Tessera

Pam Slater

@pamslater26.bsky.social

Raising awareness of FOXP2 & #ChildApraxiaSpeech, a rare neurological speech disorder. #14daysofdvd @GivingVoice Award. Medics4RD Patient Ambassador Trustee Mikey's Wish Foundation

129 Posts238 Follower 160 Folgt

Tricia McCabe @tricmc.bsky.social · 3mo ago

New Australian survey of parents and carers of children with childhood #apraxia of speech. Please share widely.

Advertisement for an Australian national survey of carers of children with childhood apraxia of speech. Mostly text however on the right hand side there is an artistic multicoloured arrangement of hands and arms reaching up. There is also a QR code and the crests of the Kids Research Institute, Curtin University, The University of Sydney, the University of Melbourne, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute and Edith Cowan University

Mikey’s Wish Foundation @mikeys-wish.bsky.social · 2mo ago

We are incredibly proud to announce that our founder, Mikey Akers, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to Special Educational Needs.

Pam Slater @pamslater26.bsky.social · 3mo ago

More great info on Childhood Apraxia of Speech, from Claire Maderia, an SLT who specialises in CAS. wakelet.com/wake/WKqvbVd... & Here's The RCSLT position paper on CAS: share.google/qEJHELbvMhFi...

Pam Slater @pamslater26.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Some great facts about Childhood Apraxia of Speech #CSSD from @mikeys-wish.bsky.social

Pam Slater @pamslater26.bsky.social · 3mo ago

May 14th, Apraxia Awareness Day 💙 Raising awareness of Childhood Apraxia of Speech for all families with CAS. @mikeys-wish.bsky.social We also have a calendar of suggestions, including free zoom talks on Tues 19th and Fri 29th May. Register on Eventbrite for the link to join

Struggling with ideas for Apraxia Awareness month? Mikey’s Wish Foundatiin have you covered with their Awareness Month Calendar. Easy activities to follow which will help spread the word about… | ...

linkedin.com

ASHA Journals @ashajournals.bsky.social · 5mo ago

This study highlights the need for parental education and communication when working with children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech. Learn how to better ensure that caregivers' concerns about their children's speech are addressed https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2025_AJSLP-25-00358 @sydney.edu.au

Caregivers' Experiences of Assessment and Treatment for Their Child With Childhood Apraxia of Speech: An International Questionnaire Study

Purpose: The aim of this study was to understand caregivers' preferences and experiences with diagnosis and treatment of childhood apraxia of spe...

pubs.asha.org

Mikey’s Wish Foundation @mikeys-wish.bsky.social · 5mo ago

We also support @rarediseaseday Because… Researches have identified over 30 genes linked to CAS. CAS is a Red flag for a Rare Condition, with 1 in 3 cases being of genetic cause. geneticsofspeech.org.au and Translation Centre for Speech Disorders #RareDiseaseDay

Pam Slater @pamslater26.bsky.social · 5mo ago

It's Rare Disease Week! Learn your stripes with a 5 min video from Medics 4 Rare Disease youtu.be/JBKZTHx-OEc?... Did you know CAS Childhood Apraxia of Speech is a red flag for a rare condition, with 1 in 3 cases being of genetic cause. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36117209/

Peter Just @peterdjust.bsky.social · 5mo ago

📢 'Good work and good communication go hand in hand.' 🚨 The RCSLT responds to the Govt's Health and Growth Accelerators announcement. 🗣️ It is essential that people with communication, cognitive, and voice needs can access speech and language therapy so they can stay in and return to work.

Quote from Steve Jamieson, the Chief Executive of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, about the UK Government's Health and Growth Accelerators announcement in February 2026:

"We welcome the UK Government’s £25m investment in Health and Growth Accelerators to better link health and work support. If the NHS is to be accountable for employment outcomes, we must involve the right professionals. Speech and language therapists play a vital role in supporting people with communication, cognitive, and voice needs to stay in and return to work. Enabling support from and access to speech and language therapists to advise on workplace support is critical to ensuring people get tailored, expert support to meet their communication needs. Good work and good communication go hand in hand.”

