Speech Pathology
Red Flags for Referral Speech Pathology Pre-Consultation Questionnaire Speech Pathology Team
“Communication – the process of being able to understand and to be understood – is something most of us take for granted. Communication disorders are the result of problems with speech, using and understanding language, voice, fluency, hearing, or reading and writing.” (source SPA).
Speech pathologists, also known as speech-language pathologists or speech therapists, assist in the assessment and treatment of a person who has a communication disorder.
Communication disorders include:
Speech disorders:
- articulation – producing sounds correctly in words or sentences.
- voice – problems with voice volume, pitch or voice quality (i.e., hoarseness).
- fluency (stuttering) - speech is interrupted by abnormal stoppages or repetitions (m-m-mummy), or prolonging sounds (mmmmummy).
- oral or feeding difficulties – difficulties with drooling, eating or swallowing.
Language disorders:
- receptive language – understanding or processing language. Children with a receptive language disorder may have difficulties with following instructions.
- Expressive language – using language to be understood. Children with expressive language disorders may have difficulties with using the right words and putting words into sentences.
- Pragmatic language (social communication) – using language in a social context; knowing what to say, when to say and how to say something in relation to another person. Children with pragmatic language disorders make not know how to start a conversation, interrupt or talk over you, or respond inappropriately.
Speech pathologists at SPOT for Kids are able to provide comprehensive assessment, treatment and consultation with children and adolescents with speech, language, social communication and swallowing difficulties.
Our speech pathologists may be involved in working with your child in the following ways:
1. Assessment
This can involve a comprehensive speech and/or language assessment. Assessments are usually performed at our clinic, in the child’s home or at school. Assessments may include observations of the child at school or another setting where the child frequently communicates with others.
2. Treatment
Treatment can include:
- individual therapy at the SPOT clinic, at home, at school or in the community
- group therapy at the SPOT clinic, school or community
- home programs to maximise the child’s development and skills
3. Consultation
Home, school, and daycare centre visits can be organised to consult with care givers, teachers and parents about supporting a child’s speech and language development. Speech pathologists may consult with other health professionals who may already be involved with your child.
Our speech pathologists have experience in working with children with acquired brain injuries, developmental delay, autism, motor speech disorders and articulation disorders.
Red Flags for Referral to Speech Pathology
Speech
- delay in acquisition of speech sounds
- difficulty producing certain speech sounds
- unintelligible when speaking, particulary when saying long sentences or telling a story
- stuttering
- frustration or behaviour problems due to speech difficulties
- voice problems, such as inadequate volume, hoarse voice quality
Language
- difficulties with following instructions
- difficulties forming sentences
- incorrect use of grammar
- frustration or behaviour problems
- word finding difficulties
Social skills
- difficulty playing with other children
- inability to share or turn-take when playing with others
- inability to initiate interactions
- inability to maintain a conversation or take turns in a conversation
- following instructions
Speech Pathology Pre-Consultation Questionnaire
It would be helpful if you were able to make a few notes about your child’s development and abilities in various areas prior to their first speech pathology consultation.
Please click here to fill out and submit the pre-assessment questionnaire.
You may also like to send some examples of any relevant therapy/neurological or orthopedic reports at the end of the form.