First Off, take a deep breath, its OK
It’s not something to be scared of or secretive about. It’s not your fault, and it’s not something you did wrong. Sometimes, kids or teenagers just need a little extra support, and that’s where we come in.
What does a Speech Pathologist do?
In simple terms, speech pathologists help people communicate better and connect with the world around them. There are two parts to communication, what the brain hears and processes (called receptive language) and how the brain talks (called expressive language). In order to speak, we need to be able to process what has been spoken to us! That’s where we come in. Whether that’s supporting a child to understand in the classroom, connect with peers (social skills), speak using correct speech sounds, follow instructions- the list goes on! Speech pathologists also work on literacy skills (reading and writing) as these are another form of communication.
Speech pathologists love what they do (they wouldn’t be in this field if they didn’t!), and their goal is to make life easier for you and your child / teenager.
How do you get started?
You may have been referred to a "speechie" (a friendly term for a speech pathologist) by your GP, a teacher, or another health professional. If you are concerned about your child you don’t need a referral to see a speech pathologist typically, unless you want to access support from a government run service.
What are the different ways I can get funding?
There are many ways you can receive funding. One is through your GP via a healthcare plan, your private health insurance or through the NDIS. Most funding schemes occur before the age of 7 years so the earlier you get help, the better. There is a bit of info to process regarding different types of funding, so we will share more on that in a later blog..
Why Book an Appointment?
Early support makes a big difference. In fact, the majority of brain development occurs before the age of 4 and continues throughout childhood and adolescents.
If your child or teenager is struggling with any aspect of communication, they might feel frustrated, have difficulty making friends, be behind in their literacy skills or even start to dislike school. Therefore, early intervention is key to avoid social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. We want every child to be seen, heard and understood (not to mention LOVE school).
At Peter Habit Therapy Co, we work with both you and your child to navigate these challenges, making sure they feel confident and supported.
Please contact us if you have any questions- big or small.