Guide for South Asian families: 8 questions to ask at your first Speech and Language Therapy appointment

Starting Speech and Language Therapy can be an unfamiliar and daunting experience for families, particularly for those from South Asian backgrounds.

South Asian communities may face several challenges in accessing Speech and Language Therapy due to language barriers, cultural stigma and lack of awareness about available resources.

Therefore, feeling prepared and confident for your first appointment is crucial.

Here’s a list of some key questions you might want to consider to help you better understand the process and ensure that you and your family's needs are adequately addressed.

1. Can you tell us about your experience working with individuals who have similar speech, language and/or swallowing difficulties?

Why ask?

Understanding the background of your Speech and Language Therapist provides reassurance about their expertise and approach.

2. What assessments will be carried out?

Why ask?

Knowing the types of assessments will help you understand what to expect during the session, and allow space for you to ask questions if you are unsure or worried about anything.

3. How will we work together to create a care plan and set goals?

Why ask?

This emphasises collaboration between the Speech and Language Therapist and family, ensuring therapy is personalised to the individual’s and family’s needs. It helps to clarify roles, foster ownership and accountability, build trust, and ensure a culturally informed approach from the beginning.

4. How familiar are you with our culture?

Why ask?

Cultural sensitivity can enhance the effectiveness of Speech and Language Therapy. This is also a great opportunity to support the Speech and Language Therapist’s understanding of your culture since cultural context is broad; no one can know everything, and we all have different traditions and nuances within our cultural backgrounds.

5. What strategies or activities can we do at home to support progress?

Why ask?

Seeking guidance on how to carry over strategies at home is essential because it reinforces what is learned during Speech and Language Therapy sessions, supports skill generalisation, and helps achieve therapeutic goals. Additionally, sharing your family’s traditions and meaningful cultural activities with your Speech and Language Therapist ensures they can tailor interventions to be culturally appropriate and relevant, enhancing their effectiveness in your home environment.

6. How can wider family members be involved in therapy?

Why ask?

Extended family structures are common in South Asian families. Involving these members in Speech and Language Therapy can offer valuable support and reinforcement, while also supporting the understanding of various generations within the family.

7. How will we measure progress?

Why ask?

Understanding how progress will be measured is crucial for tracking your own, child’s or family member’s development and determining the effectiveness of the approaches being used. It can also help set clear expectations and goals for both the Speech and Language Therapist and the family, ensuring everyone stays informed and aligned throughout the process.

8. Are there any resources or community supports you recommend for families navigating speech, language and/or swallowing difficulties?

Why ask?

Inquiring about available resources and community supports can provide families with additional tools and networks to assist them in navigating the challenges associated with speech, language, communication and swallowing difficulties. This can include support groups, educational materials, and local organisations that offer workshops, information sessions, or peer support that can enhance the therapy experience and foster a sense of community.

Conclusion

Bringing these questions to your first Speech and Language Therapy appointment can foster a productive dialogue between you and the Speech and Language Therapist.

Whether you are accessing Speech and Language Therapy for yourself or for a family member, your involvement is key—sharing your cultural background, involving extended family members, and seeking out resources will create a nurturing environment for growth.

Take the next step today...

1. Schedule that appointment

2. Have an open and honest chat with your Speech and Language Therapist to empower yourself and your family!