What do Speechies Actually Do?
When you hear terms like "nurse," "teacher," or "firefighter," it's easy to envision their daily roles. But what about Speech Pathologists? Unless you've experienced their services firsthand, you might be uncertain about what we do day to day. Many people think our work revolves solely around speech, but it's much broader and more diverse than that!
Speech Pathologists are experts in communication and swallowing, assisting individuals from newborns to seniors. Communication isn't just about talking; it encompasses a wide range of skills. We help toddlers learn their first words, assist stroke survivors in relearning speech, provide affirming therapy for autistic individuals, and support those using AAC to communicate without speech.
What Do We Help With?
Speech Pathologists are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat challenges in several key areas:
Speech: Helping individuals speak clearly, such as teaching correct pronunciation.
Language: Supporting comprehension, expression, vocabulary, and grammar.
Swallowing and Feeding: Ensuring safe swallowing or addressing feeding difficulties.
Literacy: Assisting with reading and writing skills like phonological awareness.
Voice: Treating voice disorders and providing gender-affirming voice therapy.
AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication): Helping non-verbal individuals communicate effectively using tools like speech-generating devices.
Social Communication: Enhancing interaction and communication skills.
Where do Speechies Work?
At Small Sprouts Therapy, our Speech Pathologists work in our well-equipped clinic in Mount Sheridan, as well as in kindergartens and daycares for familiar environment support. Speechies can also be found in schools, hospitals, aged care facilities, government centers, and homes through mobile therapy services.
What’s It Like to See a Speechie?
Every therapy session with a speech pathologist is uniquely tailored to meet the needs and goals of each child and family. From initial assessment to setting personalized goals and conducting therapy sessions, we prioritize creating a supportive and positive environment.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Seeing Us
Wondering if your child could benefit from seeing a Speech Pathologist? Look out for signs like unclear speech, limited vocabulary for their age, difficulty combining words, frustration during communication, trouble following directions, or delays in swallowing or social communication milestones.
Ready to learn more about our Speech Pathology Services at Small Sprouts? Contact us today to start a collaborative journey towards enhancing your child's communication skills in a safe and welcoming environment.