Meet Mary Kidson
Educational Therapist and Founder of Smart Processing
Helping Children and Adults Succeed Since 2008
My journey with Fast ForWord began with my own family. When Great Ormond Street Hospital recommended the programme for my daughter, I saw first-hand the difference that targeted support could make.
Within a few weeks, I began to notice significant changes in my daughter's language and auditory processing skills. Seeing those changes sparked my interest in understanding why the programme was helping and led me to learn more about the underlying skills involved in language, listening and learning.
What began as a search for help for my own daughter eventually changed the direction of my working life. I undertook further training, became a provider of Fast ForWord and other programmes, and established Smart Processing in 2008.
I already had a degree in Environmental Science, and my experience with my daughter sparked a growing fascination with the science behind learning and brain plasticity. I wanted to understand more about why the programme had helped her and how I could use that knowledge to help other children and adults.
I went on to undertake specialist training, including working with a London-based independent speech and language therapist who was already an experienced Fast ForWord provider, alongside additional teacher-based training in literacy and language skills.
In 2008, I completed my Fast ForWord training and established Smart Processing. I continued to develop my professional knowledge and later trained as a provider of The Listening Program in 2010 and The Movement Program in 2017.
Today, I use these programmes individually or alongside one another, according to the needs of each client. I work online with children and adults across the UK and Europe, and have also worked with schools to support individual students, including through blended arrangements where programme work may take place both at home and at school.
A Personal Approach to Every Client
Since establishing Smart Processing in 2008, I have worked with children and adults experiencing a wide range of difficulties with reading, language, auditory processing and learning.
My professional training includes language development, semantic and pragmatic language skills, and listening skills. I have also completed separate courses covering Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and the emotional and psychological effects of severe language difficulties on children, as well as attending Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) awareness days.
I am a Fast ForWord® Certified Provider, an ABT Certified Provider – Bone Conduction (CP-BC) of The Listening Program®, and a Provider of The Movement Program®.
My training and practical experience since 2008 have given me a broad understanding of child development and the difficulties that can affect learning, communication and confidence.
I draw on this knowledge and experience to understand each client's difficulties and determine which programme is most appropriate. I take an active interest in their progress, responding when difficulties arise and making changes to their programme where necessary.
I also work closely with parents, helping them understand their child's progress and the improvements they are making.
Working with Families Across the UK and Europe
Smart Processing is an online service, allowing me to work with children and adults across the UK and Europe. The programmes are home-based, so clients can complete their sessions in familiar surroundings while receiving my support and guidance remotely.
I have also worked with schools supporting individual students. In some cases, a blended approach works well, with programme sessions taking place partly at home and partly at school.
Improving reading, learning and academic achievement is important, but the benefits can extend far beyond schoolwork. Being able to understand speech more easily, follow conversations or keep up with other children can make an enormous difference to everyday life.
Ready to Get Started?
If you have any questions about the programmes or would like to get started, email me at [email protected].
If you'd prefer to talk, you're very welcome to arrange a FREE 15-minute consultation using the button below.