11 Mar 2018

BY: admin

Speech Pathologist

Comments: No Comments

Stuttering – What is it?

There are many misconceptions about what stuttering is. Stuttering is a speech disorder consisting of unwanted disruption of the normal rhythm of fluency of speech defined by repetitions of sounds, words or phrases (e.g. “I-I-I want”, “but-but mum!”, prolongations or the drawing out of sounds (e.g. mmmmmum!), as well as blocking resulting in the inability to produce a word – getting ‘stuck’.

Stuttering is NOT caused by parents 
Stuttering is NOT caused by anxiety or stress (Although stress can increase the stutter, it is not the cause)
People who stutter are NOT nervous or shy.
Stuttering is NOT learnt by imitating a family member’s speech.
Stuttering is NOT caused by a low IQ.

Early intervention is very important as children can overcome stuttering but they will need help.

Please call Tracey on 9274 7062 or more information about how our speech pathology services can help children with stuttering.

Georgina Klimaitis
Speech Pathologist

04 Feb 2018

BY: admin

Speech Pathologist

Comments: No Comments

Phonological Awareness and Literacy

Phonological Awareness (PA) skills are crucial for children when they begin learning to read and spell.

PA skills are also known as pre-literacy skills that children develop in Kindergarten and Pre-Primary in preparation for higher reading and writing demands of Year One.

During this time children learn to differentiate sounds in phrases and words. They learn to clap out the sounds in words (syllables), identify the letters and sounds in the alphabet, learn about rhyming words, identifying sounds within words, and begin to blend sounds together.

These skills are crucial for a child beginning to learn to the read and write.Teachers are usually the first to spot whether children are struggling in this area. So they are a great place to start if you have any concerns.

Speech pathologists are often able to assist both in terms of helping children develop PA skills and broader language skills. Best time to help children develop these skills is in the early years.

Please call Tracey (Reception) on 9274 7062 if you would like to know more about our Speech Pathology services in the Centre.

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