Speech Pathology in Adelaide
When accessing Speech Pathology in Adelaide, one of your child's goals might be to increase his/her ability to understand and use words (e.g. following instructions/using 3-4 word phrases to communicate).
Our Speech Pathologists in Adelaide are trained to support the communicative development of children. Trained and equipped with experience in different types of therapy methods, tips and tricks to facilitate their language development, our Speech Pathologists in Adelaide can ensure that your child is getting the most they can out of therapy.
Supporting your child's progress at home
a. Tips from our Speech Pathologists In Adelaide Adelaide
Apart from accessing specialised support from our Speech Pathologists in Adelaide, you as parents, who are with your child more often than we are, play a vital role in your child's progress in their speech development. Here are some simple things you can do to support your child at home.
Respond to all spontaneous sound-making or vocalizations by giving your child your full and immediate attention, and by giving a positive reinforcement, such as a hug or smile.
Develop imitation and turn-taking skills. First, imitate what your child does spontaneously. Then encourage her to imitate motor activities such as clapping hands, rolling a ball back and forth, or putting blocks into a box. Help your child to take turns by saying “My turn” and “Your turn” and by holding your child's hands back until it is her turn. Try to keep this going for several turns. Once your child engages in imitation and turn-taking, you can begin to model sounds, words and then sentences for her to imitate.
Have your child imitate animal sounds, motor sounds, speech sounds and words. Have her watch and occasionally feel your lips, face, and throat as you produce sounds and words.
Have your child imitate animal sounds, motor sounds, speech sounds and words. Have her watch and occasionally feel your lips, face, and throat as you produce sounds and words.
If your child communicates solely by gesturing, pointing or signs, encourage her to vocalize along with the gestures. Say the word that would go with the gesture so that Lambrini will learn the word.
Reward your child's speech attempts by giving her your full attention and not interrupting. Smile and respond to your child enthusiastically, even if you don't understand every word.
Give your child choices between two items. Lambrini may respond verbally or by pointing, gesturing, or eye gaze. (These are all forms of communication). For example, “Do you want to wear your teddy bear pyjamas or your race car pyjamas?” “Do you want to use your “Bob the Builder” or “Dora” toothbrush?”
Do not anticipate your child's every need. Encourage your child to tell you what she wants rather than allowing her to use gestures. You can say to "Tell me what you want. Do you want a cookie? Tell me 'cookie.' You say 'cookie.'" Leave toys and items that your child often wants out of reach so she has to ask for them. Be careful not to demand a verbal request for something that you will give her anyway (like her milk). Encourage your child to say these words too but make your demands for items that you don't have to give her (such as a cookie or a toy).
Home practice is also a vital part of Speech Therapy In Adelaide. Your child will require regular practising at home in order to get the most out of these sessions. The more you practice, the faster they'll progress. Your child's speech pathologist in Adelaide will guide you on how you can engage in these home practices with your child.
At Nurture Speech Pathology, it is our pride and passion to help your little ones thrive in order to help them develop nurturing relationships for a better quality of life. With the help of our experienced therapists, we aim to make sure your little one is able to use the powers of words to help them get out in the world with confidence. Contact us now.