Medico-Legal Speech and Language Therapy for children with neurological conditions
When a child has a neurological condition such as cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, or another complex need, their communication, language, and feeding may be affected. In these cases, Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) play a vital role in both rehabilitation and the medico-legal process.
At Baby Speak, our team of experienced SLTs provides medico-legal speech and language therapy assessments and therapy for children with neurological conditions across London at home, in schools, or within our Harley Street clinic.
Paediatric Neurological Conditions Affecting Communication and Swallowing
SLTs are frequently involved in medico-legal cases where children present with communication or feeding needs due to acquired neurological conditions such as:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) - e.g., following a road traffic accident or fall.
Stroke in childhood (paediatric cerebrovascular accident).
Brain tumours and the effects of neurosurgery.
Infections such as meningitis or encephalitis.
Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy (HIE) - reduced oxygen supply to the brain around birth or during illness.
Epilepsy syndromes with associated neurological impairment.
Neurodegenerative conditions (e.g., leukodystrophies, muscular dystrophies).
These conditions may cause difficulties with:
Understanding and using language.
Speech clarity and articulation.
Social communication skills.
Feeding and swallowing safety (dysphagia).
The need for AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) systems.
To learn more about how SLTs support communication, visit our page on Speech and Language Therapy for Children in London.
Working with the MDT and Case Managers
Children with neurological conditions often require support from a multidisciplinary team (MDT), including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and medical specialists.
SLTs contribute by:
Designing joined-up therapy plans with MDT colleagues.
Providing evidence for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
Supporting case managers and solicitors in identifying and meeting therapy needs.
Advocating for specialist equipment, therapy, and family training.
At Baby Speak, our SLTs are experienced in working collaboratively with legal professionals, case managers, and healthcare teams to ensure communication and feeding needs are clearly represented.
How Baby Speak Can Help
At Baby Speak, our team provides:
Comprehensive medico-legal assessments and reports for children with neurological conditions.
Collaboration with case managers and solicitors to ensure therapy needs are fully evidenced.
Ongoing therapy at home, nursery, or school to implement recommendations.
A family-centred approach, ensuring strategies fit into everyday routines.
If you are a parent, solicitor, or case manager seeking Speech and Language Therapy medico-legal expertise in London, contact Baby Speak to discuss how we can help.
You can also book an appointment online or visit our Services page to learn more.
References
RCSLT (2022). Medico-Legal Guidance for SLTs.
RCSLT (2021). The Role of Speech and Language Therapy in Neurorehabilitation.
NHS England (2016). Specialised Commissioning: Rehabilitation for Patients with Complex Needs.
McLellan, D. L., & Wade, D. T. (2010). Rehabilitation Medicine for Children and Young People.
Lindsay, G., & Dockrell, J. (2012). The Importance of Speech, Language and Communication Needs in Children’s Development.
Emma O’Dwyer
Speech and Language Therapist, IBCLC Lactation Consultant and Founder of Baby Speak