Speech-Language Therapy Services

Speech-language therapy services are provided through individual, group, class and home programs. Services include direct therapy with individuals, groups and classes, consultancy to teachers and school staff, and advice to parents.

Speech-language pathologists work closely with teachers, in and out of the classroom, and are integral members of the education team. Speech-language pathologists also work closely with other support staff including support teachers: learning difficulties and advisory visiting teachers for speech-language impairment.

Services are available to:

Ä    children from birth to leaving school

Ä    parents and families

Ä    teachers and school personnel

Ä    administrators

Ä    other professionals.

The Role of SLPs in Schools

Special needs in communication can significantly affect a student's ability to learn. Therefore, speech-language pathologists play an important role in the educational process.

In Education Queensland, speech-language pathologists work within the education team to determine educational needs and programs for students with special needs in communication and/or eating, drinking and swallowing disabilities.

The speech-language pathologist's role includes:

Ä    the primary role in diagnosing

Ä  speech-language impairment

Ä  communication disabilities

Ä  eating, drinking and swallowing disabilities

Ä    working with:

Ä  students with the entire range of special needs in communication

Ä  students with speech-language impairment, communication disabilities, and eating, drinking and swallowing disabilities

Ä  teachers

Ä  families

Ä    consulting in language and communication across the curriculum, including assisting with individual education plans

Ä    liaising with other agencies and community groups.

Communication and Learning

Communication:

Ä    begins at birth

Ä    occurs between people

Ä    requires complex abilities

Ä    is an integral part of the learning process

Ä    applies to all curriculum areas.

Special needs in communication, including speech, language, voice and fluency, can affect a student's:

Ä    learning

Ä    interaction with other children and adults

Ä    participation in activities at home and school

Ä    self-esteem

Ä    behaviour.

Approximately 14% of students have special needs in communication.

Speech-language therapy assists students who have special needs in communication.

Speech-language therapy services are provided by speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Speech-language pathologists in Australia undertake a four-year degree course in the development of communication and in the management of services for children and adults with special needs in communication and eating, drinking and swallowing disabilities.

Special Needs in Communication

Special needs in communication range from mild to severe, and can be short term or long term. Even a mild problem, however, can have an effect on a student's self-esteem, social skills and learning.

Speech-language pathologists provide services for children who have special needs in the following:

Language

This includes understanding, production and use of spoken language and the development of reading and expressive writing skills.

Speech sounds

Speech refers to the sounds and patterns of sounds that we make to form spoken words.

Fluency

Dysfluent speaking is called stuttering.

Voice

Damage or misuse of the vocal cords and the voice tract can lead to voice problems.

Social interaction skills

Communication problems can affect a child's interpersonal relationships and behaviour.

Eating, drinking and swallowing

Some children with disabilities may need assistance to develop eating, drinking and swallowing skills.

Communication systems

Some children require augmentative and alternative communication systems, e.g. signs, symbols and/or the use of communication displays and devices.

Further information about Speech-Language Therapy is available by contacting the Speech Language Pathologist through the Middle Campus.