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The most commonly asked questions regarding private speech and language therapy are listed below.

Q1. Do I need a doctor's referral to see a speech and language therapist?

Q2. Is my child too young for speech and language therapy?

Q3. How do I know that a speech & language therapist is properly qualified?

Q4. Can I get an SLT who specialises in a particular area (e.g. dyslexia)?

Q5. How much does speech and language therapy cost?

Q6. Can I claim tax back on speech and language therapy?

Q7. Is speech and language therapy covered by health insurance?

Q8. How can I find a speech and language therapist in my area?

Q9. What should I expect when I bring my child to a speech and language therapist?

Q10. What should I expect when I go to a speech and language therapist?

Q11. Why do people choose private speech and language therapy?

Q12. What if I am not happy with a SLT or have a complaint?

Q13. Do I get a receipt for speech and language therapy?





Q1. Do I need a doctor's referral to see a speech and language therapist?
A. No, you can contact a speech and language therapist directly to make an appointment.

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Q2. Is my child too young for speech and language therapy?
A. Early intervention is key in helping children with their speech, language and communication skills. Depending on the difficulty, it may be appropriate to intervene right from the first months of life when critical advice can be given to advance communication development. In these early stages, parents can learn invaluable techniques to use in the child's natural environment. If you suspect that your child's speech, language or communication is delayed, you should seek the advice of a speech and language therapist.

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Q3. How do I know that a speech and language therapist is properly qualified?
A. All speech and language therapists listed on this IASLTPP website are fully qualified speech and language therapists and practising members of the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists. There are many qualified therapists who are not members of our association. It is always a good idea to ask about a therapist's qualifications and experience.

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Q4. Can I get a therapist who specialises in a particular area (e.g. dyslexia)?
A: Some therapists will have specialised training and/or experience in a particular area. It's best to ask when you contact the therapist.

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Q5. How much does speech and language therapy cost?
A. The competition authority precludes our association from making any recommendations to therapists regarding therapy charges. Assessment will cost more than treatment visits because of the therapist's time analysing the data after the assessment. Costs will also be incurred for reports and visits/phonecalls to schools/hospitals. Prices may also vary according to the specialism or experience of the therapist. You should check the cost before commencing speech and language therapy

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Q6. Can I claim tax back on speech and language therapy?
A. Yes, you can claim tax back at the rate at which you pay tax. You are entitled to a receipt for speech and language therapy services and we recommend that all of our members give receipts. You should retain all receipts and apply for tax back through the MED 1 form from the tax office. You can combine health insurance cover and tax relief by procuring cover and claiming tax back on the difference you pay.

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Q7. Is speech and language therapy covered by health insurance?
A. Yes, Quinn Healthcare, Vivas Health and VHI offer some cover. Check with your insurance provider.

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Q8. How can I find a speech and language therapist in my area?
A. You can consult the find a therapist page on this website. Many speech and language therapists are also listed in the Golden Pages. Find a Therapist

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Q9. What should I expect when I bring my child to a speech and language therapist?
A. The first visit will be for an assessment. The parent/carer is usually present whilst the child is being assessed. Sometimes the assessment is conducted over two sessions. Once assessment is complete, the therapist will discuss the results with you. If therapy is indicated, the therapist will explain what the options are and give an idea of the proposed therapy schedule.

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Q10. What should I expect when I go to a speech and language therapist?
A. The speech and language therapist will conduct an assessment and then discuss the results with you. If therapy is indicated, s/he will explain what treatment options there are and what course treatment will take.

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Q11. Why do people choose private speech and language therapy?
A. Waiting times for private speech and language therapy are usually shorter and there are no restrictions on the number of therapy sessions available, as long as they are indicated by assessment. You may also have the opportunity to locate a speech and language therapist who specialises in the area that you are looking for.

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Q12. What if I'm not happy with a therapist or have a complaint?
A. The Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Private Practice (IASLTPP) is an information group and hence does not have any disciplinary or regulatory function for the professsion. Complaints should be referred to our national professional organisation, the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT) at P.O. Box 541, Ballinlough, Cork. Tel: +353 (0)85 7068707. IASLT website

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Q13. Do I get a receipt for speech and language therapy?
A. We recommend that all of our members supply receipts. It is important to check before commencing therapy that receipts will be supplied for all services provided as you will need receipts to claim back tax and get health insurance benefits.

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Links

PECS.ORG.UK
Picture Exchange
Communication System

TALKTOOLS.NET
Talk Tools

DYNAVOXTECH.COM
DynaVox Technologies

LAMH.ORG
Lámh: Communication Augmentation Sign
System Ltd.

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