Pam Slater @pamslater26.bsky.social · 5mo ago

Caroline Bowen, Speech-Language Pathologist 🇦🇺🇳🇿🌻@carolinebowen.bsky.social · 6mo ago

🆓🔓 @maria-cairney.bsky.social, Kevill S, & @drjoannecleland.bsky.social 2026. PROTOCOL for a Systematic Review of Interventions Not Delivered by Speech and Language Therapists for Children With Speech Sound Disorders. IJLCD, 61(1). doi.org/10.1111/1460... 🧒 #childSPEECHdis 🦋 #bskySPEECHIES

Protocol for a Systematic Review of Interventions Not Delivered by Speech and Language Therapists for Children With Speech Sound Disorders

Background Children with speech sound disorders (SSDs) of unknown origin usually need high-intensity speech intervention delivered by a speech and language therapist (SLT) and there is a rich eviden...

doi.org

Lindsay Clarke @lindsaycslt.bsky.social · 7mo ago

Love working in a service where leadership supports evidence based intensity and duration of intervention for severe SSD. 3 sessions per week with breaks based on clinical decision making not arbitrary service delivery models 🙌🏻

Caroline Bowen, Speech-Language Pathologist 🇦🇺🇳🇿🌻@carolinebowen.bsky.social · 8mo ago

🙌 15 mins of pure gold! 🙌 In this EXCELLENT 🆓 video from @coursebeetle.co.uk, @jititterington.bsky.social, @heleneslt.bsky.social & @katinkabaker.bsky.social from the Raising Awareness of Dosage in SSD " #RADiSS" group talk about dosage in #CHILDspeechDIS. vimeo.com/1133992280?s... 🦋 #bskySPEECHIES

Caroline Bowen, Speech-Language Pathologist 🇦🇺🇳🇿🌻@carolinebowen.bsky.social · 8mo ago

RADiSSD Dosage Informational Video - Nov 2025

This is "RADiSSD Dosage Informational Video - Nov 2025" by Course Beetle on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

vimeo.com

@jititterington.bsky.social · 7mo ago

@nikkimcdonald.bsky.social shares her son's journey with speech and language therapy for his severe #SSD showing the value of evidence-based dosage to support Raising Awareness of Dosage in Speech Sound Disorder (RADiSSD). Find it here www.thespeechdoctorni.co.uk/radissd @csdrnetwork.bsky.social

RADiSSD — Speech Doctor

thespeechdoctorni.co.uk

Caroline Bowen, Speech-Language Pathologist 🇦🇺🇳🇿🌻@carolinebowen.bsky.social · 8mo ago

💰🔐40% of EI SLPs believed CAS can't be diagnosed in under-3s; 52% wouldn’t tell caregivers. Of SLPs who DID diag/treat CAS in <3s, most used caregiver coaching & play. Highly structured, clinician-directed tx was relatively underused despite ➕evidence. pubs.asha.org/doi/abs/10.1... 🦋 #bskySPEECHIES

Clinicians' Perspectives on Diagnosing and Treating Childhood Apraxia of Speech in Children Under 3 Years Old

Purpose: Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a pediatric speech sound disorder with genetic and neurological underpinnings, implying its presenc...

pubs.asha.org

Caroline Bowen, Speech-Language Pathologist 🇦🇺🇳🇿🌻@carolinebowen.bsky.social · 8mo ago

🆓🔓 WOW! Food for thought🤔. #childSPEECHdis 🦋 #bskySPEECHIES @katieh-wisc.bsky.social @jprestonslp.bsky.social @sharynnemcleod.bsky.social @lynn-williams.bsky.social @yvonnewren.bsky.social @csdrnetwork.bsky.social @drjoannecleland.bsky.social @drhelenslt.bsky.social @annettefox-boyer.bsky.social

@aravindspeech.bsky.social · 8mo ago

Do subtypes actually exist in speech sound disorders? Errors: are they disorders or are they compensations? A dimensional framework. Rethink our foundational knowledge: New paper www.frontiersin.org/journals/hum... @tricmc.bsky.social @carolinebowen.bsky.social @thespeechprof.bsky.social

Peter Just @peterdjust.bsky.social · 8mo ago

🚨With the Budget just a day away, some quotes from ministers and NICE over the past few months which kind of highlight why the Govt needs to #InvestInSLT and publish its SLT Action Plan. 1/

“Speech and language therapists break down communication barriers, unlocking learning, inclusion, and opportunity for every child. They play a critical role in early intervention for children and young people.” Georgia Gould, education minister, September 2025

Quote by Dr Zubir Ahmed, UK Minister for Health Innovation and Safety, November 2025: ‘We recognise the impact that long waits to access speech and language and occupational therapy can have on the individual, their families and carers. We are working closely with NHS England to improve access to community health services and on actions to reduce long waits for people of all ages.’

Quote by Baroness Merron, UK Minister for Women's Health and Mental Health, November 2025: ‘The Government recognises the important role that speech and language therapy services play in supporting people to overcome health and social barriers and enhancing overall quality of life.’

