Speech Pathology
Language
A language disorder is a communication disorder that describes difficulty with developing or learning language. As many as 5-8 percent of children are affected. Language disorders are not well understood by the general public and speech pathologists aim to raise awareness within the community.
Language intervention can cover a wide range of areas. It could involve building word knowledge or improving grammar. It can also involve teaching how to sequence thoughts and verbalise ideas in a way that makes sense.
We help people improve their communication skills through intervention. We take a long term focus, with the end goal always being an improved quality of life.
Speech
There are a variety of reasons that people have trouble with their speech. For example, some people can have physical difficulty with producing the speech sounds. Others may have difficulty with ‘mixing up’ or substituting sounds when talking.
We can identify the type of difficulty and apply the best type of therapy to help.
We help improve clarity of speech so our clients can be more easily understood by others.
Literacy
At least a quarter of Australian children have difficulty with reading and writing. Additionally, many teenagers and adults experience difficulty.
Reading and writing are extremely important life skills. Strong reading and writing skills can lead to more opportunities and a greater quality of life.
The research shows that some teaching strategies are more effective than others. We can pinpoint the nature of the reading difficulty and apply evidence based strategies to help.
Social Communication
‘Pragmatics’ is the term used to refer to the social use of language. This could include building awareness around the unofficial ‘rules’ of good communication.
Social communication intervention focuses on explicit instruction of social communication skills.
We can help people who struggle with the social use of language. We aim to help people become more confident in social interactions and in forming relationships with others.
Stuttering
Stuttering is a speech disorder that disrupts the flow of regular speech. It causes the involuntary repetition of parts of words, whole words, or sentences.
People who stutter have difficulty with the fluency of their speech production. This can lead to a range of mental health problems.
We can help children and adults improve the fluency of their speech through therapy.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
AAC refers to the use of strategies or systems other than speech to aid communication. It can support or completely replace speech.
AAC can include ‘low tech’ strategies like sign language, symbol cards and writing. It can also include the use of ‘high tech’ strategies, which includes technology such as iPad apps or other computer systems.
We provide AAC strategies to help people communicate and improve their quality of life.