Frequently asked questions

We work with children from birth to 11 years old, with a particular focus on early intervention.

No. You can contact the clinic directly as a parent or carer. If your child is already known to an NHS speech and language therapy service, we can - with your permission - liaise with them so that everyone is working together.

The initial assessment usually takes 45–60 minutes. It covers a detailed case history, some formal and/or informal assessment, a discussion of the findings, and advice about how to move forward. A written summary report is available on request afterwards for £60.

The initial assessment is £200. Therapy sessions are £70 each. A written summary report after the assessment is £60 if you would like one. Full details are on the services and fees page.

Payment for therapy is made each week by cash, card or online payment.

Therapy is offered at the therapist’s home clinic in South Woodford, London E18. Home, nursery and school visits can be arranged where necessary, and teletherapy sessions are available online.

Sessions last 30-40 minutes, depending on your child’s needs. There is always time set aside with you to discuss strategies and homework activities.

Yes. Regular homework practice is a compulsory part of any therapy programme. The activities are designed to fit into ordinary family routines and to be enjoyable, and they are what makes new skills stick outside the therapy room.

Only with your permission. Where you agree to it, we contact NHS colleagues, education staff and other professionals so that your child’s needs are understood and met consistently across settings. This may take the form of strategies or Individual Education Plan targets for the teacher.

If something about your child’s talking, understanding or interaction is worrying you, that is reason enough to ask. Call the clinic and describe what you have noticed. We will be honest with you — we only take on a child when we are confident we can help.

Yes. The Communication Clinic is run by Claire Crivon, who is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) — the statutory regulator for speech and language therapists in the UK — and is a member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and ASLTIP.

No — the clinic is by appointment only. Please contact us to arrange a time before travelling.