Blether Box - Independent Speech and Language Therapy Practice

18/09/2026

Lots of useful apps with all sorts of functions as recommended by Call Scotland.

Our iPad Wheel of Apps for Learners with Complex Communication Support Needs has been updated!

Download the poster to explore a wide range of apps that can support communication:
https://bit.ly/3O2Nx0N

Read more about the refresh in our blog:
https://www.callscotland.org.uk/blog/updated-ipad-aac-app-wheel-available-now/

Remember, the PDF is interactive. Click on any icon to go directly to the download link on the Apple App Store.

18/09/2026

Keep an eye on the Blether Box Socials!

16/09/2026

16/09/2026

Some lovely information on early communication and developmental milestones...

What are developmental milestones? Are they something parents should pay attention to? What can you expect in the first year. We spoke to lecturer in psychology and language Dr Sam Durrant and health visitor Kerry Bennett.

15/09/2026

When choosing an independent Speech and Language Therapist, finding someone who is the right fit for your child and your family is of course essential.

First thing's first though - check their credentials!

It is vital that they hold a valid degree-level qualification to practice, are registered with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council), are a member of the RCSLT (Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists), and ideally belong to ASLTIP (Association of Speech and LanguageTherapists in Independent Practice). Just like me!

In Scotland, a valid Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme membership or enhanced background check must also be held.

Don't be afraid to ask questions! For example:
What client groups do they specialise in working with?
What types of settings have they worked in before?
What can you expect from a session?

I completely appreciate that you are entrusting me with your child's development — so please ask away!

10/09/2026

Let's work together to unbox your child's communication potential!

08/09/2026

What can you expect from Blether Box?

I am a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist having practiced since 2009 . At the beginning of my career I worked with a range of client groups across the life span in a wide variety of settings. This confirmed what I already knew - my passion for working with children and young people!

Over the years I have supported children with a range of speech, language and communication needs but I have developed a special interest in Speech Sound Disorders and Language Disorders (particularly DLD).

Every child will develop differently - the same applies to speech and language skills. Assessment and consultation will help us to identify the best type of support for your child as an individual, using evidence based practice.

Whilst my specialist work will focus on these areas for school aged children and young people, you will hear lots more from me regarding communication skills and development more generally - it's not just about talking you know! Look out for hints and tips on communication development from the earliest stages! Speech and language development need a strong foundation!

There is so much more to Speech and Language Therapy than just speech and language!

03/09/2026

📢 International DLD DAY is coming up next month! 📢

DLD stands for Developmental Language Disorder.

Over the coming weeks you will be hearing lots more about what DLD is, how we can identify it and most importantly how we can support the many people who have DLD.

02/09/2026

Whilst I will be specialising in supporting talking and listening skills of older children you will often find that I will share information on the earliest communication skills. After all, we've got to get those foundation skills in place before we can move on to trickier business such as using speech sounds!

Babies communicate in lots of different ways, but when do babies say their first words? We go through baby babbling and talking milestones and advice.

31/08/2026

As September is almost upon us and we get closer to the opening of Blether Box, I think it's about time I introduced myself to those of you who don't know me!

My name is Jan Stevenson. I am a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist for children and young people and the owner of Blether Box Independent Speech and Language Therapy Practice. I have a special interest in speech disorders and language disorders.

Away from work, I am a wife and mum to 2 gorgeous girls.

I am originally from beautiful Northern Ireland but I have lived and worked in Dumfries & Galloway since 2010 - hence the use of that great Ulster Scots word "blether"!

When I am not running around being a "dance mom" or otherwise facilitating my children's social lives, I enjoy a good book or TV show, the odd visit to the gym (not as much as that picture would suggest mind you!) and I have been known to dabble on the dancefloor myself!

Thank you for following Blether Box. It really does mean so much. No doubt you will see lots more from me going forward!