SPEECH
What are Speech Sounds?
Speech sounds refer to the individual sounds we use to form words. For example, the sounds in "cat" are /k/, /æ/, and /t/. When a child has difficulty pronouncing or using certain speech sounds correctly, it can affect their ability to communicate clearly and how well they can be understood my others.
How does a Speech Pathologist help?
A speech pathologist assesses your child's speech skills and designs a therapy plan to address any speech sound errors. Therapy may involve teaching your child how to position their tongue, lips, and mouth to correctly produce sounds.
What are some important things to look for?
• Difficulty pronouncing specific sounds (e.g., substituting "w" for "r" or saying "wabbit" instead of "rabbit")
• Speech that is difficult to understand, even by familiar listeners
• Speech errors that persist longer than expected for the child’s age.
LANGUAGE
What is Language?
Language refers to the system of communication we use to express thoughts, ideas, and feelings. It includes both receptive language (understanding what others say) and expressive language (using words and sentences to communicate).
How does a Speech Pathologist help?
A speech pathologist helps improve both receptive and expressive language skills. They work with children to develop their vocabulary, sentence structure, and ability to understand and follow directions. Therapy may include activities that encourage conversation, story-telling, and comprehension skills.
What are some important things to look for?
• Difficulty following simple instructions (e.g., “Pick up the toy”)
• Limited vocabulary for their age or developmental stage
• Difficulty forming sentences or using appropriate grammar
• Trouble understanding questions or simple concepts
LITERACY
What is Literacy?
Literacy involves the ability to read, write/spell, and understand written language. It includes skills like phonics (the connection between sounds and letters), decoding (sounding out words), and comprehension (understanding the meaning of words and sentences).
How does a Speech Pathologist help?
Speech pathologists help children with reading and writing by addressing difficulties with decoding, spelling, and comprehension. They work with children to strengthen their phonemic awareness (understanding sound-letter relationships) and improve reading fluency, by working on blending and segmenting skills.
What are some important things to look for?
• Difficulty recognising letters or sounds
• Problems with reading fluency, like skipping words or misreading
• Challenges with understanding what is read, including trouble summarising stories
• Difficulty with spelling or writing sentences correctly
FLUENCY
What is Fluency?
Fluency refers to the smoothness and rhythm of speech. Fluency disorders, such as stuttering, can result in disruptions in speech, including repetitions (e.g., “b-b-b-ball”), prolongations (e.g., “ssssun”), or blocks (when no sound comes out at all).
How does a Speech Pathologist help?
A speech pathologist works with children who stutter by focusing on parent-led therapy. Parents are taught and supported to provide positive reinforcement for fluent speech and gently correct stuttering in a supportive, low-pressure way during everyday conversations.
What are some important things to look for?
• Repeating sounds, syllables, or words (e.g., “I-I-I want”)
• Prolonging sounds (e.g., “sssssilly”)
• Pauses or blocks in speech where no sound comes out
• Physical signs of tension (e.g., eye blinking, facial tension) when trying to speak
FEEDING
What are Feeding Difficulties?
Feeding difficulties are challenges a child may experience while eating or being around food, such as trouble chewing, swallowing, or managing certain food textures. These difficulties can impact a child’s ability to safely eat or enjoy meals, and may include issues such as choking, gagging, or extreme pickiness with food.
How does a Speech Pathologist help?
A speech pathologist specialising in feeding works with children to improve their ability to eat safely and comfortably. This includes working on oral motor skills and providing strategies to address sensory sensitivities to food textures. Therapy might also focus on building strength and coordination for better food control.
What are some important things to look for?
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing food
• Frequent gagging or choking during meals
• Extreme food aversions or refusal to eat certain textures or types of food
• Limited variety in food choices or very selective eating patterns
PRAGMATICS
What is Pragmatics?
Pragmatics is the social use of language. It involves understanding and using language in various social contexts, such as taking turns in conversations, understanding humour or sarcasm, and using appropriate nonverbal cues like body language.
How does a Speech Pathologist help?
A speech pathologist works with children to improve their social communication skills by teaching how to interpret social cues, start and maintain conversations, and use appropriate language in different settings. Therapy may include role-playing social scenarios to practice skills in a fun and supportive environment.
What are some important things to look for?
• Difficulty making or maintaining conversations
• Difficulty using or understanding appropriate body language
• Difficulty understanding jokes, sarcasm, or emotional cues
• Trouble with turn-taking in conversations or frequently interrupting others
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
What is AAC?
AAC refers to tools and strategies that help people who have difficulty speaking communicate more effectively. It includes low-tech options like picture boards and sign language, as well as high-tech devices like speech-generating apps and eye-tracking systems.
How does a Speech Pathologist help?
A Speech Pathologist assesses a person’s communication needs and trials a variety of AAC systems to determine the one that is most suitable. They provide training and support to the individual, caregivers, and educators to ensure effective use of the device.
What are some important things to look for?
• Limited or no speech
• Frustration when communicating
• Delayed language development
• Reliance on gestures or sounds
• Difficulties with social interactions