Dysarthria

Dysarthria, meaning abnormal or difficult articulating, is a motor speech disorder resulting from neurological injury of the motor component of the motor-speech system.

What is the NDIS and how can it help adults with speech difficulties

March 5, 2018 By Ashleigh Fattah

What is the NDIS? The NDIS is a national scheme, which is being implemented across Australia to provide targeted support and better coordination and access to services for people with a disability. The scheme is a single national system catering people with any kind of disability anywhere in Australia with the aim of providing equal access to existing health care services across the country. For children on the current Better Start and HCWA … [Read more...]

Who can refer you to a speech pathologist?

February 5, 2018 By Ashleigh Fattah

This is a common question for many people looking to book a speech pathology appointment. The real answer to this question is actually anyone. If you have a concern regarding your child or yourself, you can call a speech pathology clinic to book an appointment without a referral from another profession. While there are referrals you can get for speech pathology which entitle you to Medicare rebates, you do not need a referral to see a speech … [Read more...]

The impact of language delay at school

December 4, 2017 By Ashleigh Fattah

One of the most popular misconceptions about children with speech and language delay is that taking a ‘wait and see’ approach cannot hurt. While this approach may not lead to anything life threatening, it can have serious repercussions for a child’s entire future following poor performance at school leading to decreased opportunities in further education, career and employment. Here are a few examples of a child’s delayed language skills … [Read more...]

MS Awareness- What is Multiple Sclerosis?

October 20, 2016 By Ashleigh Fattah

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system. It occurs when there is damage to the protective layer around nerve fibres found in the brain and spinal cord, casing random patches known as plaques or lesions, which interrupt messages sent along these nerves. MS is one of the most common diseases in young adults with approximately two and a half million people affected across the globe. MS is not a contagious … [Read more...]

Motor Neuron Disease – What is it and what are the different types

August 25, 2016 By Ashleigh Fattah

Motor Neuron Disease (MND) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, which attacks the upper and lower motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Degeneration of the motor neurons means that messages sent through the nerves gradually stop reaching muscles, leading to loss of limb mobility, and difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing. Some individuals experience cognitive changes, however the senses including vision, hearing and … [Read more...]

Parkinson’s Awareness – Are there different types of Parkinsonisms?

May 30, 2016 By Ashleigh Fattah

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative brain disorder that progresses slowly in most people. The main symptoms of Parkinson's – tremor, rigidity and slowness of movement – are also the main symptoms of a number of conditions that are grouped together under the term parkinsonism. "Parkinsonism" is the umbrella term used to describe a number of conditions that share symptoms of slowed movement. They also have other symptoms such … [Read more...]

Exercises for Pneumonia Prevention

May 16, 2016 By Ashleigh Fattah

Aspiration Pneumonia occurs when food and fluids pass down the wrong way into the lungs and this material causes infection in the lungs. A number of aetiologies such as motor neurone disease, stroke, or Parkinson’s disease predispose a person to dysphagia and aspiration pneumonia. Certain exercises and manoeuvres can be used to assist swallowing and prevent Dysphagia. A speech pathologist will assess the cause and type of Dysphagia. This may … [Read more...]

The five components of Speech for Lung Awareness Month

November 23, 2015 By Ashleigh Fattah

With November being Lung awareness month, I have decided to cover the five components that are essential for normal speech. As you most likely know, our lungs play an important role in making speech happen. Respiration is the first key component to normal speech, and here is why: Respiration: The first and most important component of speech is respiration, as without air passing through the speech organs no sound is produced. Respiration … [Read more...]

About Aspiration Pneumonia – the Importance of Safe Swallowing

November 9, 2015 By Ashleigh Fattah

With World Pneumonia day coming up on the 12th November 2015, I thought I would shed some light on what Aspiration Pneumonia is and the effect it has on individuals with different diagnoses. Pneumonia itself is a lung infection caused by bacteria or viruses. Aspiration Pneumonia refers to when the infection is caused by food or fluid, such as drinks, water, saliva or vomit, that are aspirated or taken into the lungs. This tends to happen when … [Read more...]

World Cerebral Palsy Day 2015 – Cerebral Palsy Awareness

October 1, 2015 By Ashleigh Fattah

With world cerebral palsy awareness day on the 1st of October, I am writing a piece to help spread awareness of Cerebral Palsy and the impact that it has on the individuals and families that live with it every day. Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term that is used to refer to a group of disorders affecting a person’s ability to move. It is a lifelong condition, which is permanent, however often remains stable over time. It is the most common … [Read more...]