What Is Children’s Speech Therapy in Australia?
Children’s speech therapy in Australia is a process by which children with communication difficulties are assisted by a speech-language pathologist (SLP). The SLP will work with the child to improve speech, language, fluency and literacy difficulties that they may present with. The SLP may also assist with feeding and swallowing problems, if required.
There are several different techniques or modalities that can be used by an SLP in Australia, depending on the specific needs of the child.
Different Therapies a Speech Therapist may use
Articulation therapy is a technique that helps children with pronunciation difficulties. The therapist will work with the child to identify and correct any errors in pronunciation. This is a beneficial technique for children who have difficulty being understood by others purely as a result of the way in which they place their articulators (e.g., tongue, lips, teeth, palate) and pronounce their sounds.
Language therapy is a broad approach that looks at how to develop a child’s language. The therapist will interact with a child by playing and talking, using different items such as pictures, books, toys and real-life objects to encourage language development. The therapist may model correct vocabulary, sentence structure and grammar.
Lego therapy is a type of play therapy that uses Lego bricks to help children communicate and interact with others. This can be beneficial for children who have difficulty speaking and engaging in group settings.
Evidence-Based Results of Popular Techniques
When it comes to getting the best results from speech therapy, research has shown some popular techniques to be highly effective. Behavioural techniques such as imitation, modelling, repetition and extension are commonly used to teach children how to use language effectively and appropriately for their age.
Implementation of these evidence-based methods in a multidisciplinary setting can drastically improve a child’s communication skills and quality of life. Research has also shown that pairing speech therapy with complementary modalities such as physical therapy or occupational therapy can significantly enhance outcomes in children’s communication and functional goals.
Speech therapy should be tailored to each child’s specific needs, so speak with your practitioner about the various modalities available for your child’s speech, hearing, or swallowing disorder. With the right combination of therapies, you can help your child achieve remarkable development in their communication journey.
Speech Therapy Activities for Kids at Spring Forward Family Centre
At Spring Forward Family Centre, our Speech Pathologists use activities of play, games and fun to help children learn how to use and develop their speech and language skills while also enjoying themselves. Popular activities include hopscotch word fun, I spy, alphabet game, word search, pop the pig, and hide-and-seek. It’s rewarding for Speech Pathologists when they see progress in a child’s communication skills and confidence from these sessions.
How to Choose the Right Speech Therapist for Your Family like Spring Forward Family Centre
When it comes to choosing the right Speech Therapist for your family, there are a few aspects you’ll want to consider. Firstly, look out for therapists who can offer evidence-based interventions and support for your child. Secondly, therapists should be familiar with different modalities such as sign language or augmentative alternative communication (AAC) which are great tools for speech therapy as they can help a child to express their thoughts and feelings. Lastly, make sure that the therapist is an integral member of a family’s care for a child, working collaboratively with parents and other healthcare professionals in order to provide the best care possible.
Spring Forward Family Centre provides all these things – our team are experienced professionals who have a comprehensive understanding of speech therapy techniques and support families through their journey with us.
Conclusion
So, those are some of the most popular techniques used in speech therapy for children in Australia. If you think that your child would benefit from speech therapy, or you would simply like to find out more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We would be more than happy to answer any questions that you may have or provide you with more information about the services that we offer.
