Dyspraxia

Dyspraxia is a neurological disorder effecting the production of speech. This disorder occurs when there is no actual damage to the nerves or muscles used in speech, but the child is unable to voluntarily coordinate their muscle to produce speech sounds and words. This is generally referred to as a motor planning and execution disorder.

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...]

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...]

Do children grow out of Speech and Language Delay

October 14, 2016 By Ashleigh Fattah

There are a few common misconceptions regarding speech and language delays in children. Many parents are given advice that is not correct by other parents or even other health professionals that do not specialise in communication development. In turn they may make the wrong decisions when it comes to the management of communication delays. One of the most common and detrimental pieces of advice given to parents has to be the notion that children … [Read more...]

Do children grow out of Speech or Language Delay

September 22, 2016 By Ashleigh Fattah

There are a few common misconceptions regarding speech and language delays in children. Many parents get given advice that is not correct by other parents or even other health professionals that do not specialise in communication development, and in turn may make the wrong decisions when it comes to the management of communication delays. One of the most common and detrimental pieces of advice given to parents has to be the notion that children … [Read more...]

National mothering week – breast feeding styles

July 7, 2016 By Ashleigh Fattah

In light of National Mothering Week, I would like to discuss the topic of breast-feeding and the different positions that mothers can breast-feed their infants. There are a few classic breast-feeding positions that are most often used successfully, these include: The Madonna or Cradle hold The Cradle hold is one of the most commonly used breast-feeding positions. This position is achieved by having the baby across the front of your body with … [Read more...]

Types of Augmentative and Alternative Communication

March 14, 2016 By Ashleigh Fattah

What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication? Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is any type of communication strategy used by individuals with a range of conditions causing them to have significant difficulties with verbal speech. Some individuals even require a range of AAC methods to communicate and others may use AAC in conjunction with verbal speech to achieve efficient communication. One AAC system may not meet all of … [Read more...]

What is Paediatric Speech Pathology

January 5, 2015 By Ashleigh Fattah

What is Paediatric Speech Pathology? A speech pathologist may work with children for a number of reasons across different ages. The different diagnoses can be divided into a few different categories. These include: Speech Speech refers to the sounds that are produced by the jaw, lips, tongue and palate which make up the words that we say. Children that see a speech pathologist due to difficulties with Speech sounds may have a speech sound … [Read more...]

Articulation Games at the Beach

December 22, 2014 By Ashleigh Fattah

Running out of ideas for fun games to play with your kids when working on speech errors? The beach can be a fun place to work on speech while enjoying the sun. All you need is a bit of creative thinking and a couple of beach items and your ready to go. Keep the Speech Ball going! This game requires a beach ball and can be played with two or more people. Everyone in the group has to stand in a circle (everyone should stand closer together if … [Read more...]

Tips for Treatment of Childhood Apraxia of Speech

August 5, 2014 By Ashleigh Fattah

What is Childhood Apraxia of Speech? Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a motor speech disorder characterised by difficulties saying sounds, syllables, and words not due to muscle weakness or paralysis. The child knows what he or she wants to say, but the brain has difficulty coordinating the muscle movements of body parts (e.g. lips, jaw and tongue) necessary to say those words. Treatment of CAS can be difficult with young children as … [Read more...]

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis – ALS

August 6, 2013 By Eugene Pillay

“I am quite often asked: How do you feel about having ALS? The answer is, not a lot. I try to lead as normal a life as possible, and not think about my condition, or regret the things it prevents me from doing, which are not that many.” - Stephen Hawking Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) - also referred to as ‘Motor Neuron Disease’ (MND) - is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder resulting from the death of nerves that control the … [Read more...]