Speech Pathology
At NextPath, we use an individual’s strengths and interests to develop their communication skills. We work with individuals with a range of communication difficulties that may be due to developmental delays or disabilities/intellectual disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, chromosomal disorders, genetic conditions or other learning difficulties.
What services do we provide?
- Speech Pathology Assessments including language, speech, literacy, feeding/swallowing, social communication/pragmatics assessments.
- Ongoing individualised treatment sessions in our therapy rooms or via telehealth.
- Outreach sessions to homes, schools, childcare centres or in the community.
- Group therapy sessions including social communication groups.
- Therapy through an Allied Health Assistant Model.
- Liaison and support to other services involved in an individual’s care e.g. Preschools, Long Day Care Centres, other Therapies and Schools.
- Home programs and parent and carer training.
Does my child need Speech Pathology?
Our Speech Pathology services can benefit children or young adults who:
- Are not reaching early developmental/communication milestones
- Have difficulty expressing their thoughts and ideas using verbal language
- Have unclear speech or pronunciation of words or sounds
- Have trouble understanding what people say, e.g. difficulty following instructions or answering questions
- Have complex communication needs and would benefit from using AAC
- Are not showing readiness for school at an appropriate age
- Are struggling with reading and/ or writing
- Have difficulty interacting socially with peers
- Have difficulty with oral-motor skills, including feeding and swallowing
- Have voice disorders
- Stutter
Speech Pathology in Action
In-Class Therapy Example:
Here, Speech Pathologist Annamaria is working with her In-Class Therapy class on answering 'wh-' questions using the book 'Where is the Green Sheep?' by Mem Fox. Answering 'Wh-' questions is an important receptive language skill. View the video below to see Annamaria in action:
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC):
Our Speech Pathology team work with children and young adults with a range of communication needs, and something we do often at NextPath is support our clients to communicate using AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). AAC can be any alternative to verbal or spoken language, such as visuals, key word sign or more complex systems such as electronic devices. Here, SPeech Pathologist Kareena, with the help of students from Mater Dei School, illustrate the use of various forms of AAC when reading 'Where is the Green Sheep?'