Category: Speech Pathology

Communication difficulties can impact learning, relationships, work and independence. Discover how speech pathology supports people of all ages to build communication skills, confidence and new opportunities through National 360. 

Communication is at the heart of everyday life. It helps us share ideas, build relationships, learn new skills, express our needs and participate in the world around us. When communication becomes difficult, even simple daily interactions can feel challenging. 

This Speech Pathology Week, National 360 is celebrating the theme of “Communication Creates Possibility“ by recognising the vital role communication plays in connection, confidence and independence. For people experiencing communication difficulties, speech pathology can open doors to new opportunities at home, school, work and within the community. 

What Are Communication Difficulties?

Communication difficulties can affect people of all ages and may impact the way a person understands, expresses or interacts with others. 

Communication challenges can include: 

• Difficulty understanding spoken language 

• Challenges expressing thoughts, ideas or feelings 

• Speech that is difficult for others to understand 

• Stuttering or interruptions to the flow of speech 

• Difficulties with reading and writing 

• Challenges or differences with social communication and conversation skills 

• Voice difficulties 

• Need to use alternative methods of communication, such as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) 

Communication difficulties may be present from childhood or develop later in life due to injury, illness, neurological conditions or other factors. Every person’s experience is unique, which is why individualised support is so important. 

How Communication Difficulties Affect Everyday Life and Why Speech Pathology Matters

Communication influences nearly every aspect of daily living. When communication is challenging, people may face barriers that affect their participation, confidence and wellbeing. 

Learning and Education 

Communication skills support learning, literacy and classroom participation. Children with communication difficulties may find it harder to follow instructions, engage in discussions, build friendships and demonstrate their knowledge. Early speech pathology support can improve participation and confidence at school. 

Relationships and Social Connection 

Communication plays a vital role in building relationships, and people connect in many different ways. Some people use speech, AAC, gestures, movement, visuals, written language, or other forms of communication to express themselves and engage with others. When communication barriers arise, it can be more difficult for people to share who they are, connect with others, and participate confidently in everyday social situations. Speech pathology support can help strengthen communication and connection by fostering approaches that feel authentic, accessible, and meaningful for each person.

Employment and Community Participation 

Communication skills support participation in workplaces, education and community activities. Improving communication can increase confidence, independence and engagement across everyday environments. 

Independence and Self-Advocacy 

Communication supports decision-making, self-advocacy and independence. Speech pathology recognises that independence does not need to look the same for everyone. Instead of aiming for people to communicate in one “typical” way, speech pathologists support each person to understand their own communication preferences, express their needs, make choices, set boundaries and advocate for supports or adjustments that help them participate more fully in everyday life. This may include sensory-aware strategies, or strength-based coaching with families, educators, workplaces and support teams so that the environment becomes more accessible and responsive.

How Speech Pathology Supports Communication

Speech pathologists work with people across the lifespan to support communication, participation and quality of life. 

Depending on individual goals, speech pathology support may focus on: 

• Speech clarity and intelligibility 

• Language development and comprehension 

• Social communication

• Literacy development 

• Fluency and stuttering support 

• Voice therapy 

• AAC assessment and support 

• Communication strategies for everyday environments 

Speech pathology is not about achieving a single definition of “perfect communication.” Instead, it focuses on helping individuals communicate effectively in ways that are meaningful to them and aligned with their goals. 

Creating Possibilities Through Communication

The theme “Communication Creates Possibility” highlights the impact communication can have at every stage of life. Effective communication helps children engage in learning and friendships, supports teenagers to build independence and confidence, and enables adults to participate in work, relationships and community life. For people who use AAC, the right support can create greater opportunities for connection, decision-making and self-advocacy. Communication empowers people to express themselves, build relationships and participate in the activities that matter most.  

Supporting Someone with Communication Difficulties

Families, carers, educators and support networks all play an important role in creating communication-friendly environments. 

Simple ways to support communication include: 

• Give extra time for communication.  

• Reduce distractions during conversations.  

• Use clear, supportive communication strategies.  

• Respect and encourage all forms of communication. 

Small adjustments can make a meaningful difference in helping people feel heard, understood and included. 

