Literacy

Literacy is the ability to read and write one's own name and further for knowledge and interest, write coherently, and think critically about the written word. Speech pathologists can help you improve your literacy.

What to expect in an initial literacy speech pathology assessment

December 7, 2018 By Ashleigh Fattah

On visiting a speech pathologist, the session often starts with a discussion around the area of concern, whether it is regarding speech, language, literacy, voice, stuttering or swallowing. Once you have established what your concerns are, there are a few key components that a literacy assessment is composed of including: Case History This includes any background history such as any developmental concerns; both physical and mental, or family … [Read more...]

The Spalding Literacy Program

November 28, 2018 By Ashleigh Fattah

The Spalding Method is one of the most comprehensive and effective method for teaching English. The Spalding Approach aims to increase literacy for all; from preschoolers to adults regardless of their initial literacy abilities. The Spalding Method trains individuals to develop deep thinking and problem solving to become skilled readers, critical listeners, and accomplished writers and spellers. It is an integrated, multisensory language arts … [Read more...]

Possible causes for literacy delays Part 2: Writing

November 8, 2018 By Ashleigh Fattah

Just like reading, there are many possible areas of difficulty that can lead to a written language delay. Here are some of the most likely possibilities that would affect a child’s literacy development. Poor letter to sound correspondence and phonological awareness Once again, an understanding of the link between the letters and their paired sounds or letter to sound correspondence is crucial in writing. This is because the individual needs … [Read more...]

What to focus on when teaching your child to read and write

May 14, 2018 By Ashleigh Fattah

What to focus on when teaching your child to read and write When teaching your child how to read, there are so many things to focus on and it may seem like an overwhelming task if they have no awareness of any sounds or are constantly making mistakes. Below I will go through some good places to start and some key points to focus on. Know the sounds not the names Many parents start to teach the alphabet letters by their names. While the … [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...]

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...]

How speech delay can impact reading and spelling

November 6, 2017 By Ashleigh Fattah

There are a number or speech errors, also know as phonological processes, that normally developing children produce. These include substitutions of back sounds, which are harder to produce, e.g. K and G sounds, for front sounds, e.g. T and D sound, causing them to say a word like ‘cat’ as ‘tat’. Children may also voice a sound, which does not require voicing, e.g. the ‘k’ in ‘dock’ when voiced may sound like ‘dog’. Another common error is … [Read more...]