Cezarina O'Connor

Qualifications

BSc (Hons) Speech & Language Therapy

Specialisms

• Paediatrics, including: Cerebral Palsy, Learning Difficulties, Neurology, AAC and Educational Needs.

Introduction

I qualified as a Speech & Language Therapist in 2013 from Birmingham City University. Since qualifying, I have worked continuously within special schools and specialist higher education settings. 

Currently I am employed with a caseload of clients with autism, cerebral palsy, learning difficulties, Down’s syndrome, and complex and profound special educational needs within their educational settings. I also have extensive experience in working with high and low tech Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC), speech sound errors, Auditory processing disorder, receptive end expressive language difficulties, stammering, social communication, and dysphagia.

I provide input towards the development and analysis of Educational Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). I also frequently write reports for tribunals as an expert witness, for cases requiring expert opinion in relation to speech and language therapy for educational provisions and their funding by Local Authorities. This work has required me to work throughout the UK, and attend court hearing as an expert witness.

I provide evidence-based and effective assessment and intervention for all clients; to include target setting and realistic measurable outcomes. It is my strongly held belief that communication should be an integral part of a person’s life, and it is my passion to do all I can to assist and enable those with communication difficulties to overcome them.

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. I also have experience giving evidence in court as an expert witness.