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SPEECH THERAPY.
Therapists working in the Borough were:—
Miss Kathleen Buckman (Senior—Full-time).
Miss Patricia Knight (Full-time).
Mrs. Susan Thrift (Part-time).
Miss Elizabeth Millhouse (Part-time January to April).
Sessions were held at Barnes; Mortlake; King's Road, Richmond; Windham Road,
Richmond; Ham; Twickenham, and in term time all three "Special" schools in the
Borough were visited regularly.
During the year 261 children attended, and 102 were discharged. It will be
understood that those in "Special" schools are likely to remain on a treatment register
for a considerable period, but speech therapy is considered invaluable in preparing such
children for their future. Mrs. Thrift, who visits Clarendon E.S.N. school, is enthusiastic
in her work, and in addition to speech therapy sessions, she takes part in many
school activities, accompanying children on journeys, and talking to parents at ParentTeacher
meetings. During school holidays interviews are arranged with the parents
at one of the clinics, as if "special" school children are to progress satisfactorily there
must be co-operation with their homes.
St. Hilda's E.S.N. school is visited by Miss Knight. She produced a Nativity Play
which was performed at the school Christmas Party, the result being so encouraging
that it is intended to do more drama work on future occasions.
As in the past few years it was found in 1966 that many pre-school children were
being referred because of their slow speech and language development. It is proposed
in the coming year to arrange a weekly group therapy session for children aged 3—5
years. Appointments for discussion with parents will be arranged at a different time
from the group session. Co-operation with parents is usually good, though there have
been instances where much tactful advice has had to be given. An example is the case
of a child of 5 years who even on his first visit to see a therapist was sent alone in a
taxi, and continued to attend in this way thoughout the whole of his treatment.
Naturally the therapist visited the home, but never was there any effort on the part of
the parents.
When fully staffed, it is hoped next year for therapists to visit every school in the
Borough. It would be ideal if the speech of every child who has been in school over
six months could be examined, though it is feared in some schools this may not be
practicable.
Throughout the year there have been many visitors who have spent one session
at a speech clinic, and two students (one from the Kingdon Ward Training School,
and the other from the West End Training School) have attended each week during
term time.
Thoughout the year the Senior Therapist has been in touch with all the clinics,
and regular meetings for therapists have been arranged.
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