Celebrating Speech Pathology Week 

Speech Pathology Week is an opportunity to raise awareness of communication difficulties and recognise the positive impact speech pathologists have on people’s lives. 

At National 360, we see every day how communication creates possibility. Whether it’s a child developing the confidence to speak in class, a participant learning to use AAC, or an adult working towards greater independence, communication can be the foundation for meaningful progress and participation. 

Every person deserves the opportunity to communicate in ways that work for them, build connections with others and achieve the goals that matter most. 

How National 360 Can Support You

At National 360, our multidisciplinary allied health team provides personalised support for people of all ages across Australia. 

Our team includes: 

• Occupational Therapists  

• Speech Pathologists  

• Positive Behaviour Support Practitioners  

• Physiotherapists 

• Early Childhood Practitioners through our 360 Kids program 

We work collaboratively with participants, families, carers and support networks to deliver evidence-based, person-centred support that promotes communication, participation, independence and wellbeing. 

Our Speech Pathologists support people with speech, language, literacy, fluency, voice, social communication and AAC needs. We deliver personalised, evidence-based support in homes, schools, workplaces, clinics and community settings through the NDIS, private funding, aged care packages and other pathways. 

Start Your Communication Journey Today 

If you or someone you support is experiencing communication difficulties, the right support can help create new opportunities for connection, learning, independence and participation. 

To learn more about National 360’s Speech Pathology services or to connect with our team, visit our Get Started page and take the first step towards achieving your communication goals. 

 

As a parent, it’s natural to watch your child’s development and compare their communication skills with other children their age. While every child develops at their own pace, speech therapy for toddlers can be beneficial when extra support is needed to develop speech (articulation), language (talking/understanding) and communication skills.

If you have noticed your child is using fewer words than expected, struggling to communicate their needs, or becoming frustrated when trying to express themselves, you may be wondering whether extra support could help.

What Is Speech Therapy for Toddlers?

Speech therapy for toddlers is support provided by a qualified Speech Pathologist to help young children develop their communication skills. Speech therapy is not only about helping children pronounce sounds clearly it also supports a child’s ability to understand words and sentences, express themselves and interact with others. 

Speech therapy for toddlers may support areas including: 

• Learning and using new words  

• Combining words into sentences  

• Understanding instructions and questions  

• Communicating wants, needs and feelings  

• Developing speech sounds and clarity  

• Building social communication skills  

• Improving confidence when interacting with others  

Every child’s communication journey is different. A Speech Pathologist can assess your child’s individual strengths and challenges and provide strategies that support their development. 

For more information about communication milestones, you can refer to the Raising Children Network’s guide on speech and language development.

Signs Your Toddler May Benefit from Speech Therapy

While all children develop differently, there are some common signs that may indicate your child could benefit from speech therapy for toddlers.

Around 12 months

Some signs to look out for include:

• Limited babbling or sound-making 
• Not responding consistently to their name
• Few gestures such as pointing, waving or showing objects
• Limited attempts to communicate with others  

Around 18 months 

Some toddlers may benefit from support if they: 

• Use fewer than 10–20 words  
• Have difficulty copying sounds or words  
• Rarely attempt to communicate their needs  
• Become frustrated when trying to express themselves  

Around 2 years 

Signs that speech therapy may be helpful include: 

• Using fewer than 50 words  
• Not combining two words together (for example, “more juice”)  
• Difficulty following simple instructions  
• Speech that is difficult for familiar people to understand  

Around 3 years 

A child may benefit from further support if they: 

• Use only 1-2 words in a sentence 
• Have difficulty joining in conversations or play  
• Struggle to explain ideas or experiences  
• Are difficult for others to understand  

Not every child who experiences these challenges will require therapy, but early advice from a Speech Pathologist can provide reassurance and guidance on the best next steps. 

What Can Cause Speech and Language Difficulties in Toddlers?

There are many reasons why a toddler may experience challenges with communication development. Some common factors include: 

Hearing difficulties 

Children learn language through listening and interacting with others. Hearing difficulties, even mild ones, can affect speech and language development. 

Developmental differences 

Some children may experience broader developmental differences that impact communication skills. 

Autism spectrum differences 

Some children with autism may experience differences in communication, language development and social interaction. 