Extract on guideline on rehabilitation for chronic neurological disorders including acquired brain injury: ‘Improved speech, language and communication may also increase participation in education and employment offering broader social and economic benefits.’

WAIT-UP SLT / Gillian Rudd @waitupslt.bsky.social · 12mo ago

WAIT-UP SLT is a research project aiming to explore experiences of waiting within children's speech & language therapy services in England from the perspective of: - Speech & language therapy teams - Parents & caregivers - Children & young people Please share & follow for updates linktr.ee/waitupslt

WAIT UP SLT / Gillian Rudd | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree

A research project that seeks to understand experiences of waiting within speech and language therapy services for children and young people in England.

linktr.ee

Gillian Rudd @gillianrudd.bsky.social · 9mo ago

"Recruitment is one side of the coin, but retention is the other." During the #InvestInSLT debate on 27 Jan 2025, Dave Robertson, MP for Lichfield, recognised the issues with burnout, insufficient support and unsustainable workloads in speech and language therapy.

WAIT-UP SLT / Gillian Rudd @waitupslt.bsky.social · 9mo ago

Children and families accessing speech and language therapy don't just experience waiting for first appointments - many experience further waits for therapy and support as described in this @itsmylondon.bsky.social article ⤵️. www.mylondon.news/news/south-l...

Expert warns of impact to children's development following Croydon therapy saga

The council said new speech and language services are now in place, but parents fear the delay has already set their children back.

mylondon.news

WAIT-UP SLT / Gillian Rudd @waitupslt.bsky.social · 9mo ago

New #WaitUpSLT blog article: What To Do Whilst You're Waiting for Speech and Language Therapy for Your Child waitupslt.blogspot.com/2025/11/what...

What To Do Whilst You're Waiting for Speech and Language Therapy for Your Child

If your child has been referred for speech and language therapy, you might be feeling a mix of relief, hope, and maybe some frustration. Wai...

waitupslt.blogspot.com

WAIT-UP SLT / Gillian Rudd @waitupslt.bsky.social · 9mo ago

The first #WaitUpSLT project advisory group meetings take place next month and it's not too late to join us. If you'd like to read more about the project, the #WaitUpSLT blog is a good place to start: waitupslt.blogspot.com/2025/07/intr... Please share to help spread the word 🙏

The image shows a poster advertising the WAIT-UP SLT research project and an opportunity to join advisory group.

You can express an interest if you:
✅ are a parent/caregiver of a child or young person who has accessed children's speech and language therapy services in the last 3 years https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/bcu/waitupslt-pac-advisory-group
or
✅ work within a SLT service in England as a service lead, SLT, SLTA, admin/clerical assistant or other associated role and have contact with families who experience waiting https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/bcu/waitupslt-slt-advisory-group

WAIT-UP SLT / Gillian Rudd @waitupslt.bsky.social · 9mo ago

"We need increased investment to reduce waiting times and to ensure that every child, no matter their background, gets the support they need." @shockatadam.bsky.social at the #InvestInSLT Speech and Language Therapy debate on 27 January 2025

WAIT-UP SLT / Gillian Rudd @waitupslt.bsky.social · 9mo ago

"Many people, especially those from disadvantaged communities, live in areas where services are scarce and where waiting times are long. That can exacerbate some of the issues faced by those communities, as well as the individuals affected." Dave Robertson at the #InvestInSLT debate on 27/01/25

WAIT-UP SLT / Gillian Rudd @waitupslt.bsky.social · 9mo ago

"In September 2024, more than 64,000 children in England were waiting for SLT... Behind each number is a child struggling to communicate in the classroom, a young adult trying to rebuild their life after a brain injury..." @sureenawne.bsky.social at the #InvestInSLT debate on 27 Jan 2025

On the right hand side of the picture is the official photo of Sureena Brackenridge, MP, smiling and looking at the camera and wearing a white top with a red blazer. On the left side is a quote that reads:

"In September 2024, more than 64,000 children in England were waiting for speech and language therapy. In my Wolverhampton North East constituency, children and families are facing unacceptable delays and limited access.

Behind each number is a child struggling to communicate in the classroom, a young adult trying to rebuild their life after a brain injury, or a stroke survivor who feels isolated because their voice has been taken away."

