Speech pathologists assess and diagnose speech, language, swallowing and fluency difficulties through a range of assessments including formal and informal assessments, clinical observations and collateral gathering from those involved in the care of children including parents, carers, teachers and other health professionals such as GPs, Paediatricians and Psychiatrists.

 

Following assessment, a report providing result findings and recommendations are made for therapy. The speech pathologist will create therapy goals to support the child's communication development based on current strengths, needs and challenges.   

 

Speech pathologists can also provide therapeutic support for children and adolescents who have diagnoses such as Autism, intellectual disability, ADHD in the areas of:

 

• Receptive language (understanding language)

• Expressive language (speaking and writing to express their thoughts and feelings)  

• Social communication (ability to interact and problem solve in social situations) 

• Literacy skills (ability to read and write in order to learn) 

 

Support may be provided through: 

 

• Individual therapy sessions 

• Group therapy sessions

• Telehealth therapy sessions 

• Education sessions for carers and other stakeholders (schools, child care centres etc,) 

 

Our Speech Pathologist has specialist training and qualifications in the use of the following approaches/programs: 

 

• Hanen 'It Takes Two to Talk' 

• Lidcombe Program

• Talking Mats  

• PEERS social skills 

• PODD workshop 

• ADOS-2 assessment 

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy 

• Certified Circle of Security facilitator