Mark Methley, Speech & Language Therapist
Qualifications
MMedSci Clinical Communication Studies, MA Language Acquisition
Specialisms
Speech & Swallowing Impairments, Cerebral Palsy, Learning Disabilities, Neurological Conditions, Autism, Sensory Impairment, & AAC
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Professional Experience
Since completing my professional training in 2007, I have worked with children, young people and adults with complex communication difficulties associated with a range of multiple and interacting health needs including learning disability, autism, cerebral palsy, visual and hearing impairment, neuro-degenerative conditions and mental health. I also have a specialist dysphagia qualifications and have extensive experience of managing the eating, drinking and swallowing needs of people with learning difficulties and additional disabilities.
I am currently employed with by Cygnet, a leading provider of mental health services across the UK, as a highly specialist speech and language therapist for adults with a learning disability and/or autism and mental health needs. I work collaboratively within an extensive MDT team to ensure the client and their family is at the heart of the therapeutic process to achieve positive outcomes.
In addition to acute observational and analytical skills, I have significant experience of formal and informal approaches to assessment. I also have extensive training and knowledge of evidence-based, best practice in a wide range of Total Communication (TC) and Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) approaches to enable people to achieve their full communicative potential. This may include:
• Verbal approaches (speech sounds and spoken language.)
• Visual strategies to support communication, including PECS and a range of autism-friendly approaches.
• Objects of Reference or other tactile symbol systems.
• Signing systems, including BSL, Makaton, and tactile signing (on-body and hand-under-hand signing.)
• Low-tech and high-tech communication aids.
I have extensive experience of providing training to families and health professionals. I am experienced at writing Education, Health and Care (EHCP) plans, and I have written speech & language therapy reports for a range of formal purposes.
Professional Development
I maintain my professional development and HCPC standards by attending relevant training.
Medico Legal Experience
I accept instructions from both claimant and defendant solicitors and insurers. I have undergone formal training in the medico-legal process and am fully aware of my responsibilities under Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) pertaining to expert witnesses.