Sureena Brackenridge, MP, at the Speech and Language Therapy debate on 27 Jan 2025

Course Beetle @coursebeetle.co.uk · 10mo ago

SEMH Assessment - 3rd Nov 📆 Are you an #SLT looking to enhance your skills? Learn how to assess the language and communication needs of young people with SEMH challenges. 💻 Practical. Flexible. Impactful. 🌐 Enrol now: coursebeetle.co.uk/assess-semh/ Self-study option available. #SLT #SEMH #CPD

Assess language of children with SEMH and SLCN | Course Beetle

Assess language and communication skills of young people with SEMH have SLCN to get accurate results in a comfortable and empowering way.

coursebeetle.co.uk

Course Beetle @coursebeetle.co.uk · 10mo ago

Analysis of Child Speech - 19th Nov 📆 Consider the application of analysis + interpretation tools to the speech data of children to support: 📋 Differential diagnosis of the subtype of SSD ✅ Selection of intervention approaches and targets 📈 Monitoring of progress #BlueskySpeechies #CPD

Analysis of child speech | Course Beetle

Further analysis of child speech is needed for some children with moderate-severe SSD. This training examines an in-depth analysis of speech.

coursebeetle.co.uk

Caroline Bowen, Speech-Language Pathologist 🇦🇺🇳🇿🌻@carolinebowen.bsky.social · 9mo ago

Hello 🦋 #bskySPEECHIES, SLT advocates, parents of children & young people with #SLCN & other dedicated #childSPEECHdis #devLANGdis 💃🕺movers & shakers. The #INVESTinSLT push has important implications internationally. Please amplify📣 this message 🇬🇧 #budget2025🇬🇧 #budget25🇬🇧 @ukparliament.parliament.uk

RCSLT letterhead

Statement on the need to Invest in SLT - 27 October 2025

This statement is issued on behalf of Mikey Akers, Louisa Akers, Francesca Beard, Samantha Berry, Dave Harford, Georgia Leckie, Karen Massey, Sharon Oliphant,Gillian Rudd, Pam Slater, and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.*

Nine months ago today (27 October) the House of Commons debated the Invest in SLT petition. We were delighted that our briefing for the debate was supported by over 40 organisations and by the very powerful contributions from MPs of all parties calling on the Government to increase investment in services and better plan for the speech and language therapy workforce.

We were also encouraged by the Government’s response and by the pledge the Government made to the Invest in SLT team in March that they would work with us on an action plan to tackle the issues affecting access to speech and language therapy.

We regret that seven months on that action plan has not yet appeared. So, today, and with the Budget on 26 November in sight, we are calling on the Government to do two things:

1) Ensure that the forthcoming Budget provides sufficient resources to the Department of Health and Social Care, the Department for Education, and other relevant Government Departments, so they can increase investment in speech and language therapy.

2) Publish the speech and language therapy action plan which they discussed with us in March.

People of all ages with communication disability, difficulty, or difference, and those with eating, drinking, and swallowing difficulties, and their families and carers have already waited too long for the barriers to accessing speech and language therapy to be removed. They should not have to wait any longer.

Working with you, we will do all we can to make things better for people with communication and/or swallowing needs. But we need the Government to act – and to act now. Those we work with and represent deserve no less.

Peter Just@peterdjust.bsky.social · 9mo ago

🚨 9 months since the #InvestInSLT petition was debated in Parliament, we are calling on the UK Government to: 1️⃣ Use the Budget to ensure sufficient resources for services 2️⃣ Bring forward its SLT Action Plan ➡️ Read our statement in full: www.rcslt.org/wp-content/u... #Budget25 #Budget2025 #SLT

Statement from the Invest In SLT home team dated 27 October 2025 marking nine months since Mikey Akers' petition was debated in the House of Commons.

CSDR Network @csdrnetwork.bsky.social · 9mo ago

Chapter on Speech Sound Disorders by network members @drjoannecleland.bsky.social and @drhelenslt.bsky.social . Great intro for #SLP students

Psychological Sciences & Health | University of Strathclyde@strath-psh.bsky.social · 9mo ago

Dr Susan McCool's new book is now ready for pre-order (coming out November 13)! Designed for students and #NQPs, it also provides valuable insights for experienced #SLT and #SLP. For further details visit the website: tinyurl.com/238ejx45

Speech Apraxia International @speechapraxia.bsky.social · 9mo ago

ReST vs DTTC: Two powerful therapies for Childhood Apraxia of Speech ReST boosts syllable transitions & prosody DTTC builds accurate speech through cueing & repetition best! #SLP #SLT #Apraxia #SpeechTherapy speechapraxia.co.uk/about-sauk/f...

Comparing ReST and DTTC for Childhood Apraxia of Speech

speechapraxia.co.uk