Speech Pathologists are experts in the field of communication. Find out more about our areas of speciality and how we can help. Click the learn more buttons for links to reputable external websites.
Groups
Eastern Speech Pathology are pleased to offer group therapy programs for both clients and parents. Click here for more information or to apply for our group programs.
Our parent group is run by qualified speech therapists, and targets the teaching and application of language development strategies for children with language delays, as well as providing a peer support and discussion forum.
Our client-based groups run during term time, with special groups in the school holidays, and consist of a variety of group types, catering for different communication needs. Group types include Lego therapy, language, social, Minecraft, and others.
Stuttering
Stuttering (or dysfluency) is a speech difficulty characterised by interruptions to the rhythm and flow of speech. Stuttering behaviours may include repetitions of parts of words, whole words and phrases, as well as sound prolongations or ‘blocking’ where a sound appears to be stuck. Secondary behaviours may also present, such as tense body movements or excessive use of fillers (e.g. “um”). Stuttering is associated with negative social, psychological and anxiety-related conditions, and should be treated as early as possible.
Stuttering treatment is aimed at improving fluency of speech and helping you to achieve clearer communication. Our treatment uses the most advanced methods and is for people of all ages: children, adolescents and adults. If you can’t make it into the clinic, telehealth options are available via encrypted software such as Skype, Facetime or Zoom.
Speech and Articulation
All children develop speech at a different rate, but most children meet milestones by a certain age. By age 3, most of a child’s speech should be understood by family and friends. Sometimes children are diagnosed with speech sound difficulties, including articulation and phonological difficulties and childhood apraxia of speech. Our speech pathologists can assess your child to determine if their speech development is appropriate for their age, and deliver evidence-based intervention approaches for children who are experiencing communication difficulties.
Early Intervention
Children begin to learn from the moment they are born; first receptive language (understanding what they hear) and then expressive language skills (speaking and communicating verbally). Each child learns and masters skills at different rates, but most children should reach communication milestones by certain ages.
If you aren’t sure whether your child’s language is developing normally, our speech pathologists can assess language delays, and provide advice and treatment around language development. Treatment focuses on teaching parents and children techniques to understand and communicate more meaningfully with the world around them.
Literacy
Literacy is a vital skillset for all ages. At Eastern Speech Pathology, we use the best evidence-based synthetic phonics approach to help you or your child develop reading, writing, spelling and phonics to a higher standard, which provides the tools to succeed in the classroom, workplace and home.
Literacy is something that children, adolescents or adults can struggle with, for a wide variety of reasons. Our lessons are therefore custom-designed to each client’s needs to provide you with the learning method that works for you.
Social Skills
Social skills are how people interact with the world around them, and can greatly impact a child’s development if delayed. At Eastern Speech Pathology, we can help develop these important skills, allowing you or your child to communicate more effectively. This includes behavioural management and group work to maximise the development of social competence.
Learning social skills is essential for all ages, and we tailor our treatment and therapy to each individual client to ensure that you get the exact help you need to be a more confident communicator.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder (also known as PDD-NOS) often goes hand-in-hand with language delays, and it can seriously affect a child’s ability to communicate. Our speech therapy services for children with a diagnosis of ASD are aimed at teaching essential speaking, listening and social skills.
The NDIS offers support for those with a diagnosis of ASD.
Receptive and Expressive Language
Successful engagement in spoken language requires understanding of directions, questions and different types of word and sentence structures, as well as the ability to express information, formulate ideas, and ask questions.
Children, adolescents and adults can experience language difficulties at any age, which can impact learning, concept of self, behaviour and ability to interact with others. Our speech pathologists offer comprehensive services for assessment, diagnosis and intervention for all those experiencing language difficulties.
Voice
A voice disorder occurs when voice quality, pitch, and loudness differ or are inappropriate for an individual's age, gender, cultural background, or geographic location. A voice disorder is present when an individual expresses concern about having an abnormal voice that does not meet daily needs—even if others do not perceive it as different or deviant.
Eastern Speech Pathology can treat your voice disorder and leave you feeling more satisfied and comfortable with the way you sound.
Paediatric feeding
Parents and caregivers of children who will not eat are faced with a difficult and often puzzling challenge. Because the interplay between a child’s experience of food and their ability to eat it can be complicated, there is rarely an easy solution when a feeding problem arises. Eastern Speech Pathology has clinicians trained in the SOS Approach to Feeding program to help assess and treat problematic feeding behaviours.
Adult swallowing
Swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia, can occur as a result of stroke, progressive neurological disorders, or advanced age.
At Eastern Speech Pathology we offer swallowing assessments, texture modification recommendations, and mealtime reviews.
Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC)
Children and adults with severe speech or language problems may need to find other ways to communicate besides talking. AAC refers to all these alternative and augmentative ways of communicating, including gestures, symbol boards, communication books, AAC apps, and communication devices. At Eastern Speech Pathology, we can work closely with you, your family, teachers, and support staff to implement functional AAC approaches in all settings.
NDIS
The NDIS is a National Disability Insurance Scheme which provides supports and services to those with a permanent and significant disability. The NDIS promotes provision of support as early as possible to reduce the impacts of disability or developmental delay and to build skills and independence.
Eastern Speech Pathology is able to provide services to NDIS patients with communication difficulties. Contact us today for more information.
