In simple terms, what does a Speech Pathologist do, and how can you help children?
Speech pathologists support individuals with a wide range of communication skills, including speech, language and social communication. Our goal is to increase access to communication, to assist children in expressing their ideas, needs and emotions, and this looks different for every child. Speech Pathologists can also support areas such as feeding and swallowing, however at Hear and Say, our focus is on helping children develop their listening, spoken language and communication skills. We work closely with families and other professionals to help children develop the skills they need to communicate and participate in everyday life.
What made you want to become a Speech Pathologist?
I have always loved working with children and was drawn to a career where I could make a meaningful difference in their lives. Speech pathology combines connection, problem-solving and creativity, which makes every day different and rewarding. Supporting children to become confident listeners and communicators is the best part of this career.
What are some signs that a child may need extra support with their speech, language or communication?
Some signs that a child may benefit from speech-based support include difficulty producing certain sounds or being understood clearly by others. Language-based support may be indicated when a child has difficulty following directions or using words and sentences to successfully express themselves. It can be important to seek support when a child’s communication skills appear to be developing at a different pace to other children of the same age.
What are some common misconceptions about children’s speech and language development?
One common misconception is that children will ‘grow out of’ communication challenges or differences. While children do develop at different rates, early support can make a large impact, and seeking advice from a Speech Pathologist can help families to better understand their child’s communication development and identify ways to support them.
Why is early intervention so important?
The early years are a critical period for speech and language development, and research indicates that early intervention can improve communication outcomes for children experiencing speech and language challenges. Early intervention addresses communication barriers before they become more established, giving children a stronger foundation for ongoing communication, learning and social development.
How does hearing relate to speech and language development?
Hearing plays a fundamental role in developing listening and spoken language skills, as children learn through listening to the sounds around them. Monitoring and optimising a child’s hearing, and ensuring they have consistent access to sound, provides the best foundation for development of their communication skills.
What’s one simple thing parents can do every day to support their child’s communication?
One of the simplest things parents can do to support their child’s language development is to increase opportunities for communication. Spending time talking with your child about what you are doing, seeing and experiencing together creates valuable opportunities for modelling and learning. Focus on using fewer questions and more comments, modelling language by commenting on what your child is interested in, and giving them plenty of opportunities to join in.
What’s one thing you wish every parent knew about speech and language development?
I encourage parents to be aware of communication milestones, as this can help identify when a child may benefit from some extra support. Every child develops their speech and language skills at their own pace, and parents know their children best. If you have any concerns, seeking advice from a Speech Pathologist can provide reassurance or assistance in recognising ways to support your child to reach their full communication potential.
What makes Hear and Say a unique therapy provider for communication needs?
Hear and Say is unique in that we offer varied supports for diverse communication needs. We provide Auditory-Verbal Therapy to support listening and spoken language skills, alongside general speech pathology support. With both audiology and speech pathology services available, Hear and Say focuses on collaborative teamwork and client-centred care. We use both developmental and remedial approaches to therapy, tailoring our support to each child’s individual journey. At Hear and Say, parent coaching is an essential part of our approach to facilitate carry over of goals into everyday life and achieve the best outcomes. Most importantly, our commitment to our clients extends beyond therapy sessions. At Hear and Say, we build lifelong connections and continue to support children and families throughout their communication journey.