Speech Pathology

Our Speech Pathologists covers a broad range of issues and skills related to communication. Our Speech Pathologists works with classroom staff and students to assist with development of skills in the following areas:

• Development of speech, through process of sounds - words - phrases - sentences - conversation.
  
  
• Development of language structures (sentences, rules and grammar).
  
  
• Development of alternative forms of communicating such as signing, pictures, picture exchange (PECS), objects and electronic devices.

• Eating and swallowing.
  
  
• Saliva control (drooling).
  
  
• Assisting with literacy development.

Students work on a wide variety of communication goals, such as:

• Increasing the student’s spoken language (speech).
  
  
• Improving the student’s use of signing and picture symbols to express themselves, and to aid comprehension.
  
  
• Improving control of oral and facial musculature.
  
  
• Improving clarity of the student’s speech.
  
  
• Increasing the student’s ability and willingness to communicate.
  
  
• Developing early communication skills, such as choice-making.

To achieve these goals for Yarrabah students our Speech Pathologist works closely within the classroom, with teachers  and coeducators and parents to ensure consistant strategies are used between home and school. Many of the therapy exercises and activities need to be carried out at home as well as in therapy sessions, to be truly effective, so effective communication between all those involved with the student is vital.