About Sumera

I have 25 years' experience as a paediatric speech and language therapist. Since qualifying as a Speech and Language Therapist from the Central School of Speech and Drama in London in 1998, I have worked for the NHS, providing Speech and Language Therapy for a range of complex communication needs in clinics, nurseries, clients' homes, children’s centres, mainstream and special schools.

I have extensive experience in helping with the following communication difficulties:

• Autism spectrum disorder
• Social communication differences
• Developmental language disorder
• Speech sound delay and speech sound disorder
• Attention and listening differences
• Cerebral palsy
• Down syndrome
• Epilepsy
• Selective mutism
• Developmental delay
• Learning difficulty

My special interests are in autism spectrum disorder, social communication differences and developmental language disorder.

I have extensive experience in teaching parents/carers and educational staff key strategies within their home or nursery/school setting utilising every day routines to help children achieve realistic communication goals. I passionately believe in this naturalistic approach, prioritising teaching children the functional communication skills needed for their daily routines first and foremost so they gain confidence in familiar environments and feel ready to practice their newly acquired/improved skills in the wider settings.

I have held a specialist role in a multi-disciplinary team for over 10 years, providing a high quality service with all aspects of identification, diagnosis and therapeutic support for children with suspected autistic spectrum disorder and their families.

I offer formal training packages for parents, carers and educational staff in facilitating communication development of children with a wide range of communication issues and delivering training has been an integral part of my career.

I welcome a free 15 minute telephone consultation to discuss your concerns about your child’s communication development or feel free to email me with your query.

I provide a home and/or nursery and school visiting service.

I presently provide speech and language therapy in South London including Sydenham (SE26), Forest Hill (SE23), Dulwich (SE21, SE22), Brockley (SE4), Ladywell (SE13), Catford (SE6), Blackheath (SE3), Anerley and Penge (SE20), Crystal Palace (SE19), Norwood (SE27), Streatham (SW16), Beckenham (BR3) and other surrounding areas.

I attempt to respond to all enquiries promptly when commitments to therapy and my own children’s care allow, so usually in the evenings and within 24 hours.