A Speech Pathologist does more than you think!

Also known as Speech Therapists in Australia, Speech Pathologists, play a vital role in speech and language skills, as well as developmental progress. 

Speech Pathologists conduct assessments to study, diagnose and treat communication disorders, including difficulties with speaking, listening, understanding language, stuttering, writing, spelling and using voice.

There are more than 1.2 million Australians who have a condition that affects their ability to communicate, impacting their daily life. Speech Pathologists work with these people to assist them to communicate with confidence.

Speech Pathologists often work with people with communication challenges due to developmental delay, stroke, brain injury, learning disability, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, dementia and hearing loss.

Speech Therapy for Children

Speech Therapy for children may differ from therapy for adults. The exercises and activities decided upon will depend on the child’s challenges, age and requirements. During speech therapy, the Speech Pathologist may:

• Interact with the child by talking and playing with board games, books, pictures and other interactive objects to stimulate activity and participation.

• Teach them by modelling correct sounds and syllables for a child during age-appropriate play, demonstrating the correct way to make certain sounds.

• Provide strategies and homework to continue speech therapy at home.

Speech Therapy for Adults

Speech therapy for adults will start with an assessment to determine your needs and goals. A plan is then developed outlining the recommended way forward for treatment.

Speech therapy exercises for adults are generally concentrated on helping with speech, language and cognitive communication.

Therapy can also include re-training, particularly if the swallowing function has been affected by an injury or medical condition, such as Parkinson’s disease or oral cancer.

Exercises may involve:

• Problem solving, memory training, organization strategies and other activities directed at improving communication skills.

• Conversational tactics to improve social communication.

• Breathing exercises for tone.

• Exercises to strengthen oral muscles.

Allegro Speech Therapy

The Allegro Team work in collaboration with medical professionals and specialists to deliver care plans and we are also a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) registered service provider.

We welcome patients of all ages who can benefit from speech therapies, including:

• Children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

• Children with developmental or neurological differences.

• Children and adults with learning disorders, such as Dyslexia or Dysgraphia.

• Children and adults who have a stutter.

• People who have had a stroke or brain injury.

• People with degenerative conditions.

• People suffering from voice problems (e.g. breathlessness, hoarseness, or pain when speaking).

• People experiencing difficulty swallowing food or drink.

Our Speech Pathologists operate from the Allegro Geraldton clinic and travel throughout the Midwest region (including Dongara, Kalbarri, Northampton, Mullewa, Yalgoo, Eneabba, Mingenew, Three Springs, and Carnamah) to undertake individual assessments, compile reports, deliver treatments and facilitate education and training for Therapy and Education Assistants.

You don’t need a referral to see a Speech Pathologist at Allegro. For any inquiries or to make a booking, please contact us HERE.