Speech Therapy Perth
Everyone deserves the chance to be heard
Get The Support You Need
Speaking Clearly
Children develop speech sounds as they grow between 0-8 years old, but sometimes things don’t develop as expected and help is needed. We work with children with a range of Speech Sound Disorders (SSD) and issues including Articulation, Phonological Disorders, Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) (sometimes called Verbal Dyspraxia) and mumbling.
Expressive Language
We commonly express ourselves with words and gestures, putting them together to create sentences – even stories! Its important that children develop a broad vocabulary of words that they can use to communicate specific messages. As children combine words together to create sentences its important that they also learn correct grammar and sentence structure. Children need to be able to sequence their ideas and thoughts to then tell a story or recount what happened.
Receptive Language
Understanding the words and sentences used around us is our receptive language! The four main areas of receptive language speech pathologists assess are:
- Understanding concepts and what words mean
- Understanding instructions
- Understanding questions
- ‘Higher level understanding’ such as the ability to infer, detect the main idea, predict and problem solve.
Early Communication
Is your child not yet talking or not progressing as you thought they would?
There are many thinking and interaction skills children develop before they can be great listeners and talkers. When we assess children, we look at these “pre-verbal” skills. We look at how the child is communicating and the reasons they are communicating. Therapy aims to fill any gaps so the child has a strong foundation for learning to speak and listen. Therapy with this age group involves a mixture of play-based therapy, and the child and parent coaching.
Alternative Communication
Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) can be used to assist children to communicate. It can be used as their main way of communicating, or alongside other communication, like speech, to help them communicate more effectively. AAC might involve things like using gestures, Key Word Signs, Aided Language Stimulation (ALS), PODD (Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display) Books or voice output devices. Its important that all children are empowered to communicate to the best of their ability.
Stuttering
Stuttering is commonly thought of as repetitions of sounds and words but it can have other characteristics such as a sound in a word being prolonged or a word getting ‘stuck’ (blocking).
Therapy for stuttering is particularly effective before the age of 6 but can still be treated after this age too. Our therapists will determine which evidence based approach is right for your child and family. We commonly use the Lidcombe Program and Response Contingent Stimulation (RCS) therapy approaches.
Social Communication & Pragmatics
Communication involves a whole lot more than just speaking and listening. Our tone of voice, gestures, body language, facial expression and volume all add so much meaning to what we say.
Working on social communication skills involves helping people to understand these parts of communication. We all interact with other people and social communication skills help us do this effectively.
How Speech Therapy Can Help
Speech Sounds & Difficulties
Social Skills
Stuttering
Receptive Language
Expressive Language
Early Communication
About Straight Talk Speech Pathology
Straight Talk Speech Pathology loves helping children! We believe everyone has the right to communicate – including children. This is why we are dedicated to helping them to express themselves, understand when others speak, read, and express themselves in writing. We know families are busy so where possible we try to provide easy ideas for practicing new skills between therapy visits. We love thinking of ways new skills can be practiced within your child’s everyday life.
Getting Started is Easy
Talk To Our Friendly Staff
Before we book your child in for an assessment we like to ask you about your child and how we can help! This allows us to plan an assessment targetting the areas you are concerned about.
Book Appointment
We can help you book in a time that works for you and your family at either our Gosnells or Bibra Lake clinic. We can also offer in school/daycare or in home support.
1st Session!
In our first session, we take time to learn about you, your child and how we can offer the highest level of ongoing support to make a positive difference.
Get Help With Online Therapy
Can't travel to therapy?
Find out if online speech therapy is right for you and your family.
Contact Us
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