Speech Pathology
Let us help you find your voice. Our Speech Pathologists provide assessment, diagnosis, intervention and treatment for adults and children with communication disabilities. Our Speech Pathologists can help adults and children who are experiencing difficulties in the following areas:
- Speaking – the production of sounds using the articulators (jaw, tongue, lips).
- Receptive language – understanding of spoken words, sentences and questions.
- Expressive language – the use of words and sentences to express needs, thoughts and ideas.
- Fluency – speaking smoothly and confidently without stuttering.
- Voice – use of the voice with appropriate pitch, loudness and resonance to prevent injury or discomfort.
- Social Communication – the use of language and behaviour appropriate to the situation and audience.
- Literacy – the understanding of written text (reading) and production and structure of written language (writing).
- Communication Support
Our Speech Pathologists work with adults and children who are experiencing difficulties with their communication. They support individuals to understand others, both in spoken and written form, and communicate their thoughts and ideas to ensure successful communication. Our Speech Pathologists can help you communicate, especially if English is not your first language.
- Social Skills and Relationships
Our Speech Pathologists can assist individuals who are having difficulty interacting and communication appropriate in social situations or with different audiences. We can help you to develop your conversational skills and understanding of social situations so that you can have more meaningful and enjoyable social interactions and safe relationships with the people around you.- Speech and Language Therapy
Our Speech Pathologists support individuals to develop abilities with attention and listening, play skills, social interaction and engagement, understanding of spoken language and use of language to express thoughts and ideas. Speech Pathologists can support individuals who are having difficulty finding the words they need as well as individuals who require support with their pronunciation.
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology
Our Speech Pathologists can complete assessment to determine whether AAC is required as well as provide recommendations for the most appropriate device or form of assistive technology to best meet an individual’s needs. We can support with the application process for funding to be used for AAC/AT as well as providing advice and training to ensure the individual and/or their support network are confident in using AAC.
- Swallowing and Feeding Management
If you are having difficulty eating, drinking, chewing or swallowing this can be a sign of a swallowing impairment, known as dysphagia. Speech Pathologists at i-Fit Group can assess your swallowing function and provide advice on diet modification or exercises and strategies to support safe and enjoyable feeding. Our Speech Pathologists can also refer you to specialists if further examination is required to support management of identified difficulties.
- Training for Informal Support
We provide education and training for our client’s informal support networks, such as family, friends and carers, so that therapy can continue in the home and community environments. Training in the use of therapeutic strategies ensures consistency and facilitates greater treatment outcomes.Speech Pathology Services for Adults
Our Speech Pathologists work with adults who have developmental or acquired communication difficulties to enable them to communicate to the best of their ability. We provide assessment to identify the underlying reason for the difficulties experienced and develop a management plan to assist in meeting goals.
Here are some signs that yourself, a relative, or friend may benefit from seeing a Speech Pathologist:
- Difficulty following conversation and participating in social activities
- Difficulties understanding written texts (e.g., newspapers, books)
- Difficulties speaking clearly and maintaining appropriate pace, volume, or pitch.
- Difficulties finding the right words to express yourself.
- Presence of dysfluency (stuttering) impacting social or occupational performance, such as, job seeking or public speaking.
Speech Pathology Services for Children
Did you know that 20% of 4-year-old children have difficulty understanding or using language? Or that children with a language impairment are 5 times more likely to have reading difficulties that children without a language impairment? How about that 14% of 15-year old’s have only basic literacy skills?
Statistics taken from Speech Pathology Australia (www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au)
Here are some signs to watch out for that indicate your child may benefit from seeing a Speech Pathologist:
- They are not meeting their interaction or speech milestones according to their age
- They do not have the words to express their thoughts and ideas
- It is difficult to understand what they are saying
- Their speech is dysfluent and they are presenting with a stutter
- They are unable to follow classroom directions and you often have to help your child to complete tasks or schoolwork
- They are having difficulty learning to read and write
- They are experiencing difficulty eating and drinking safely and enjoyably.
- You are already aware of a diagnosis that can result in communication difficulties, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder
We have Mobile Speech Pathologists
We have mobile Speech Pathologists who work with children and adults who are experiencing communication difficulties and can come to where you live, work, learn and play!
Our Speech Pathologists can work on a range of speech and language concerns, helping to develop your child’s communication skills and promote confidence while interacting – all in a familiar environment!
For children, mobile Speech Pathology services are particularly beneficial as our experience has taught us that children can be more receptive to therapy in the comfort of a familiar home or school. Additionally, receiving Speech Pathology within the home or school provides opportunity for liaison with the child’s support network and makes it easier to embed advice or strategies into the child’s routine. We want to make things as convenient and easy for you and your child so that you can both focus on what really matters – their communication!
Our mobile Speech Pathology service is also covered by the NDIS. As a registered NDIS service provider we endeavour to assist you with a treatment plan that meets your child and your family’s needs. Our NDIS Speech Pathology service offers a variety of flexible payment options and NDIS funding can often cover the sum total of the sessions – reducing any worries or concerns.
For more information or to discuss your child’s specific NDIS plan, please give one of our friendly team a call.