Olivia Ward qualified with a first class honours degree in speech and language therapy from National University of Ireland, Galway in 2009. She has worked as a speech and language therapist since then. She practices as a paediatric speech and language therapist and has extensive experience working in clinics, preschools, schools and specialist educational settings.

Olivia is highly experienced in the assessment, diagnosis and support of children with a range of communication differences and difficulties. She is passionate about supporting communication in children and works closely with their parents and schools to achieve maximum gains. She strives to deliver an individualised, motivating and engaging therapy programme to help children maximise their communication potential. Olivia frequently works within a multi-disciplinary team to complete Autism assessments. Olivia is also a Practice Tutor who supports Speech and Language Therapy Students through placements and tutorials as part of their university programme.

REGISTRATION

CORU Reg. SL019045

QUALIFICATIONS

· PGDip Language and Communication Impairments in Children – Distinction at University of Sheffield 2012-2014

· BSc(Hons) Speech & Language Therapy 1:1. Awarded IASLT Clinical Practice Award for final year placement at NUI Galway 2009

ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP

· Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT)

· The Autistic Advocate

· The Informed SLP

· London Paediatric Dysphagia CEN

COURSES COMPLETED

· Autism Level Up! (2023)

· The Autistic Advocate seminars (2023)

· SCERTS Training (2023)

· Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) (February / March 2021)

· Brief Observation Schedule of Assessment (July 2000)

· Sensory Integration – Module 1, Sensory Integration Network (2018)

· Dysphagia Training (2016) with Manchester Post Basic Dysphagia Training

· All Lámh Modules (2009 - 2011)

· Lámh Tutor Training (2015)

· Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Trinity College Dublin (2015)

· Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) (2011)

· DIR Floortime (2010)

· Hanen Certified Tutor (2009) – It Takes Two to Talk & More Than Words

· Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) (2009)