Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

In this section you will find answers to some frequently asked questions [FAQs]. If you have a particular question and cannot find the answer here, please email us:  speechtherapy@anhst.nhs.uk We won't be able to give advice about specific cases, but if your question is of general interest we will try to post the answer on our website.

How long will I have to wait to see the Speech & Language Therapist?

That depends very much on the problem and on the information the referrer provides.  As soon as we receive the referral we will write to you and let you know how long you will have to wait before your first appointment with the Speech and Language Therapist.

If you are worried about your child's speech and s/he is 0-5 years old, you can attend any of our "Drop In" sessions - dates can be found on the "How to Refer" page.

What will happen on the first visit?

At your first appointment, the Speech and Language Therapist will discuss any concerns you may have.  An assessment may include conversation and possibly some more formal testing, appropriate to you/your child.

Where can I be seen for Speech & Language Therapy?

You may be seen as an outpatient at Airedale General Hospital or possibly at home if you are elderly/have mobility problems. Children may be seen at their nursery/school setting or in a clinic setting nearest to their home.  Paediatric clinics and "Drop In" sessions for 0-5 years are held at; Keighley Health Centre, Bingley Health Centre, Ilkley Coronation Hospital, Skipton General Hospital and Settle Health Centre.

I / my family cannot speak English very well. Could we have an interpreter?

Bilingual Support Workers who speak Sylheti Bengali (Bangla) and Mirpuri/Punjabi/Urdu are part of the Speech and Language Therapy team and work with the Speech and Language Therapists.  We can also book hospital interpreters, if you let us know which language you speak.

I can't understand what my child is saying, what can I / should I do about it?

Referral can be made [please see appropriate referral forms/checklists]. 
If you are having trouble understanding your child you could:

• Ask them to say it again
• Repeat back part of the message
• Ask them to tell you some more about it
• Can they show you or take you there?

Once you think you have grasped what your child has said, repeat it back to them.

Should I correct my child when he/she says something wrong?

Listen to what your child says and not how they say it.
Always be positive about your child's speech.  Don't tell your child that they have made a mistake... instead....Always accept your child's attempt at a word, however unclear it may seem.
Repeat the word clearly back to the child.  Child:  "Mummy, a tat"   You: "Yes, it's a cat".

Do you work with people who stammer?

Yes, we work with all ages from young children to adults.  Therapy is provided in a variety of ways: individual appointments, working with parents, carers and schools and group activities.
It is important that young children are seen by a Speech and Language Therapist as soon as there is concern about stammering because there is evidence that this early access to advice is most likely to result in improvement.

What does swallowing have to do with speech therapy?

The same physical structures and muscles are used in eating and swallowing as in speech.  Therefore Speech and Language Therapists have the skills and knowledge to assess and advise people with swallowing problems.

My voice sometimes "goes" and I cannot speak for a day or so. Should I do something about it?

Yes!  Probably nothing to worry about - it may be that you are over using your voice.  However, you should make an appointment to see your GP and tell him/her about the problems.  Your GP may refer you to an Ear, Nose and Throat Consultant.  Once the Consultant has seen you, he/she will refer you to the Speech and Language Therapist, if he/she thinks this will help with the problem.

My partner is a little forgetful and increasingly cannot think of the names of people, places or objects. He is quite frustrated by this. Should it be investigated or is it just old age?

A slight forgetfulness is common as we age, as are occasional problems in recalling names of people or places.  These mild difficulties are not usually enough to interfere with our lives.  More significant memory loss or regular difficulties in thinking of the names of people, places or objects is not a normal part of growing older and should always be investigated.  See your GP initially and if necessary a referral may be made to a more specialist team including a Speech and Language Therapist.