What is Stuttering? Stuttering is a speech disorder which is defined by dysfluencies in a person’s speech. The cause of stuttering is not currently known but research has shown some relation to genetics. That is, if there is a history of stuttering in the family, there is a likelier chance that your child may stutter. Stuttering can be characterised by: … Read More
Speech and Language Milestones in the First Year
Often as parents of infants (<12months old) we are very focused on the physical milestones of rolling, sitting and early walking as indicators of our child’s gross motor development. Did you know that there are equally important key skills we look out for in infants as they develop the potential of speech and language? Dr Robyn Cantle Moore and Kim … Read More
How do you feel today? – Early emotional language
We learn about our feelings – both physical and emotional from our first day. If those early days and even weeks or months are unsettled or disrupted we easily miss out on those early learning experiences. As we settle into our lives in these early days, sometimes the interactions and routines that are established leave out the steps that help … Read More
Importance of Questions
Questions, Questions, Questions. We all use questions in our everyday conversations. Some questions help us gain – information. These include “who, “what”, “where”, “when” and “how” questions. gain reassurance or confirmation, such as “Is it?” and “Does it?” check or test that the other person has understood; and give instructions politely or gently, such as ‘would you like to get … Read More
Phonological Awareness
Literacy refers to the ability to read and write. However, in order to succeed at these skills, children need to first develop phonological awareness skills. Letter sound knowledge and phonological awareness skills are found to be predictors of reading success. These are often referred to as ‘pre-literacy’ skills or the building blocks for literacy. Phonological awareness refers to the knowledge … Read More
Enjoying The Christmas Season With Your Child With Special Needs
The Christmas season whilst filled with many joyful things can be a tough time especially for families with special needs. Sometimes it can feel like there are endless struggles and meltdowns. Sometimes we may even wish our kids could just go back to school and have the structure and routine they are used to. It can be hard to navigate … Read More
Is Telehealth Speech Therapy Effective for People Who Have Autism?
COVID-19 came into everyone’s lives at an unpredictable time. It has affected every aspect of our lives, including the ability for people with Autism to access speech and language therapy. Switching from in-person speech and language therapy to Telehealth has not been easy, but the great thing about Telehealth is that it has allowed people with Autism to continue their … Read More
When is the best time to treat stuttering?
What is stuttering? Stuttering is a disorder which causes people to have difficulty talking, particularly with their fluency of speech. It is most noticeable as repetitions of sounds in words, whole words and prolongations of sounds or pauses in speech known as ‘blocks.’ What does stuttering sound like? Below is some information about the types of stutters you may hear … Read More
Books are Brilliant
All children need to experience books. Playing with the pages, looking at pictures and words in good old favourites or new books brings life-long benefits. Sharing books is associated with well-being and promotes literacy later at school. Many of us can remember the books that we loved as children, which still bring us joy as adults, and even more so … Read More
Five things you can do to support your child’s literacy
Parents play an important role with developing a child’s literacy skills. Here a five things you can do with your child at home to support their literacy skills: Set aside time for reading every day. Reading before bedtime is a good habit to get into. Use your finger to move across the page with each word to help your child … Read More