Speech Pathology Wollongong

A speech pathologist will work with clients, their parents and carers, as well as other support persons in order to help the client achieve their speech, language and communication goals. A speech pathologist will also work alongside a client to produce a thorough assessment and create a personalised intervention program for individuals who need support in a range of areas. Speech pathologists help to diagnose and provide intervention services to treat a range of delays and disorders that may interfere with a persons’ ability to communicate. 

Speech pathologists may assist people with speaking, communicating, listening, understanding language, reading, writing and developing and using social skills. They are also able to support children with voice disorders or who experience difficulty producing fluent speech (stuttering). Speech pathologists frequently work with children who have disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Global Developmental Delay, Intellectual Disability and Down Syndrome.

Relise your speech , language and communication goals

Our speech pathology team in Wollongong can work with individuals and their wider support network in order to create solutions for clients who require assistance and support within: 

• Language – Listening, comprehending and understanding spoken language. This includes following instructions and answering and responding to a range of questions.

• Speech – Speaking clearly and being understood by others

• Voice – Improving clarity and quality of voice sounds (including volume) as well as vocal hygiene

• Play and Social Skills – Developing play skills that are essential for learning language and interacting with others in a range of environments

• Literacy – Spelling, reading, and writing (including comprehension)

• Augmentative or Alternative Communication (AAC) – Teaching the client how to utilise different forms of communication (e.g., technology, communication boards, etc.)

• Stuttering – Speaking smoothly and clearly

• Individual Therapy – Individualised assessment and tailored intervention programs that are developed and delivered by our therapy teams
• Multi-therapist sessions – Some clients may benefit from access to more than one therapist within a session at a time (e.g., speech pathology and occupational therapy)
• Telehealth services – Through telehealth, clients are able to access a range of therapy services, including speech pathology in Wollongong, from Direct Focus Solution online via a video call

There are a range of reasons why a child or adult may benefit from attending speech pathology in Wollongong. A referral is not required to see a speech pathologist but your GP can provide you with a Primary Health Care Plan which you can claim through Medicare.

As a parent or carer, if you have any concerns about your child’s ability to communicate, including talking, understanding what other people say, stuttering or difficulty producing speech sounds, a speech pathologist will be able to conduct an assessment and provide further information.

Augmentative or Alternative Communication (AAC) is a term used for each of the different ways through which people can communicate aside from speaking. AAC can be used for children or adults who do not have the ability to speak, or it can be used as an extra method of communication in therapy to help children learn verbal language. There are many types of AAC, including low-tech and high-tech options.

No or Low-tech options include:

• Gesture

• Key Word Sign

• Sign language

•  Facial Expression

• Pointing to photos, pictures, or written words

• Communication boardss

• Visual Schedules

High tech options include:

• Using a communication app on a device such as an iPad or tablet

• Using a dedicated voice-output communication device