Did you know children with speech and language difficulties are six times more likely to experience reading difficulties?
Seeking help early will reduce the risk of literacy difficulties in the school years. If you have any concerns regarding your child’s speech and language development, it is crucial to address them as early as possible.
Nash Speech Pathology provides effective, evidence based assessment and therapy for children who have difficulties with one or more of the following areas:
Speech | Pronunciation of speech sounds so that we can be understood by others. This includes using the mouth, tongue and lips to produce the sounds (i.e. articulation), and using the correct sounds to make meaningful words (i.e. phonology). Children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech have difficulty planning and coordinating the muscle movements needed for speech production.
Language | Receptive language: understanding spoken and written language, following instructions, and learning new concepts. | Expressive language: using language to express ourselves in the form of words, sentences, gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact.
Literacy | Reading decoding words, reading fluency, and reading rate), reading comprehension (understanding the text), writing (forming and structuring ideas in written form), and spelling (letter and sound knowledge i.e. phonological awareness).
Fluency/Stuttering | Interruptions in the flow of speech by repetitions, blocks, pauses and/or hesitations.
Voice | Hoarse or husky sounding voice with or without the presence of vocal nodules.
Social skills | Using verbal and nonverbal language to interact with others and build relationships.
We also work with children with Medical and Developmental Conditions, including but not limited to:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Hearing Impairment
- Cleft Lip and Palate
- Intellectual Delay
- Down Syndrome
- Fragile X
- Microcephaly
- Prader Willi Syndrome
THE PROCESS
Step 1. Contact our clinic if you have any concerns about your child’s development. You do not need a GP referral; however, your GP may provide a referral so you can access Medicare benefits (see Supports page). You can discuss your concerns with a qualified Speech Pathologist, and if necessary, book an initial assessment.
Step 2. Initial assessment to identify your child’s strengths and difficulties. A comprehensive speech and language assessment will be conducted within 1-2 hours in our Drummoyne office, online via Zoom, or in your child’s learning environment (i.e. preschool, school, or home). Results and recommendations will be discussed.
Step 3. Therapy goals will be identified based on your child’s assessment results and through discussion with their parents/caregivers and teachers. Individualised therapy sessions will be conducted on a weekly or fortnightly basis to achieve their communication goals and support their development.
Adults
Our Speech Pathologists provide thorough and effective assessment and treatment for adults with a range of communication difficulties, including (but not limited to):
- voice disorders;
- dysfluency/stuttering;
- accent modification;
- literacy difficulties;
- communication difficulties related to Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Hearing Impairment or other medical diagnosis;
- speech and language difficulties following a stroke or other medical condition (e.g. Dementia, Parkinson’s Disease).
Please contact us for further information regarding Speech Therapy for adults.
Nash Speech Pathology 