An Overview…

Speech Pathology, also referred to as Speech Therapy, is a specialised Allied Health service provided by trained and educated professionals referred to as ‘Speech Pathologists.’

Speech Pathologists are qualified professionals who “have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of communication and swallowing, and communication and swallowing needs, throughout an individual’s lifespan” (Speech Pathology Australia, 2020).

Communication and swallowing characteristics associated with delay, disorder, disability, impairment or loss, often influence a person’s social, personal, community and work-related interactions and therefore result in recommendation and need for speech pathology support.

• Speech Pathologists aim to help improve and enhance a person’s communication skills for a range of reasons and in a variety of contexts relevant to the individual. Communication support is often targeted at verbal (speech) communication, written communication, signed communication, non-speaking communication, augmentative or alternative communication. Through a combination of background information, assessment outcomes and observations, communication supports are recommended and individualised to the specific supports needed by individuals. Speech Pathologists also advocate for community-focused communication access.

• Speech Pathologists aim to improve swallowing skills and mealtime management skills for the purpose of promoting swallow safety, health, well-being and feeding access. Swallowing support is often targeted at eating of foods, drinking of fluids, swallowing of medication, saliva management, sucking, chewing and mealtime management processes to promote protection of the airway and lungs.

For more information about Speech Pathology services, please feel free to contact our practice and make an enquiry.