Services

Receptive language refers to understanding what others are communicating.  Children may need to use receptive language to understand a conversation, join in cooperative play, answer questions or follow instructions.

Expressive language refers to how a child communicates their needs, wants, ideas and opinions to others.  Children may need to use expressive language to tell about an experience, tell a story, join in a conversation, ask for information or assert themselves in play.

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) refers to ways of communicating that do not involve speech.  It includes communicating through gestures and sign, pictures and writing.  People who do not speak, find it difficult to speak at times or have speech that is hard for others to understand may use AAC to get their message across more effectively.  AAC also supports children who have difficulty speaking to continue developing their language skills.

We have experience with a range of AAC systems, from picture-based supports and single message devices for specific functions, through to robust communication systems such as Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display (PODD) books and high-tech communication devices that produce speech output.

We also offer hire of an iPad with robust communication applications to trial with your child before you commit to buying an AAC system.

Speech sounds refer to the sounds we make by coordinating movements of the vocal cords, tongue, lips, teeth, palate and jaw along with the breath.  Intelligibility refers to how well others can understand the speech produced.  As children grow and meet more people outside their immediate family, being understood is important for developing friendships and communicating needs, ideas and feelings to others.

Early literacy skills refer to the print and sound awareness skills that children require to become proficient readers and spellers.  Children need to develop a good awareness of words, syllables and sounds to help them understand and learn the code for literacy acquisition.

Feeding skills refer to the ability to eat and drink a range of foods and drinks safely and comfortably.  When children have had a complicated medical history they may have difficulties swallowing foods and drinks safely.  Children with sensory differences may have specific food and drink preferences, resulting in difficulty increasing the variety of foods in their diet.

All speech therapy services can be provided via telepractice, either through parent coaching or with the involvement of your child if appropriate.