Speech Pathologists study, diagnose and treat communication disorders, including difficulties with speaking, listening, understanding language, reading, writing, social skills, stuttering and using voice.

They work with people who have difficulty communicating because of diagnosis’ such as Autism, developmental delays, stroke, brain injuries, learning disability, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, dementia and hearing loss, as well as other diagnosis’ that can affect speech and language. Speech pathologists can also help people who experience difficulties swallowing food and drink safely.

Some reasons that an adult or child may require speech pathology includes;

• Difficulties articulating/pronouncing words correctly
• Memory decline or deficits
• Difficulties in social situations
• Difficulties with reading, writing or spelling
• Stuttering
• Vocal changes – voice is too soft, hurts to talk, strain in muscles of the neck
• Difficulties following directions or understanding what others are saying
• Your child is a later talker – limited use of words by 1.5-2 years old

Feeding therapy is provided by Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists who study, diagnose, and treat feeding and swallowing disorders.

Feeding therapy is provided by Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists who study, diagnose, and treat feeding and swallowing disorders.

Some reasons that an adult or child may require feeding therapy includes;

• Difficulties with breastfeeding including latching
• Difficulties transitioning from milk to puree to solid foods
• Fussy or picky eating
• Limited diet – only eats plain foods, only likes certain textures etc.
• Unintentional weight-loss
• Sensory aversions to foods e.g. doesn’t like red food, doesn’t like squishy food
• Difficutly physically chewing and swallowing (also addressed by Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy)
• Difficulties holding food in the mouth
• Unwanted mealtime behaviours present e.g. tantrums, food throwing etc.
• Pain or discomfort when swallowing
• Coughing, choking, or vomiting during or after mealtimes
• Prolonged mealtimes – children longer than 20-25minutes, adults longer than 25-30minutes of actually consuming the food.

Orofacial Myofunctional therapy is generally provided by Speech Pathologists, Dentists, and Orthodontists who create individualised therapy programs that include exercises to help restore normal strength and co-ordination of the muscles of the face and tongue, as well as restructuring the jaw and face for optimal health benefits. OM Therapy supports optimal functioning of breathing, swallowing, chewing and speaking. This is a non-invasive therapeutic option that helps to address root causes of problems, not just the symptoms.

Some reasons that an adult or child may require OM therapy includes;

• Having tethered oral tissues including tongue, lip or cheek ties
• Snoring and/or mouth breathing behaviours
• Poor postural stability of the head and neck
• Difficulties chewing or pain in your jaw when chewing
• Migraines
• Incorrect dentition – overbites, crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, cross bites. May be caused by genetic factors, or environmental factors such as overuse of a pacifier (use beyond 12 months of age), overuse of sippy cups, mouth breathing or snoring.
• Incorrect articulation/pronunciation of words

TAYLORS BEACH

Unit 5/16 Shearwater Drive, Taylors Beach, Worimi Country 2316 NSW
info@eatspeakrepeat.com
Phone (02) 4072 1419