Speech sound or oral motor difficulties 

Some children may have difficulty coordinating the movements needed to produce certain speech sounds clearly. 

Understanding the reason behind communication difficulties helps Speech Pathologists create personalised strategies to support each child. 

Speech Therapy for Toddlers vs Typical Development

Many parents wonder whether their child is simply developing at their own pace or whether they may benefit from speech therapy for toddlers.

Typical communication development involves children gradually learning new words, understanding more language, using gestures, engaging in play and becoming more confident communicators. 

A toddler who may benefit from speech therapy might show slower progress, difficulty learning new communication skills or challenges using language in everyday situations. 

Seeking support early does not mean something is wrong. It simply provides your child with additional tools and strategies to support their development. 

How Can Speech Therapy Help Toddlers?

Early intervention is an important part of supporting children’s communication development. During the early years, children’s brains are rapidly developing, making this a valuable time to introduce strategies that encourage learning and connection. 

Speech therapy for toddlers may help to support: 

• Expanding vocabulary and language skills  

• Developing clearer speech  

• Improving understanding and following instructions  

• Encouraging communication through play  

• Building social interaction skills  

• Helping parents and carers support communication at home  

Speech Pathologists work closely with families, helping caregivers incorporate communication strategies into everyday routines such as mealtimes, play and community activities. 

Early Childhood Speech Therapy Through 360 Kids

360 Kids – Early Childhood Services provides early childhood supports across Australia for children of all abilities and backgrounds. 

Our team understands that every child develops differently. We provide personalised support that focuses on each child’s strengths, goals and individual communication needs. 

Through a family-centred approach, our clinicians work alongside parents, carers and other support providers to help children build skills that are meaningful in everyday life. 

Our early childhood supports may include: 

• Communication assessments and reports  

• Individualised therapy planning  

• Speech Pathology support  

• Communication strategies for families  

• Collaboration with educators and support teams  

• Recommendations to support participation and independence  

The Benefits of Early Speech Therapy for Toddlers

Accessing support early can help children develop important communication skills and build confidence. 

At 360 Kids, our multidisciplinary team works together to provide coordinated support for children aged 0–9 years, with ongoing allied health services available as children grow. 

Our goal is not only to support progress during therapy sessions, but to help children use their skills confidently at home, in childcare, at school and within their community. 

How Speech Pathologists Support Toddlers

A Speech Pathologist can support toddlers with a range of communication areas, including: 

Language Development 

Supporting children to:

• Learn new words 

• Understand language 

• Build sentences 

• Follow instructions 

Speech Development

Helping children:

• Produce sounds more clearly 

• Improve speech intelligibility 

• Develop confidence when speaking 

Social Communication

Supporting children to:

• Build confidence

• Engage with others in their preferred way 

• Communicate effectively with others 

When Should Parents Consider Speech Therapy for Their Toddler?

You may wish to seek advice from a Speech Pathologist if your child: 

• Is not meeting expected communication milestones  

• Uses fewer words than expected for their age  

• Becomes upset or frustrated when communicating  

• Has difficulty understanding instructions  

• Has difficulty interacting with others  

• Has stopped using words or skills they previously had  

If you have concerns about your child’s communication development, early guidance can provide clarity and help you understand what support may be beneficial. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Speech Therapy for Toddlers 

What age can toddlers start speech therapy? 

Children can access speech therapy from any age. Early support can help identify communication challenges and provide strategies to encourage development. 

Does speech therapy mean my toddler has a serious problem? 

No. Speech therapy is designed to support children with a wide range of communication needs, from mild speech sound difficulties to more complex developmental challenges. 

Will speech therapy help my toddler talk? 

Speech therapy can support children to develop communication skills, including learning words, building sentences and expressing their needs. Progress will depend on each child’s individual needs and goals. 

Supporting Your Toddler’s Communication Journey

Every child’s communication journey is unique. While some variation in development is expected, accessing support early can help children build the skills they need to communicate, connect and participate confidently. 

If you are considering speech therapy for toddlers, a Speech Pathologist can provide guidance, assessment and practical strategies tailored to your child. 

