The benefits of therapies like SLT, OT and Physio for young children with SEND. Parent experiences seeking these and the importance of assessments
Hello lovely parents and carers 🧡
Finding the right support for your child with SEND can feel like navigating a maze. We know it can be overwhelming, and at Fun and Play, we are here to share experiences and tips that have helped families like ours. This is not professional advice, just the kind of chat we’d have over a cup of tea. Today we’re talking about the importance of early intervention and understanding three therapies that can really make a difference in the early years: Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Physiotherapy.
Why early intervention matters
Getting the right help early on can be key. Early intervention gives our little ones the best chance to build confidence and develop vital skills. If you suspect your child needs extra support, acting early can make all the difference. Some families have found that addressing challenges before they become bigger hurdles has helped their children settle better in nursery or start school with more confidence. Early support can also help in getting other services, such as educational adjustments or additional funding.
Speech and Language Therapy (SLT)
SLT supports children with communication and sometimes feeding. It’s all about helping them express themselves and make sense of the world around them. Communication isn’t just about talking, it can also include using visuals, gestures, or devices. This can be especially important for non-verbal children.
Some families choose private therapy to avoid long waiting lists. Weekly sessions can lead to consistent progress, especially when supported at home. Oral Placement Therapy, like Talk Tools, is something some families explore too. This focuses on oral motor skills and can help with feeding and speech. It’s not commonly offered by the NHS, so parents sometimes do it themselves after training or with guidance from private therapists.
Support can also come from the Speech and Language Dysphagia team when feeding or swallowing is difficult. Some children with sensory issues around food or oral sensitivity benefit from this kind of specialist support.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
OT helps children do everyday things like dressing, eating, and playing. It can also support sensory needs, which many children with SEND experience. This might include being sensitive to sounds, textures, or movement. OT can work on both fine motor skills, like using cutlery, and gross motor skills, like climbing stairs or riding a tricycle.
Some families opt for private assessments that include a report and verbal feedback. These can help explain your child’s needs clearly when applying for support. OT can also recommend equipment that makes life easier: like special chairs, walkers, sensory tools, or weighted items. In some cases, an OT report has helped secure a specialist bed through a charity, or supported a successful Blue Badge application by showing how vital certain equipment like buggies or walkers are.
There’s sometimes confusion about when OT can be accessed. Some families believe you must have an EHCP or be in school, but this is not necessarily true. If your child has needs, support can be sought earlier, especially through Early Help services or by self-referral where available.
Physiotherapy (Physio)
Physio supports movement, strength, and coordination. It can help children build confidence in their bodies and enjoy physical activities. This can be especially important for children with conditions that affect their mobility or muscle tone.
Some families use both NHS and private physio sessions. Others look into more intensive programmes, sometimes even abroad, depending on their child’s needs. Therapies like FES (Functional Electrical Stimulation) and TASES (Task Specific Electrical Stimulation) are options that some parents explore. These can offer targeted help for muscle development, although accessing them through the NHS might take time.
Physio isn’t only about exercises, it can be playful and fun. Using games and movement-based play, therapists help children overcome physical challenges and build confidence, especially if anxiety around movement is a factor.
Why assessments matter
A thorough assessment is often the first step in understanding what support your child needs. This applies to all three therapies mentioned. Reports from professionals can help when applying for an EHCP and can be used to get the right support in place.
Private assessments can be a quicker route if NHS wait times are long. While there is sometimes a concern that paid-for reports may seem biased, the aim is to support your child’s needs. Therapists usually understand this and are happy to help. These assessments also often provide detailed recommendations that can support therapy plans at home and in settings like nursery or childminders.
An EHCP is a legal document that outlines your child’s needs and what support they must receive. If your child needs therapies, these should be included in Section F. Even though some local authorities may delay until school age, your child has a right to support in the early years if they need it. You can request an EHCP assessment yourself, and including private and NHS reports can strengthen the application.
Bringing it all together
Getting started with therapies can be overwhelming, but you are not alone. Whether through the NHS, private services, or funded support via an EHCP, the aim is to get the right help at the right time. If you’re using DLA to fund therapies or equipment, you’re doing something meaningful to support your child.
We know how tough and confusing this journey can be. That’s why we’re here to share, support and celebrate the little wins with you ✨
Have you explored these therapies with your child? What helped you most in getting started? Share in the comments or drop us a message 🌿