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Our speech pathologists support people who have difficulty at mealtimes and/or communicating because of developmental delays, cerebral palsy, autism, brain injuries, learning disability, and syndromes, as well as others that can affect speech and language.
We work with people of all ages from early intervention to school age and adult services. We take a team approach that involves the individual, their primary supports and other allied therapists.
Communication
We believe that communication is more than sounds and words and we work with you to identify and support total communication. This looks different for everyone. Working with your strengths and abilities it may encompass any of the following;
- Speech – speech sounds and articulation (an example of this is the PROMPT program)
- Language – comprehension (understanding instructions and meaning) and expression (putting words together and being understood) (e.g. Hanen- to support early years language development)
- Literacy – reading and writing (e.g SoundsWrite literacy development program)
- Social skills - successful participation in conversations, building and maintaining friendships.
Mealtimes
Mealtimes are an important part of daily life and we want you to have safe and enjoyable mealtimes. We offer a multidisciplinary approach to:
- texture progression
- development of oral motor skills and safety
- Specialised mealtime equipment
- Sensory processing mealtime behaviours ( e.g SOS)
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
In some cases where an individual is not able to speak, they may need an alternative method of communication. An AAC system is a way for people to communicate their needs, preferences and ideas. We take a total communication approach and work with you to develop an appropriate system to support your communication needs.
Our Equipment Solutions team has dedicated speech pathologists who can assess and prescribe the most appropriate AAC system for you. This can include;
- Voice output communication devices
- Eye gaze systems
- Low tech systems
- Aided Language Stimulation (ALS)
- Pragmatically Organised Dynamic Display (PODD) books
- Key word sign
- Communication books and diaries
It is important to know that using an AAC system will not prevent a child from developing spoken language, or an adult from using whatever speech they can. In fact, using an AAC system can help to support development of spoken language.
