Speech-language pathology

Speech-language pathology can help your child if they’re struggling with communication such as expressing themselves, understanding instructions, pronunciation or stuttering. Speech therapy can build the confidence children need to reach their potential.   

What is speech-language pathology?

Speech-language pathology can help children learn to speak and communicate clearly. We use communication skills every day. Learning how to communicate effectively means your child speaks and listens in a way that can have a significant impact on their life — now and in the future.

What are the goals of speech-language pathology?

Speech-language pathology is about enhancing your child’s communication skills so they can fully participate in everyday life. Every child is different, and the goals will depend on their individual needs. Some aims of speech-language pathology involve working on:

  • Literacy skills– reading, writing, and spelling
  • Language development– understanding and speaking
  • Voice control– quality, volume, tone, pitch and awareness of voice
  • Speech development– clarity, articulation, stuttering, dyspraxia
  • Cognitive communication skills– problem solving and imagination
  • Practical language and social skills– making friends, social interactions
  • Feeding and swallowing issues– difficulty coordinating sucking and swallowing, limited food choices etc.
  • Oro-motor skills– movement and muscle tone in the jaw, cheeks, lip and tongue and structure of the palate, teeth, and the tonsils
  • Tongue Tie – evaluation and education surrounding tongue tie in babies and children
  • Tongue Thrust – a behavioural pattern whereby the tongue protrudes between the front top and bottom teeth during speech, swallowing and when at rest

Would my child benefit from a seeing a speech-language pathologist?

There are a number of signs which could indicate your child may benefit from speech therapy. These include:

  • Difficulties reading or writing, making up words, skipping words, mispronouncing, dislikes reading
  • Difficulties with using the correct grammar or words in a sentence and being understood
  • Difficulties with speech development, articulation, stuttering or dyspraxia
  • Echoing language, repeating back rather than answering a question
  • Difficulties in the classroom listening and completing tasks
  • Difficulties with voice quality, loudness and awareness
  • Withdrawal from social situations and making friends
  • Frustration and difficulties expressing themselves
  • Attention or concentration difficulties
  • Unable to follow directions
  • Behavioural problems
  • Difficulties eating and swallowing
  • Not eating a wide variety of foods and drinks

Are you ready to feel empowered about your child’s health?

The mob at Windaan are here for you and your family. Contact our friendly team for a yarn today to see how we can help you.

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