Category: Health News

Speech pathologists (SLPs) provide services that include assessment and therapy. They work in many settings, including kindergartens, schools, hospitals, community health centres, and mental health services.

SLPs also work one-on-one with children who have communication disorders like autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. In addition, they may also assist with feeding and swallowing problems. For more speech pathologist services Adelaide, check this out.

Assessment

Depending on your child’s needs, speech pathologists use various assessment tools, including screening, informal observation and formal assessment tools. An assessment session can vary between 30-60 minutes depending on your child’s age, temperament and the level of detail required.

Parents are welcome to attend an assessment session with their child. However, we understand that this is not always possible – especially for older children who may find it difficult to relax and be assessed in an unfamiliar environment.

The assessment results form the basis for the therapy program developed and implemented by the speech pathologist. The speech pathologist will write an assessment report for the client, which includes the diagnosis and details of the recommended treatment plan. The client decides whether the report is available to others (e.g., family and teachers). In the case of NDIS-funded clients, diagnostic assessments and reports are covered by the NDIS package.

Therapy

Speech pathologists treat children with difficulty using their voices, producing words or understanding what others say. They work with young kids in kindergartens and schools, hospitals, early intervention programs, community health centres and private practice. For more speech pathologist services Adelaide, check this out.

As adults, speech pathologists help clients improve their communication ability by using signs, symbols or other forms of assisted communication, such as a voice synthesiser (computer software) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). They also work with people who have difficulty swallowing food or drinks.

The routine inclusion of SPs in interprofessional mental health teams is an essential goal for Australia as the NDIS rolls out. However, this is not happening in practice – participants reported that they did not think about or include SPs as core members of their team for mental health support. [22]

Reports

Speech pathologists provide a written report at the end of their assessment and therapy sessions. The report includes a description of the client’s problem and their goals for treatment, along with suggestions for further intervention. The report provides advice and information for the client’s family and carers. The client decides who they want to receive a copy of the report.

Speech-language pathologists often work with clients whose communication problems are primarily due to dysphagia. To assess and treat these patients, the speech pathologist may recommend that the patient undergo a swallowing and mealtime evaluation. It involves a detailed history, physical examination of the mouth and throat muscles, and observation of eating and drinking.

Referrals

Speech pathologists (speech therapists) work with people of all ages who have difficulties with communication and swallowing/mealtimes. They work with you and your family or carer to develop a personalised treatment plan to improve your quality of life. You can access these services through the NDIS, Medicare with a doctor’s referral or private health insurance.

People who have difficulty with their voice, use of language and fluency or with eating and drinking can become frustrated and isolated. It can lead to negative attitudes and beliefs about a person’s abilities.

The Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) and The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (TQEH) provide specialist assessment and management of swallowing and communication difficulties through the Day Rehabilitation Service. Patients with swallowing presentations that require a radiological swallow study and a joint ENT/Speech Pathology evaluation are referred to the RAH/TQEH Swallow Studies clinics. The clinics operate daily. Refer to the outpatient map below for your designated clinic location.

Experiencing difficulty with your speech, language, or articulation can affect your daily life. A professional who specialises in these disorders can help. Known as a speech-language pathologist or therapists, they work with people of all ages to improve their ability to communicate and swallow. These professionals work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation facilities and private practices.

Your feet are the major weight-bearing part of your body. They support every step you take. Foot problems like bunions and hammertoes can be treated with orthotics. Orthotics address abnormal walking patterns (like out-toeing or in-toeing, also known as pigeon toes) by redistributing your weight and taking pressure off the foot.

1. Reduces Foot Pain

If you have a foot condition that causes pain, podiatrist-prescribed orthotics Adelaide can make life much more bearable. These specialized shoe inserts can reduce pain and improve overall foot function by addressing issues of structure, alignment, and motion.

Podiatrists are trained to conduct a complete evaluation of the feet and lower legs, which includes assessing the structure, movement, and alignment. They can then recommend specific orthotic devices to address a variety of foot conditions and problems.

Unlike premade orthotics that are mass-produced and fit an “average” foot, podiatrist-prescribed devices are custom-made for the patient’s specific needs. They are based on plaster casts or computer-aided digital pictures of the patient’s feet. While podiatrist-prescribed orthotics may cost more than the generic store-bought types, they are designed to last longer and offer a better fit. In addition, they can be covered by insurance. A podiatrist-prescribed pair of orthotics can help relieve bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, and out-toeing (also known as pigeon toe). They can also improve the symptoms of flat feet, high arches, or low arches. They can even decrease the stress on the feet and ankles caused by athletic activity.

2. Reduces Back Pain

Back pain is a common problem that can affect anyone. Sometimes, it’s caused by a back injury, but sometimes, it occurs due to a foot condition like bunions or hammertoes. If you’re experiencing back pain, your podiatrist may recommend that you wear custom orthotics to correct the way your feet position themselves when you walk.

Over-the-counter orthotic inserts are designed to help with mild issues, but they don’t address severe or complex foot conditions like bunions and hammertoes. A podiatrist can provide you with a pair of podiatrist-prescribed orthotics Adelaide that are uniquely molded to your feet. These high-quality orthotics can drastically reduce the amount of pressure on your back, decompressing the spine and reducing inflammation.

Custom orthotics are also often crafted to address specific problems, including flat feet and overpronation or supination. By correcting your feet’s positioning, these custom insoles can reduce the stress on your ankles and knees, reducing back pain. Additionally, they can even improve your athletic performance by ensuring that your body is properly aligned while you’re running or playing sports.

3. Reduces Chronic Foot Pain

If you suffer from foot pain that makes it difficult to walk, stand or perform certain activities, you can benefit from podiatric care. The specialized shoe inserts known as orthotics can help relieve chronic foot pain by correcting misalignment and supporting your feet in the right way.

Unlike the over-the-counter shoe insoles found at a drugstore or kiosk, custom orthotics are created from physical or digital moulds of your feet, and they’re designed to fit into most shoes. They also tend to be more comfortable than over-the-counter inserts that often rub against your feet.

They’re used to treat a number of medical conditions, including bunions, rheumatoid arthritis, hammer toes, heel spurs and flat feet. Accommodative orthotics are also helpful for people with diabetes by providing cushioning and protection to reduce the risk of foot ulcers. They’re even used to treat sports injuries like shin splints and plantar fasciitis. Over time, podiatrist-prescribed orthotics can dramatically improve the quality of your life by reducing foot and leg pain. They can also help you return to your favourite hobbies and recreational activities.

4. Increases Athletic Performance

While pain and fatigue may hold you back from exercising at your peak, podiatrist-prescribed orthotics Adelaide eliminate those limitations. They correct imbalances in the feet and lower half of the body, relieve pressure on joints, absorb shock, and promote proper muscle function, enabling you to train more efficiently.

Custom orthotics are crafted from plaster moulds of the foot, which allows the podiatrist to design them for the unique features and needs of each patient. They are different from the premade orthotics that you can buy at shoe stores, ski and skate shops, pharmacies or kiosks.

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.