Established in 2007, Small Talk Speech and Language Therapy (Small Talk) is an independent specialist speech and language therapy service supporting children and young people with a variety of different speech, language, communication, and neurodevelopmental needs. Many of the children it supports are autistic, or have ADHD, DLD (Developmental Language Disorder), selective mutism, auditory processing difficulties, PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) profiles, sensory processing differences, or complex communication needs. We speak to Small Talk Director and Speech and Language Therapist, Libby Hill to learn more about its award-winning work. Most Neuro-Divergent Informed Speech & Language Therapy Service 2026 & Excellence Award for Compassionate Therapy Services 2026 Small Talk Speech and Language Therapy’s range of dedicated services span speech and language assessments, ongoing therapy, EHCP (Education, Health, and Care Plan) and tribunal reports, autism and ADHD screening, multidisciplinary autism assessments, school and nursery reports, parent coaching, and training. These are delivered in clinics, schools, nurseries, and family homes, depending upon the child’s individual needs. “We strive to help children and young people feel understood, supported, and able to communicate in ways that work for them,” explains Libby. “Our aim is not simply to “fix” communication differences, but to build confidence, reduce barriers, and support meaningful participation at home, in education, and within the wider community.” She continues, “Our practice is grounded in a neurodivergent-affirming approach. We recognise and respect neurodiversity and work collaboratively with children, young people, and families to support individual strengths, communication styles, sensory needs, and emotional wellbeing. We believe that therapy should be childcentred, compassionate, and responsive to each individual rather than based on rigid expectations or masking-based approaches.” A core part of Small Talk’s work is keeping up-to-date with the latest research, evidencebased practice, and evolving knowledge within speech and language therapy, autism, ADHD, PDA, selective mutism, DLD, sensory processing, and related fields. The team do this by regularly attending professional training, specialist conferences, research groups, and Clinical Excellence Networks (CENs). By incorporating ongoing professional development, reflective practice, and multidisciplinary collaboration, they are equipped to provide an advanced level of support that is thoroughly informed, ethical, and effective. Underscoring their work are values of empathy, respect, collaboration, integrity, inclusion, and advocacy, with these shaping the way they interact with families, schools, and professionals on a daily basis, as well as toward the long-term goal of providing high-quality, accessible, and meaningful support for neurodivergent children and young people who need it. “We recognise that the needs of children, young people, and families are constantly evolving, and we aim to respond flexibly and thoughtfully to challenges and barriers. This includes adapting our therapeutic approaches to meet individual communication, sensory, emotional, and environmental needs, while working collaboratively with families, schools, and multidisciplinary professionals to achieve meaningful outcomes.” What truly sets Small Talk apart is its ability to combine evidence-based practice with highly individualised, relationship-based support. “We understand that no two children are the same,” says Libby, “and we value approaches that are flexible, respectful, and responsive to each child’s profile and lived experience. Our commitment to neurodivergent-affirming practice, reflective clinical work, and ongoing involvement in specialist professional networks helps ensure that the support we provide is both current and genuinely person-centred.” Libby also notes the value of really listening to children, young people, and their families. Many of the families Small Talk works with have spent years trying to advocate for their children in systems that can feel overwhelming, inaccessible, or dismissive. “We believe that collaborative, respectful relationships between professionals and families are essential in achieving meaningful and lasting outcomes for children and young people,” she says. Moreover, she highlights the importance of compassion and neurodivergent-affirming approaches within the sectors of education, healthcare, and wider services – showing understanding and empathy when it comes to behaviour and communication within the contexts of anxiety, sensory processing, emotional regulation, autonomy, and environmental fit, rather than viewing differences through a closed-minded lens only. Looking ahead, Small Talk Speech and Language Therapy will remain committed to reflectiveevidence-informed practice, and to continuing to learn from both professional research and lived experience communities. “We are passionate about helping children and young people feel safe, understood, and supported as themselves, while also empowering the adults around them with greater knowledge, confidence, and understanding,” says Libby. She concludes, “We would like to acknowledge the courage of the children, young people, and families we work alongside every day. Their insight, advocacy, and lived experiences continue to shape and strengthen the work we do.” Company name: Small Talk Speech and Language Therapy Contact name: Libby Hill Website: www.private-speech-therapy.co.uk Email: office@smalltalk-ltd.co.uk Small Talk Speech and Language Therapy
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