About Me
**Please note unfortunately I don't currently have any capacity to pick up any individual work**
My name is Gail and I work as a Speech and Language Therapist. I think my job name is a bit confusing because a lot of people think I just teach people how to speak. It would probably make more sense if I called myself a guide to navigating everyday conversations and social situations. It’s a lot less catchy though! I am guessing that you are looking at my website because you or someone you know finds conversations or social situations difficult. You or the person you know might have an ‘official’ diagnosis of autism, have self-diagnosed autism or be exploring whether autism could be a diagnosis that fits the talents and difficulties you or they have. Whether a diagnosis has been made or not, it doesn’t matter to me. However, if an ‘official’ diagnosis is what you are looking for the lovely people at Spectrum North West may be able to help www.spectrumnorthwest.org
Official Information
I am a fully qualified and registered Speech and Language Therapist specialising in supporting young people and adults with autism and/or learning disabilities. I qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist at the University of Reading in 2004 and have worked for the NHS with people with autism ever since. I currently live and work for the NHS in Greater Manchester. I have previously worked in Sheffield and Nottinghamshire. I am registered with the HCPC and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT). I am also a member of the Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice (ASLTIP).
Please note that when I use the term autism I am also referring to the autism spectrum and include people with a diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome.
What I can help with
What is important to me is that you or the person you know would like some help with understanding and developing their skills in navigating conversations and social situations. Everyone is different and so everything I offer is tailored to your strengths and needs. You might have a clear idea of what you want help with or you might not. Whatever your situation we will spend some time at the start agreeing how I can help you. I will always say if I don’t think I am the best person to help you.
I might be able to help you with:
- Starting and keeping conversations going
- Working out what other people might be thinking and feeling
- Knowing how not to upset or annoy people
- Coping when other people are annoying or confusing
- Finding and keeping friends
- Using social media and the internet safely
- Saying no and being assertive
- Joining in conversations without interrupting
This list doesn’t include everything so please ask me if there is something else you want help with.
I am also able to deliver tailored training to schools, colleges, work places, support providers, families and charity groups.
How I can help
I offer sessions via Skype so that I can offer sessions on a day and at a time that suits you. This also means you are in a place that you feel comfortable and that you don’t have to think about getting to and from our sessions. I can offer sessions via a Skype video call or Skype messenger or a mixture of both. If you would prefer face to face sessions this can be arranged but an additional charge will be made for this.
So that you can best tailor my support to your needs you can buy vouchers to cover the cost of sessions. Once you have purchased vouchers you can decide how and when you want to use them. You might want to book weekly sessions or you might want to book a session as and when you want one. You might want a small number of long sessions or a large number of short sessions. It’s up to you.
All sessions need to be booked in advance but Skype sessions can be booked up to 24 hours before the start time. Sessions are generally available on week day evenings and on Saturday mornings. Sessions at other times may be available with advance notice. Please contact me via email with your preferred dates and times and I will confirm my availability and your booking.