Adult neurological speech and language therapy

01

What neurological speech and language therapy can support

A neurological condition can change the way a person finds words, understands conversation, reads, writes, plans what to say, produces clear speech or uses their voice. It can also affect eating, drinking and swallowing. The pattern is different for every person, even when the diagnosis is the same.

Ember works with adults following stroke and brain injury, and with people living with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, dementia and other progressive neurological conditions.

• Aphasia and word-finding difficulties
• Dysarthria, apraxia and changes to speech clarity
• Neurological voice changes
• Cognitive communication difficulties
• Eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)

02

Assessment starts with what matters in your life

The first visit is a conversation as well as an assessment. Nessa will ask what has changed, what is already working and which situations matter most to you. Assessment activities are chosen to answer useful questions, not to make you perform for the sake of a score.

You will receive a clear explanation of what was found and an honest recommendation about the next step. That may include individual therapy, strategies for daily situations, communication-partner coaching, a review appointment or signposting to another service.

03

Therapy shaped around real communication

A meaningful goal might be taking part in family conversations, making a phone call, explaining a need to a carer, ordering in a café or feeling safer and more confident at mealtimes. Therapy can work directly on an impaired skill and can also build practical ways around a difficulty.

Progress does not have to mean returning to exactly how things were before. It can mean finding a new way to communicate, protecting an important part of identity, reducing uncertainty or helping the people around you respond more effectively.

04

Home visits, online support and joined-up care

Home visits are available across Worthing and surrounding parts of West Sussex. Working at home can make it easier to understand the routines, environments and relationships that affect communication or swallowing every day. Online appointments may also be appropriate for some goals.

With your consent, Ember can work alongside family members, carers and other professionals. Private therapy can complement NHS care, but it does not replace urgent medical assessment or the wider medical team involved in your condition.