The ability to express one’s self is paramount. Speech & language therapy addresses challenges with language and communication and help children to improve their verbal, non-verbal, and social communication skills. A speech & language therapy program begins with an evaluation by a speech-language therapist (SLT) to assess the children’s communication strengths and challenges.
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What does a speech & language therapist do?

Speech & language therapist are educated in the study of human communication, its development, and its disorders. Hence, at Step by Step Institute our team provides specialised services to support children with speech, language, communication and swallowing needs. We work closely with families and other professionals, and use evidence based practices in order to achieve the most positive outcomes for all.

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Speech delays/ disorders:

» Childhood Apraxia of Speech
» Dysarthria
» Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders
» Articulation Disorders
» Phonological Disorders
» Fluency Disorders
» Voice Disorders

Language disorders

» Receptive And Expressive Language Disorder
» Learning Disabilities (Reading, Spelling, And Writing)
» Selective Mutism
» Pragmatic (Social) Communication Disorder

Other challenges

» Hearing Impairment or Deafness (Therapy includes developing lip-reading and/or alternative communication systems)
» Oral and Motor Disorder (Weak oral muscles, oral sensitivity)
» Swallowing/Feeding Disorders (Difficulty in chewing and/or swallowing)
» Autism Spectrum Disorders
» Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
» Cerebral Palsy
» Cleft lip and/Palate
» Aphasia

Early communication and play skills challenges

» Eye contact, joint attention
» Imitation/ copying
» Turn taking skills

Augmentative and Alternative communication (AAC)

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) includes all forms of communication (other than oral speech) that are used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas. At Step by Step Institute, we provide special augmentative aids, such as picture and symbol communication boards and electronic devices to help children express themselves. These will increase social interaction, school performance, and feelings of self-worth. Our SLTs assess and provide treatment for children with varied diagnoses who will benefit from the use of augmentative communication.
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Benefits

Speech and language therapy aims to improve

  • Improvement in the ability to understand and express thoughts, ideas and feelings
  • Intelligible speech so your child is understood by others
  • Increased ability to problem-solve in an independent environment
  • Improved swallowing function and safety
  • Improved school readiness skills
  • Development of pre-literacy skills
  • Improved vocal quality
  • Fluent speech
  • Development of practical social skills
  • Greater self-esteem
  • Increased independence
  • Finally a better quality of life!