What is Speech and Language Therapy?

• Speech and Language Therapists work on ALL aspects of communication.
• We assess, diagnose and treat a wide range of communication abilities.
• Therapy is provided in the context of play to improve quality of life and functional communication skills.

Communication disorders to look out for

• Receptive language delay: Difficulty understanding spoken language.
• Expressive language delay: Difficulty using language.
• Pragmatic Language difficulties: To use language appropriately in social situations.
• Speech delay/disorder: difficulties with the production of sounds
• Fluency/stammer: repetition of sounds, syllables and/or words, prolonging sounds and/or pausing or ‘blocking’.

How a child with a speech disorder/delay may present

• Difficult for you or others to understand
• Difficulty producing certain sounds or combinations of sounds
• Feel frustrated and may be avoidant of speaking at times
• Difficulties with literacy and phonological awareness

How a child with a language delay may present

• Slow to react to speech and language
• Limited understanding or use of age appropriate vocabulary
• Difficulties understanding concepts, humour, non-literal language
• Slow vocabulary development
• Difficulty following instructions or answering questions appropriately
• Difficulty describing events (narratives) and using appropriate grammar in sentences
• Difficulties finding the ‘right’ word

How a child with social communication difficulties may present

• Limited friendship group
• Difficulty maintaining appropriate eye contact or respecting personal space
• Difficulty engaging conversations about topics that are not of particular interest to them
• He/she may not initiate conversations or demonstrate appropriate turn-taking

Communication difficulties can lead to

• High levels of frustration
• Challenging behaviour
• Rigid and controlling behaviour
• Anxiety/mental health difficulties
• Withdrawal
• Low self esteem/self perception
• Difficulties forming and maintaining age appropriate relationships
• Difficulties accessing and contributing to the school curriculum
• Lack of independence skills