Speech therapist
Speech pathologists or therapists provide therapy and/or tools for children with speech or communication disorders/delays.
Speech pathologists work with children and adults with communication difficulties caused by congenital or developmental problems, illness, and emotional or physical trauma. This includes not only their speech but understanding what others say, their language, voice, fluency, stuttering, reading, writing and literacy difficulties. It also includes physical problems with eating or swallowing.
A speech pathologist establishes the problem and then tailor a program to suit their needs.
Language development can be receptive or expressive and a child can have a delay in either and/or both. Neither refer to how we say the words, the pronunciation. This is referred to as the articulation. A child may also have difficulty with their articulation.
What is the difference between expressive and receptive language?
Receptive language development is the ability to understand what is said. It includes questions, instructions, explanations, concepts, etc.
As a child grows and develops so does their receptive language. Developing receptive language requires a child to understand specific words and sentences and how they use in order to respond appropriately. Receptive language development also includes the development of memory and concentration.
To read more on receptive language https://www.seriouslykids.com.au/receptive-language/
Expressive language is the development of the ability to get a message across through speech.
The way that a message is delivered depends on expressive language development.
To read more on expressive language https://www.seriouslykids.com.au/expressive-language/
What does a speech therapist do?
Meet with the family to discuss concerns, answer questions and seek advice and guidance.
After the initial consultation a speech therapist assesses the child looking specifically at the child’s motor coordination and sensory needs .
Discuss and help the family understand the child’s need and teach parents (or carers) the skills, tools and provide the information to build and develop a child’s ability to perform everyday tasks.
Devise an individualised program to suit the child’s needs.
Depending on the assessment and/or the child’s needs they may work in conjunction with other health professionals to meet all the child’s needs in a thorough and comprehensive, collaborative way.
Monitor the child’s progress and alter the program as the child improves, develops and grows.