How National 360 Can Support Your Child

At National 360, our multidisciplinary allied health team provides personalised support for children and families across Australia. 

Our team includes: 

• Occupational Therapists 

• Speech Pathologists

• Positive Behaviour Support Practitioners

• Physiotherapists  

• Early Childhood Practitioners through our 360 Kids program  

Our clinicians work collaboratively with families to provide evidence-based, family-centred support that promotes communication, participation and wellbeing. 

We deliver services in homes, clinics, schools and community settings, with support available through NDIS, private and other funding pathways. 

Start Your Child’s Speech Therapy Journey Today

If you have concerns about your toddler’s communication development, accessing support early can help your child build confidence and develop important communication skills. 

To learn more about speech therapy for toddlers or to book an appointment with our team, visit our Get Started page and begin your child’s support journey with National 360. 

 

Introducing Emily, our fabulous National Speech Pathology Clinical Lead at National 360!

Emily has worked at National 360 since 2021 and has had an exciting career progression during her tenure. Commencing at National 360 as a Supervisor, she then moved into an operational Team Leader role in Adelaide, South Australia, before transitioning into our clinical career pathway as a national Clinical Practice Advisor and becoming our new National Speech Pathology Clinical Lead!

It has been an absolute joy to have Emily as part of the National 360 team, sharing her strong clinical knowledge and leadership skills with not only her local teams in South Australia, but for clinicians and the business across the country.

To find out more about Emily, we asked her some questions about her career journey, her role as the National Speech Pathology Clinical Lead, what it is like working at National 360 + more!

Read our full interview with Emily below.

We would love to learn more about your journey as a Speech Pathologist. Could you share some details about you career history with us?

I began my academic journey at Flinders University in Adelaide before starting my professional career in Melbourne with the Victorian Education Department. Over three years in Melbourne, I gained diverse experience across multiple schools during my graduate year and then served as the resident Speech Pathologist at Willmott Park Primary School. There, I had the opportunity to be completely immersed in the school, advising and supporting the development of literacy curriculums, classroom language and play programs, and delivering teacher training and development projects.

Following my time in Melbourne, I moved to London, where I spent three years as a locum speech and language therapist in early intervention and school-aged health services. The COVID-19 pandemic brought unique challenges, during which I temporarily re-trained to assist on the front lines. This experience pushed me to innovate in supporting my clients and their families, and I developed a deep passion for parent coaching, which remains a key component of my clinical practice.

Returning to my hometown of Adelaide required some adjustment, but I am now thrilled to be part of National 360. Here, I have had the opportunity to work in a multi-disciplinary team, and to serve in various roles. I am dedicated to empowering our team to adopt neurodiverse-affirming practices and in fostering key worker and transdisciplinary approaches in our early intervention services.

What interested you in working in the allied health space? 

Before starting my career in Speech Pathology, I pursued a career in musical theatre. Through this I became very interested in the mechanics and science of voice, which ultimately led me to the field of speech pathology. My passion for helping others, coupled with my commitment to advocating for communication as a fundamental human right, further confirmed my dedication to this profession.

When did you start working at National 360, and why did you want to join the team?

I started working at National 360 in April 2021. I was eager to work in a multidisciplinary team and loved the supervision and mentoring structures on offer as well as giving me an opportunity to build my skills in supervision and leadership.

You have had a few different roles during your time at National 360. What has your career progression journey looked like at National 360?

I started in a Supervisor Level 2 role, then moved into a Team Leader role, temporary Clinical Practice Advisor, and now, the National Clinical Lead for Speech Pathology. I have felt extremely supported every step of the way to pursue my curiosity and career aspirations.

What do you think makes National 360 different from other community allied health providers?

The support I have been given by my direct line managers and clinical leaders has been exceptional. They have pushed me to be courageous, step outside of my comfort zone and believe in myself. The support structures and access to clinical mentoring is a fantastic and unique resource. Having an in-house purpose-built case management system which gets updated daily with our requests from our IT team is amazing!! I have never been in a team with a more supportive, positive culture and a company who values wellbeing and fun through a number of different initiatives.

What do you love most about your role as the National Speech Pathology Clinical Lead?

