I have been a therapist for 19 years (9 of these in the NHS). Initially I was a Primary School teacher. Consequently, I really appreciate how much children need communication skills to develop their learning and friendships. I have personal experience of children with special needs and a real empathy and affinity for them. I understand how family life can be impacted: the challenges and the richness brought. My NHS specialism was pre-school children with complex needs including autism and Down Syndrome. I continue to work with this client group, and with primary aged children, in particular those with motor speech difficulties and complex language needs. I aim to make my sessions feel natural and to adapt to the needs and character of each child. Play, assessment and therapy are all interrelated. I hope the children leave my sessions feeling something positive has happened: happier, and more confident. .