Language

Language is how children express their thoughts, needs, and ideas, and how they understand what others say. It includes skills such as understanding questions, following instructions, using age-appropriate grammar and sentence structure, and developing a strong and meaningful vocabulary.

 

Speech

Speech refers to a child’s ability to produce sounds clearly so that they can be understood by others. As children grow, their speech skills typically improve and their ability to say a wider range of sounds develops. When speech difficulties persist, children may find it harder to communicate confidently and build relationships with peers.

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Stuttering

Stuttering is a fluency disorder where a child may repeat sounds, syllables, or whole words. It can also involve stretching out sounds or experiencing “blocks” where no sound comes out. Stuttering can affect a child’s flow of speech, making it more challenging for them to communicate smoothly.

 

Literacy Skills

Literacy skills form the foundation for reading and writing. These include phonological awareness skills such as identifying letter sounds, recognising rhyme, blending and segmenting sounds, and manipulating sounds within words. Strong literacy foundations help children become confident, capable readers and writers.

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Social Skills

Social skills are the skills we use every day to interact with others. They include both verbal and non-verbal communication, such as speech, gestures, eye contact, turn-taking, facial expressions, and body language. These skills help children build friendships, participate in group activities, and express themselves appropriately in different settings.

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Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Not all children communicate verbally. Speech Pathologists can support families in exploring other ways for their child to communicate effectively. AAC options can include key word signing, communication boards, picture exchange systems (PECS), or high-tech devices and apps. These tools help children express their needs, connect with others, and participate more fully in daily life.