme. I place particular value on delivering small group therapy programmes such as Attention Autism in preschool and creche where possible.

It’s a Partnership

When you pick up the phone to embark on private speech and language therapy sessions – it’s a lot like signing up to a personal trainer. The sessions are important but so too is the work between sessions. As a Kidd Talk client, you will receive a unique range of carefully designed tools to help keep progress on track between sessions. The more specifically we can measure the changes in sessions and between sessions, the more value you and I will get out of our sessions together

You are the
expert on
your child

The speech and language therapy process at Kidd Talk is a PARTNERSHIP. Working in partnership with parents means that even though I may be “expert” on speech and language therapy, you are “expert” on your child. You know about their style, preferences and motivators.

These are key ingredients in successful therapy. In my experience, the best therapy outcomes have always come from parents and therapist working together, openly sharing their information.

Partnership means

• If something is on your mind – just tell me
• If homework isn’t happening – just tell me
• If you’re worried about a particular diagnosis - just tell me
• Never walk out the door thinking “oh I can’t ask that, I’ll just google it” - just tell me
• If now isn’t a good time for therapy – that’s okay

The Magic Formula

X number of sessions + y amount of home input = Z progress

Fees

Please get in touch if you need advice on what assessment package will suit your child best.

Most common standard assessment package.
Covers:
- stammering
- speech difficulties/unclear speech
- early language learning 0-4
- social communication

A premium assessment package is required where a child is aged 5+ and requires comprehensive assessment including formal standardised assessment of language using the CELF-5.

This is the assessment package required for diagnosis of Developmental Language Disorder.

What about reports?

What about reports? Following assessment, I always provide a one page summary sheet that explains the results of the assessment process in plain English. This summary sheet is included in the cost of assessment.

Sometimes, a full  report is required for children to qualify for certain resources etc. Full assessment reports are available on request at a charge of €100.

A number of health insurance plans now cover speech and language therapy fees;
contact your provider for more details.

Revenue offer a 20% refund on speech and language therapy fees, click here

FAQs

Do I need a referral from my GP to attend speech and language therapy?
No. You can contact Kidd Talk directly and arrange an appointment.
I am unsure if my child needs speech and language therapy – what is the next best step?
Don't let the worry fester. Get in touch by phone or email and we can chat out your concerns.
Can I attend private speech and language therapy if my child is already attending public speech and language therapy ?
Absolutely!

In an ideal world, it is good for public and private therapists to communicate with each other about therapy goals and progress so that the transitions between public and private therapy blocks are as easy as possible for you and your child.
My child is 2. Should I wait and see ?
Traditionally, the thinking on late talkers was to "wait and see". Now we know that early intervention is key. If you have concerns about your child's communication development, go with your gut. Get in touch by phone or email and we can arrange an appointment that suits you, if needed.
Will my health insurance cover speech and language therapy?
Many health insurance plans now cover speech and language therapy . Check with your provider.

I can provide a receipt so that you can easily inform your health insurance provider. Also, whether you are self employed or in PAYE employment, you are entitled to claim back 20% of the speech and language therapy fees you incur through Revenue.

The Med1 Form is no longer available but you can claim back either through:

- myAccount (for PAYE)
- ROS (for self employed)