she/her
Natalia Cavajdova
MA (Hons), CertMRCSLT, RegHCPC (SL039520), ASLTIP
Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist
Founder of Speech Esteem
Natalia has extensive experience working in both the NHS and private sector, supporting children and young people in their homes, special schools, specialist resource provisions, mainstream schools, nurseries, clinics and Autism diagnostic services.
She is skilled in supporting non-speaking or speaking autistic children and young people, children with ADHD, developmental language disorder, speech sounds disorders and childhood apraxia of speech, as well as selectively mute children. She believes in inclusive, equitable, play-based and neurodiversity affirming speech therapy that honours individual differences, presumes competence and builds on strengths.
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Natalia has a Master's degree with Honours in Communication Disorders, she is a certified member of HCPC and RCSLT, a member of ASLTIP and has an up-to-date Enhanced DBS Check.
Assessment and Intervention Methods
Natalia has attended training, gained experience or holds certifications in a variety of assessment and intervention methods. This list is not exhaustive, but it provides an overview of the key approaches she can offer to support individual communication needs. Each method is carefully chosen in collaboration with you, to ensure the best outcomes for your child.
List of key approaches
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Autism Diagnostic and Observation Schedule (ADOS-2)
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Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) / Gestalt Language Development (GLD) based on Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) Framework
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SCERTS Framework (Social Communication, Emotional Regulation, Transactional Support)
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Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) Methods: High-Tech (e.g.: iPads with Communication Apps) and Low-Tech (e.g.: Communication Books, Core Vocabulary Boards, Sign Language)
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Intensive Interaction experience
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​Attention Autism experience
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Emotional and Sensory Regulation​
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​Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC)
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​Talking Mats
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​PACE Model
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Behaviour support
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Attachment and Trauma
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Colourful Semantics
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Shape Coding
Conferences and Projects
Natalia presents at conferences on a range of topics and is actively involved in varied projects aimed at advancing the field of speech and language therapy.
RCSLT
Involvement
Natalia is regularly involved in different development projects led by the RCSLT:​
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RCSLT Newly Qualified Practitioners Framework (2024) project
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RCSLT Professional Development Framework (2023) project
Conference Presentations
Introduction to Gestalt Language Development: Presentation at an International Conference to Speech and Language Therapy professionals in October 2024.
How to Seize the Potential of Bilingualism in Your Family: Presentation at a National Online Conference for parents in September 2023.
Research Projects
3-year Research Project as part of Master's Thesis, resulting in an article published in a Research Journal and a creation and delivery of a workshop for Speech and Language Therapy Professionals.
Guest University Lectures