The idea centres on using Lego-based therapy not as a standalone group programme, but as an embedded communication framework integrated into classroom practice and the school’s wider development plan. This article also includes data/findings collected from a school. Topics: Mental health, education, children and young people.

Examining the advances and current challenges, this article aims to highlight the need for ongoing advocacy, education, and funding to ensure equitable access to AAC across all regions. Challenging some of the persistent myths and misconceptions surrounding AAC. Topics: AAC, children and young people.

Observing a growing trend, more of our service users are being moved into general nursing homes following a diagnosis of dementia, often at a younger age than the typical nursing home population. The project aligns with the NICE guidelines emphasis on staff skills and expertise, as a key component of quality care for people with learning disabilities. Topics: Elderly care, cognitive communication, wellbeing, dementia and learning disabilities.

This article discusses the necessity of collaborative care in addressing both the somatic and psychological aspects of PA, and the critical role of SLT within mental-health MDT. Then enabling support with swallowing and communication for service-users, thereby reducing risk of choking and related physical-health complications, helping foster engagement and promoting sustained recovery post-discharge. Topics: Mental health and wellbeing, psychogenic aphonia and swallowing needs.

Autistic young people’s views on what works well for them in school and what coping strategies they have developed. From a neurodiversity affirming perspective, assuming the young person has agency and should be part of developing their own supportive environments in education. Topics: Education, autism and neurodiversity.

An SLT’s role goes far beyond developing communication skills; they are also champions of identity, dignity, and wellbeing. Cambridge University’s Autism Research Centre has called for urgent re-evaluation of how we support autistic and neurodivergent people across healthcare. Topics: Autism, neurodiversity, diversity and inclusion.

Recognising a decline in communication referrals and awareness of SLT roles, we initiated a proactive project to re-engage with local authority day services. The aim was to raise awareness of the role of SLTs, promote Total Communication approaches, and foster sustainable inclusive communication environments through collaborative working. Topics: Learning disabilities, COVID-19.

This project highlights the unique challenges and inefficiencies for SLTs working in an acute paediatric setting. In paediatric dysphagia there is a dependency on feeding times for accurate assessments, the need for child readiness, and coordination with medical and nursing teams. Additionally, the emotional and behavioural variability, on top of the medical instability of paediatric patients necessitates repeat assessments, increasing workload unpredictability. Topics: Children and young people, critical care, dysphagia and FEES.

This article provides some insight into the role that vision plays in language development in children, and the potential for language learning difficulties in those with low or absent vision. It contains practical examples and advice on identifying visual issues and adapting the approach to support this group of children. Topics: Vision impairment, children and young people.

Patients with severe and difficult asthma require specialist multidisciplinary assessment and care in tertiary respiratory centres when standard treatments fail. The aim is to improve patient outcomes, reduce inequalities, and prevent hospitalisations and deaths through the provision of high-cost interventions like biologic agents and identification of additional diagnoses. Topics: Asthma and FEES.

A mentoring project run by the charity Communication Matters for AAC users. Providing useful activity for those who have left school but who are not yet in a position to gain employment. Aiming to reach more AAC users and support them to gain qualifications, a key goal of the project. Topics: AAC, learning disabilities, education and employment.

To co-deliver staff communication training with volunteers (who are current and ex-patients). The article would be about the communication partner training that our SaLT stroke team delivers to the stroke unit MDT. Topics: Stroke, aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia and learning disabilities.

The importance of the SLT role working in medium secure settings in learning disability and autism wards. The day-to-day challenges faced and the impact on patients relationships with SLTs. Topics: Autism, learning disabilities, mental health and wellbeing.

Structural changes in the mouth may alert you to the possibility that unclear speech could relate to poor palate function. It is vital to consider this alongside other potential diagnoses such as phonological delay or hearing impairment. This article highlights how oral examination is a useful part of differential diagnosis, how to achieve it successfully and recommendations to follow up. Topics: Oral care, speech and sound disorders, children and young people.

The piece explores how PECS can be implemented in a way that prioritises dignity, autonomy, and meaningful connection. The article addresses some common misconceptions about PECS while emphasising neuroaffirming practice and the importance of relationships in supporting communication development. Topics: Autism, PECS, AAC and learning disabilities.