Language

Language is the human capacity for acquiring and using complex systems of communication, and a language is any specific example of such a system. People with communication disorders may have difficulties in speech, language, voice, fluency, and reading and spelling. Speech pathologists manage communication disorders including problems with language.

Possible causes for literacy delays – Part 1: Reading

July 30, 2018 By Ashleigh Fattah

There many possible areas of difficulty that lead to a literacy delay, and while this should not be taken as an exhaustive list, here are some of the most likely possibilities that would affect a child’s literacy development, specifically with reading. Poor letter to sound correspondence This one is the most obvious and is often easily picked up at school, however not as easily rectified. Understanding the link between the letters and their … [Read more...]

Bilingual Children

July 9, 2018 By Ashleigh Fattah

How can I tell if my child has language difficulties or if they are just not fluent in English yet? Often parents will bring in a child who has limited exposure to English for a language assessment. It can be difficult to determine whether the child has just had a limited exposure to English and therefore appears to be delayed, or if they truly have a language delay or disorder. The most important marker to note is whether the child has … [Read more...]

What is involved in an initial speech pathology consult

June 11, 2018 By Ashleigh Fattah

Communication concerns If you are visiting a speech pathologist for the first time because you are concerned that your child is not talking as much as their peers. Then, the first thing that will usually happen is your speech pathologist will make a case history. This involves going through your Child’s health and developmental history which may include birthing history, developmental milestones including speech, feeding and motor milestones, … [Read more...]

Improving literacy comprehension through Visualization

April 2, 2018 By Ashleigh Fattah

Comprehension difficulties have a significant impact on a child or adults school, home or work life. If an individual is unable to comprehend a passage or story this impacts their ability to learn from text books or manuals, process and retain stories told by colleagues or friends, complete simple instructions or follow along with a series or novel with long plot lines. This ability is required over a number of different tasks in life for both … [Read more...]

When to start speech therapy and how long does it take?

March 19, 2018 By Ashleigh Fattah

Two of the most commonly asked questions in paediatric speech pathology are: When or at what age is a good time to start speech therapy?And how long does it normally take? The answer to both these questions are as you may have guessed, dependent on the child, however many parents may be left wondering without any idea as to how long they may be coming for speech therapy. So to give a bit of an indication of how long therapy may be required, … [Read more...]

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...]

If you are using these 4 strategies then you are modelling language well for your child

February 19, 2018 By Ashleigh Fattah

1. Repeat, repeat, repeat! Repetition is truly the key when it comes to picking up a language. Just as we need to hear a new word a few times before we truly understand what it means and how to use it, children require the same. Using the same word in a different context such as identifying a car outside and a picture of a car will help your child to solidify the concept of the word, especially with children who struggle with attention and may … [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...]

This is a Voice Exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum Sydney

December 22, 2017 By admin

The powerhouse museum will be holding an exhibition from now until the 28th of January where you can learn about the human voice, how it locates us socially, geographically and psychologically. This interactive exhibit combines performance, video, visuals and sound to present works by artists and vocalists and incorporated paintings, manuscripts, medical illustrations and ethnographic objects to take you on an acoustic journey. Learn about how … [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...]