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Speech Pathology
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Quality Child Speech Pathology Services


We offer Speech Pathology services to children with difficulties in the areas of language, speech, literacy & phonological awareness, stuttering, socials skills.

Language

Receptive Language is the ability to understand language. Difficulty with receptive language may result in difficulties understanding concepts and following instructions.

Expressive language is the ability to convey a message using language. Difficulty with expressive language may result in Language can be broken down into 3 main categories:

   • Form – understanding and using correct word order (a spoken sentence may be jumbled), word endings    (difficulties with grammar such as using past tense and plurals) and speech sounds used when            communicating (difficulties processing speech sounds, mispronouncing words).

   • Content – understanding what words mean and their relationships.

   • Use – using language within social norms (e.g. conversational skills)



If there is a difficulty with language you may be asking:

   • Does he have difficulty learning new vocabulary?

   • Does he have difficulty understanding words?

   • Does he have word finding difficulties?

   • Does he use correct grammar (e.g. past tense)?

   • Does he mix up his pronouns (he/she, his/her)?

   • Does he have difficulty putting words together?

   • Does he jumble up his sentences?

   • Does he want to communicate?

   • Can he follow instructions?

Speech

The way a person articulates/pronounces spoken words, which may relate to:

   • technical difficulties : e.g. placement of the tongue, nasality, voice, strength

   • planning & sequencing difficulties of motor movements

   • understanding and applying phonological rules

Delayed Speech Development – your child displays typical developing speech processes such as saying ‘tar’ for ‘car’ but it is not appropriate for his age. Disordered Speech – your child may display speech errors which are not typically developing speech processes.

If there is a difficulty with speech, you may be asking:

   • Can he say the word correctly?

   • Can he make the sound correctly?

   • Is he difficult to understand when speaking to others?

   • Are the sounds in words all jumbled up?

Stuttering

Stuttering can also be called ‘stammering’. It can be characterised by repetitions and prolongation of sounds, syllables, words or phrases when the person is speaking. There may also silent pauses or blocks when he/she is trying to produce a sound.

Literacy/Phonological Awareness difficulties

Learn to read and write!

There can be many reasons why a child experiences difficulty developing reading and writing skills. Phonological awareness is a skill in which a child is able to detect the sound structure of spoken words. It is known that phonological awareness is a strong indicator of reading and writing success. Difficulties in this area can present as difficulty detecting or making rhyme patterns and knowing the sounds of letters.

Oral language skills are essential for literacy success. Many children with language difficulties may experience difficulties in literacy. Reading Eggs, Thrass, Jolly Phonics, there are many literacy programs out there! But which one suits your child? At Play With Words, we have the knowledge and experience to develop an individual literacy program to support the child’s needs.

Social skills

Social skills are skills that allow us to communicate and interact positively with others. Difficulties within this area can lead to difficulty making new friends, making conversation with others and lack of awareness of social norms such as manners.

AAC

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is way of allowing a child to communicate through other modalities. When a child has difficulty with communication you may use alternative means to enhance his development by using signing, gesturing, electronic devices (e.g. iPads) and picture cues.

Other Professionals

Other professionals such as Occupational Therapists, Dieticians, Physiotherapists and Psychologists can also be involved with the management of a child’s development.

Occupational Therapists or OTs may be involved with developing the following skills:

   • Handwriting and reading

   • Fine and gross motor

   • Sensory processing

   • Behaviour management

   • Anxiety management

   • Play skills, engagement and social skills

   • Mealtime management

   • Dressing

   • Toileting

   • Wheelchair and equipment prescription for mobility, technology access, toileting and shower support.


Physiotherapists, PTs or Physios may be involved with the following:

   • Mobility

   • Functional ability

   • Quality of life

   • Movement

Dieticians may be involved with the following:

   • Food

   • Nutrition

   • General health and wellbeing

   • Fussy eaters Psychologists may be involved with the following:

   • Behavioural support

   • Social and emotional support

   • Anxiety support

   • Cognitive development

   • Counselling

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