Speech pathologists work in kindergartens, schools, hospitals, community health centres, mental health services, and private practice. They can help people with disabilities like cerebral palsy and traumatic brain injury.
It is essential that your child gels with their speech and language therapist Adelaide so they both enjoy the sessions and are committed to working towards goals. This will ensure results are achieved!
Identifying Speech Disorders
Speech pathologists help children to develop the language and communication skills they need for school and life. They have a deep pride in providing personalised care to nurture young communicators and change their lives.
Some children have difficulty learning the speech sounds that makeup words, a condition called articulation disorders (e.g., saying ‘tat’ for cat or ‘gog’ for dog). Other children have problems understanding the meaning of words or grammatical rules and concepts that underpin the structure of sentences. Still, others have difficulty putting together the sounds they hear into words or spelling and reading.
Other children have trouble using their voices effectively – they may sound hoarse, have a breathy or whispered voice, or speak too loudly. Often, these problems result from an underlying health or developmental concern such as Autism, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD) or Down Syndrome.
A speech pathologist can also assist people with swallowing disorders, where the movements of the throat and mouth needed to transport food into the lungs are affected. This is usually due to a disease or injury like Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis or dementia. Still, it can also result from an infection such as tetanus or a head injury.
Statutory health insurers generally cover swallowing therapy, though a copayment will apply. Those with private health insurance must check with their provider as the coverage varies between policies.
Developing Communication Skills
Getting through life without the ability to communicate effectively can be highly frustrating for children and adults alike. It can also make developing friendships, learning and thriving challenging. Speech pathologists help people of all ages develop the communication skills they need to live an enjoyable and successful life.
During therapy sessions, the speech and language therapist Adelaide, will work with you to identify specific goals that suit your child’s needs. They will then create a personalised plan for each session that addresses these goals. These personalised plans are broken down into manageable steps that your child can practise at home or elsewhere, such as school, the office and hospitals. The therapist will then monitor their progress and encourage the entire process.
In addition to teaching them how to speak clearly, speech pathologists can also improve a person’s confidence in their abilities. They can help a child feel more confident in their classroom, in front of friends and even in social situations. This can positively affect their overall well-being and lead to better self-esteem in the long run.
A qualified speech pathologist can help you overcome several issues, including stuttering, which is embarrassing for many individuals. It is essential to seek treatment as early as possible, as it can lead to other problems in adulthood, such as poor social interactions and limited career opportunities.
Boosting Confidence
Suppose children don’t feel confident about their speech and language skills. In that case, they may shy away from trying new experiences or environments, be reluctant to interact with others and avoid situations that might trigger a meltdown. This can inhibit their involvement in community social, economic and educational activities.
To boost confidence, your child’s speech pathologist may teach them exercises to strengthen their tongue and mouth movements and show them how to control the expression on their face. They might also suggest playing word and memory games to improve cognitive function.
If you’re considering using testimonials on your website or social media channels, be aware of SPA and AHPRA guidelines on this practice.
Treating Voice Disorders
Voice disorders can significantly impact your confidence, well-being & and work. People who use their voice for a living (such as teachers, singers, barristers, coaches, personal trainers and telemarketers) are particularly vulnerable to developing a voice disorder. These changes, or dysphonia, can be painful and affect your ability to perform your normal daily activities.
Speech pathologists can help you find relief from voice disorder symptoms through a process known as ‘voice therapy’. This involves a series of sessions to correct harmful vocal behaviours and improve voice quality. Voice therapy also involves education about how your voice works and ways to protect it from injury.
Several types of voice disorders exist, including functional, organic and neurological. Problems with your voice box, vocal cords or lungs can cause these. They can also be caused by smoking, drug abuse or certain illnesses such as laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPR), Parkinson’s disease and laryngeal cancer.
Speech pathologists are experts in the assessment and treatment of voice disorders. They can provide a safe and supportive environment for you to discuss your concerns, identify and evaluate your child’s speech difficulties, develop a personalised plan, and implement it throughout their speech and language therapy. This will ensure your child has the best possible chance of progressing towards their communication goals.
