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.
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)
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!