Speech and languages difficulties can affect a child or teen’s communication skills in a number of ways. We focus on helping children and teens to communicate effectively both verbally and non verbally. We know communication skills are important for our social development and later for our academic success at school or college. Our speech and language abilities help us access the world around us.
Speech and language therapists are allied health professionals that are trained to specialise in child development and communication skills. They work with children, their parents or carers and teachers to tailor support. Being empowered to overcome barriers helps children reduce frustration caused by communication breakdowns and helps with self esteem and relationships.
What to expect.
An intake assessment is conducted to understand your child or teens speech and language skills, it involves taking a developmental history and hearing caregivers concerns. We will learn their strengths and areas of need using formal assessment tools. Following this a plan can be developed to support the child or teen to help communicate effectively. We provide therapy that is fun and motivating as children learn best when they are enjoying activities.
We do not require an official diagnosis to assess and work with your child. Speech and Language Therapy is evidence based and should start as quickly as possible to maximise on development. We aim for them to communicate in a sustained way to the best of their ability.
There are many reasons why children experience difficulties with communication these can be obvious or quite hard to spot. For some children it has a big impact on sustaining friendships.
What do we help with?
- Language delay
- Receptive language and listening skills, their understanding of the use of Language
- Language processing
- Articulation issues e.g. a lisp
- Social Language skills e.g. difficulty understanding social situations, reading body language, perspectives of others, or managing social conflicts.
- Fluency e.g. stammering
- Feeding and eating difficulties
- Literacy skills
Social communication therapy
It’s a life skill, many of life’s activities involve communication between peers. In therapy we help children understand and improve their interactions with others, learning the basics of how conversations flow, recognising social cues given by others. This may be carried out individually or within a group.
How do I know if my child needs Speech and Language Therapy?
They can be referred as a teacher observes a challenge e.g. difficulty following instructions or another healthcare professional suggests an assessment. As a parent you may notice them not meeting age expected communication milestones.
How does it help me as a parent?
Understanding the nature of your child’s difficulty and gaining strategies to support their development at home and at school can empower you as a parent.
See other therapies we offer