PROFILE
Vijal Poletti, BSc, HPC
I have over 7 years experience working with preschool aged children for the National Health Service in the UK. Following this, I launched my own clinic in North London and worked privately for 6 years before moving to Barcelona with my family. I work with children who have a variety of communication difficulties, such as language delay, global developmental delay, language disorder, learning difficulties, unclear speech and a variety of genetic syndromes. My specialist area is with children who have social communication and behavioural difficulties and have a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I have also worked as part of a multidisciplinary team for diagnosing ASD which involves joint assessments and observations with a Consultant Paediatrician, Consultant Psychiatrist and/or Psychologist. Qualifications: BSc Speech Sciences at University College London (UCL) Registered Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (M.R.C.S.L.T.) Registered member of the Health Professions Council (HPC) I am trained in using the following intervention approaches : Foundation and Enhancement stages in Makaton PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) PCI (Parent Child Interaction Therapy) SCERTS (Social Communication, Emotional Regulation, Transactional Support model)
How Can I Help?
Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) are allied health professionals who work with children and adults who have a wide range of communication difficulties and swallowing disorders.
I work with children who are under 6 years of age and have ENGLISH as their primary language.
They may have:
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Difficulties following instructions and understanding what is said to them
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A delay in talking and difficulties using language to communicate and express themselves
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Unclear speech and difficulties being understood
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Difficulties interacting with adults and children
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Autism and associated social communication disorders
INTERVENTION WILL BE CONDUCTED IN ENGLISH.
TESTIMONIALS
Parents Recommend
Helen B.
“Our 3 year old son is autistic and he has been seeing Vijal over a period of 6 months. When he first met her, he did not speak and he was not able to focus his attention for any length of time. Vijal has worked very hard and patiently with him to engage and focus his attention to communicate effectively and develop his speech and language skills by using a host of different methods. In the small amount of time that she has been working with him, our son now has a vocabulary of at least 20 legible words, he is able to communicate his needs by pointing and actively focus his attention when interacting with adult led activities. As parents we are astounded by the progress our son has made and how Vijal has been able to help our son achieve this. Her relaxed, pleasant and welcoming approach in her sessions compliment her vast knowledge and experience of autism and autistic children. These qualities have been pivotal to our son’s progress and development. Being involved with Vijal has also taught us how to understand new ways of communicating in a much simpler way which has helped us to understand and develop our son’s needs. We cannot express our appreciation and thanks enough for what she has done for us and our son!”
Paul S.
“Vijal provided speech and language sessions to our 3 year old son who has a diagnosis of autism. She demonstrated a good understanding of his learning difficulties and was always well prepared and well resourced. Vijal encouraged our little boy to begin vocalising through developing his play skills and we feel he benefitted greatly from her sessions. We would recommend Vijal to families without reservation.”
How I Work
Initial Assessment
FIRST we will briefly discuss your concerns over email/phone, and then arrange an appointment for an initial assessment. An initial assessment will include a case history from parents/carers and an informal or formal assessment of your child’s communication skills. This will typically last for 60 – 90 minutes. If necessary, your child will also be observed in their daycare environment as part of initial assessment. If requested, a comprehensive report with a profile of your child’s current communication skills and difficulties will be written.
THEN dependant on assessment findings and the nature and severity of your child’s difficulties, you may be offered:
Home Programme
An individualised written programme of activities and advice for you to carry out at home to improve your child’s communication skills (indirect intervention).
Individual Therapy Sessions
This will be direct weekly intervention and will take place in the clinic and/or school setting. Sessions will last up to 45 minutes depending on your child’s age and attention and listening skills.
Discharge
Your child will be discharged if their communication skills are within normal limits and no further input is required.
FAQs
Why does my child need to see an SLT?
If your child’s communication skills are not within the expected range for their age, a thorough assessment of their speech and language development may be necessary to find out the nature and severity of their difficulties.
Living in Barcelona, it is likely that your child will be exposed to a number of different languages. It is normal for some children to experience a slight delay in language development when exposed to 2 or more languages, however it is important to remember that intervention is only for children who have English as a primary language (i.e. one or both parents speak only English at home).
Where will assessment and therapy sessions take place?
Children will be seen in the clinic setting with or without parents.
Therapy sessions can also take place in the child’s daycare if difficulties are more specific to interacting with other children, challenging behaviour or limited communication in less familiar environments.
One off sessions to your child’s daycare can also be arranged with strategies and advice for nursery staff working with your child.
How often will my child be seen?
Therapy sessions will be delivered weekly. Overall sessions will last up to 45 minutes with a feedback at the end of each session of how your child is progressing and with specific activities to practice at home before the next session.
How much are sessions?
Please call on 694 232 074 or email me to discuss assessment and therapy session prices.