I feel extremely fortunate to lead a team of incredible Speech Pathologists. Waking up each day driven by the goal of fostering their clinical confidence while ensuring they find joy in their work is a true privilege.

What has been a highlight of time working at National 360?

Outreach work in Tasmania, and being a consultant on the development and launch of 360 Kids.

Do you have any advice for someone wanting to work in the NDIS community health space?

Discover what community work entails and what draws you to it, then select a provider who will support you in pursuing that passion.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself! 

I will be performing in a musical at the end of the year!

Learn more about Speech Pathology at National 360

Our Speech Pathology stream is growing across the country! If you’re looking to commence your career as a Speech Pathologist, or are wanting to make the change to working in a flexible community focused role, National 360 is the perfect place for you to grow in your career.

Learn more about our Speech Pathology service, and 360 Career opportunities by getting in touch with our friendly team:

• 1300 340 440
• careers@national360.com.au
• info@national360.com.au
• National 360 LinkedIn

AAC Assessment and Intervention – Empowering Communication for Individuals with Speech and Language Challenges

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) plays a crucial role in empowering individuals with speech and language challenges to express themselves effectively. These therapies are part of speech pathology intervention. For parents and support coordinators, understanding AAC assessment and intervention strategies is essential in optimizing communication outcomes for their loved ones or clients.

To ensure we are fully informed on what AAC is and how it can assist NDIS participants and clients, we will delve into comprehensive evaluation approaches, personalized interventions, and progress monitoring techniques, to provide key insights on how parents and support coordinators can navigate the world of AAC and promote meaningful communication for their NDIS participants, clients, and loved ones.

Let’s explore what Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is.

What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)?

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to a range of strategies, tools, and techniques that can be used to enhance and support communication for individuals who have difficulty with spoken or written language. These interventions are delivered by an NDIS-registered AAC is designed to assist individuals with various conditions, such as speech and language disorders, developmental disabilities, motor impairments, or injuries that affect communication abilities.

AAC encompasses a wide range of systems and methods that can be used in combination or individually, depending on the individual’s needs and abilities, and can be categorized into two main types:

1. Augmentative Communication: Augmentative communication refers to any form of communication that supplements or enhances an individual’s existing communication skills. For example, communication boards, picture-based systems, symbol charts, and low-tech communication aids are tools and techniques that can be used. Augmentative communication supports individuals who have partial speech or limited vocabulary to express themselves more effectively.
2. Alternative Communication: Alternative communication refers to methods used when an individual has little or no functional speech. It involves using alternative means to communicate, including speech-generating devices (SGDs), text-to-speech software, eye-tracking devices, or specialized computer programs. Alternative communication methods are particularly helpful for individuals with severe speech impairments or those who are unable to produce intelligible speech.

The goal of AAC is to provide individuals with a means to express themselves, interact with others, and fully participate in daily activities. It aims to bridge the communication gap, promote social engagement, support language development, and enhance overall quality of life for individuals who have difficulty with conventional forms of communication.

AAC systems and tools are highly individualized, considering the unique needs, abilities, and preferences of each participant or individual. The selection and implementation of AAC strategies are typically determined through comprehensive assessment, which our highly qualified National 360 Speech Pathology team can complete.

However, it’s important to remember that AAC does not replace the desire or potential for speech development. It instead serves as a temporary or permanent aid to facilitate effective communication for individuals who face challenges in traditional forms of expression.

Why is AAC Assessment important?

AAC assessment is a comprehensive evaluation process that helps identify suitable communication solutions for individuals facing speech and language challenges. It involves assessing communication abilities, needs, and preferences to determine the most effective AAC system or tool. AAC assessment is crucial as it ensures personalized interventions and optimizes communication outcomes for individuals.

It can be broken down into three parts:

1. Understanding Communication Challenges – Explaining that the communication difficulties individuals face and the impact on their daily lives.
2. Comprehensive Evaluation – Discussing the significance of a thorough AAC assessment to identify strengths, needs, and appropriate AAC solutions.
3. Collaborative Approach – Emphasizing the importance of involving a multidisciplinary team, including speech-language pathologists, such as the National 360 Speech Pathology team, educators, and other professionals, in the assessment process.

What are AAC Intervention Strategies?

