Speech Pathology

Speech Pathologists assist children to maximise their communication skills. They work closely with families to help them learn how best to support their child as they start to interact with their friends, learn how to play and get ready for formal schooling. The speech pathologist will look at a child’s listening skills (receptive language), as well as their expressive language (how they choose and put words together to make phrases and sentences). Sometimes a child’s sounds may not be clear which can impact their ability to play with their peers or engage in learning opportunities.

 

Our Speech Pathologists will assess your child’s communication skills, their understanding and use of language, as well as their speech production. They will then discuss with you the best way forward to support your child’s communication. They are experienced in working with teachers and early childhood staff to support your child, and as they enter school, can liaise with learning support staff and classroom teachers to optimise therapy programs.  By observing and formally assessing social skills they can also advise on some specific strategies which may help to overcome the challenges they face in learning how to interact with others.  

 

Sometimes it may be necessary to consider non-verbal communication aids (use of natural gesture or sign, using picture cards to express thoughts, or a voice output communication device). This can break down barriers for children who are finding it hard to learn how to speak. Our speech pathologists can help determine if this is something your child requires. Speech pathologists can also help identify children who are at risk of reading and spelling difficulties, and help provide strategies to target these literacy challenges.

 

Because speech pathologists look at the way your child’s mouth works and moves, they are also trained to assess feeding skills. Signs of feeding difficulties include drinks spilling from the mouth despite your support of their chin, pushing food away with the tongue, gagging or coughing during feeds, only eating certain foods and textures, and taking an increased length of time to complete a meal.