AAC intervention strategies, such as using communication boards, speech-generating devices, or AAC apps, can greatly benefit individuals with speech difficulties. These strategies provide alternative means of communication, allowing individuals to express themselves, participate in conversations, and engage in daily activities more effectively. AAC interventions support language development, vocabulary expansion, and overall communication skills.

This can be broken down into four parts:

1. Person-Centered Approach: Highlighting the significance of tailoring AAC interventions to meet the unique needs and preferences of individuals.
2. AAC Systems and Tools: Introducing various AAC systems, such as communication boards, speech-generating devices, and AAC apps, and discussing their benefits in fostering communication.
3. Language Development: Exploring the role of AAC in promoting vocabulary expansion, sentence formation, and overall language skills.
4. Training and Support: Offering guidance on providing ongoing training and support to individuals using AAC, their families, and support coordinators.

What are ACC Personalized Intervention Plans?

AAC personalised intervention plans are individualised plans that outline specific strategies, goals, and supports for an individual who uses AAC to enhance their communication abilities. These plans are developed based on a comprehensive assessment for the participant’s communication needs, strengths, preferences, and goals.

This can be broken down into three parts:

1. Setting Communication Goals: Explaining the importance of setting realistic and meaningful communication goals based on individual abilities and aspirations.
2. AAC Implementation Strategies: Discussing strategies for integrating AAC into daily routines, activities, and social interactions to enhance communication effectiveness.
3. Communication Partner Training: Providing tips for parents and support coordinators on becoming effective communication partners, including modelling AAC use, providing wait time, and using supportive strategies.

How is ACC Progress Monitoring and Adjustments completed?

AAC progress monitoring and adjustments refer to the process of regularly assessing a participant’s communication progress, analysing the effectiveness of AAC strategies, and making necessary modifications to optimise communication outcomes. It involves tracking the individual’s development, collecting data, and using the information to inform decisions about AAC interventions.

This can be broken down into three parts:

1. Tracking Communication Progress: Explaining the significance of monitoring communication outcomes and celebrating achievements.
2. Data Collection and Analysis: Discussing methods of collecting data, such as communication logs and video recordings, and analysing progress to make informed decisions.
3. Periodic Reviews and Adjustments: Emphasizing the need for regular reviews of AAC intervention plans and adjusting based on evolving needs and goals.

What can parents, carers and loved ones do to support their participant’s AAC assessment and intervention journey at home?

Supporting your participant’s AAC assessment and intervention journey at home is crucial for their progress.

Here are a few tips:

• Familiarize yourself with your child’s AAC system and its features.
• Incorporate AAC into daily routines and activities to encourage consistent practice.
• Model AAC use by demonstrating how to use the system during interactions.
• Provide wait time to allow your child to formulate their responses.
• Seek ongoing training and support from AAC professionals to enhance your skills as a communication partner.

What can parents, carers and loved ones do if their participant shows resistance to using AAC?

Resistance to using AAC can be common, especially during the initial stages. Here’s what you can do:

• Understand and acknowledge their frustrations, and offer support and reassurance.
• Identify and address any underlying concerns or challenges they might be facing.
• Make AAC engaging and fun by incorporating their interests and preferred activities.
• Gradually increase AAC use by starting with short and meaningful interactions.
• Seek guidance from AAC professionals who can provide strategies to overcome resistance and motivate AAC use.

How National 360 can help!

By gaining insights into AAC assessment and intervention strategies, parents, loved ones, carers and support coordinators can play a pivotal role in optimizing communication outcomes for individuals with speech and language challenges. The comprehensive evaluation process, personalized intervention plans, and diligent progress monitoring ensure a person-centered approach to AAC implementation. Engage National 360 Speech Pathologists to assist with AAC assessment and intervention strategies, and let’s empower individuals with AAC, so they can communicate confidently and participate fully in their lives.

Each participant’s AAC assessment and intervention journey is unique, and ongoing collaboration with professionals and continuous learning are key. Contact National 360 and our highly qualified team of Speech Pathologists to engage in our AAC services, so we can help your participant find their voice.

Get in touch with us today!

1300 340 440

For more details on our Speech Pathology services, click here.

Complete our online enquiry form, or referral form.