speechcare for adults

Speech Pathologists at Speechcare offer a range of services to help people to improve their communicative abilities

We provide services for adults in the areas of voice, fluency, speech articulation problems, accent modification, literacy difficulties and speech, language and swallowing disorders acquired as a result of stroke or other neurological conditions.

Voice

Our voice is the vehicle for expressing emotion, thought and ideas and therefore a vocal disorder can very concerning for people who rely on their voices for a living - teachers, clergy, actors or singers.  A consultation with an Ear Nose and Throat specialist is a necessary first step. Following this a thorough assessment by a speech pathologist provides the necessary information for an individualised treatment programme to be planned.

Fluency

A breakdown in fluency results in the disorders known as stuttering and cluttering. Symptoms include repetition, prolongation, and blocking of sounds and syllables. This can be extremely frustrating as the person knows exactly what he/she wants to say but for that moment cannot say it. Treatment focuses on breathing, learning to use gentle onsets to sounds and techniques to decrease anxiety about speaking.

Speech Articulation

This includes problems with the accurate production of speech sounds.

Accent Modification

If English is your second language a speech pathologist can help you to achieve an accent closer to that of your fellow workers and people in your community.  

Literacy Difficulties

Many people reach adulthood without being able to read or write to an adequate level. Assessment and intervention by a speech pathologist can help.

Speech, language and swallowing disorders (dysarthria, aphasia, dysphagia) acquired as a result of stroke or other neurological conditions.

Speech pathologists have the skills to assist adults with neurological conditions such as stroke, head injury and Parkinson’s Disease (see LSVT in our programmes section). Speech pathologists at Speechcare understand the impact that swallowing and communication difficulties can have on a person’s everyday life activities and can provide support and advice to the individual and their family.

Dysarthria

Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder. The muscles of the mouth, face, and respiratory system may become weak, move slowly, or not move at all after a stroke or other brain injury.

Aphasia

Aphasia is a loss of language skills usually caused by stroke or other brain injury.

Aphasia can affect:

• speaking 
• understanding the speech of others 
• reading 
• writing
• understanding numbers and money.

click here to find out more about aphasia

Dysphagia

Dysphagia is a term that refers to difficulty with eating and/or swallowing. Swallowing is mainly a fairly automatic process, one that people don’t consciously even think about unless something goes wrong.

Most people have experienced food or drink ‘going the wrong way’ and the coughing and spluttering that results.  Most of us have also occasionally felt a very hot or very cold drink as it goes down the oesophagus to the stomach.  These occasional events are considered normal, and are not associated with anything going wrong with the swallowing mechanism.

For some people, however, there can be a breakdown in their normal swallow. This can happen anywhere between the lips and the stomach, with different causes producing different signs and symptoms.  People may find they are coughing on every mouthful, having food or tablets ‘get stuck’ on their way down, find that they have difficulties chewing or swallowing or find they experience reflux or regurgitation after eating or drinking.  This may happen more at a certain time of day, be related to a particular texture of food or type of medication, or a person may have no difficulties when they are well, but notice whenever they are unwell they have swallowing problems. Speech Pathologists work closely with your GP and can help with strategies and exercises to improve swallow function and can advise on modifications of food and fluid to ensure safety when eating and drinking.

Referrals

Anyone can self refer directly to Speechcare and we also receive referrals from GPs, ENT specialists, neurologists, audiologists, psychologists and dietitians.

Sometimes your speech pathologist may recommend a referral to a Medical practitioner or allied health professional for further investigation. A referral to an audiologist for a hearing test is often recommended as adequate hearing is vital for speech and language development.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

The speech pathologist will speak to you about your communication or swallowing concerns and go through the case history questionnaire you have completed. She will then assess you using a variety of standardized tests and clinical observations. At all times you will be treated with respect and care. Following assessment and diagnosis of speech/language/voice or swallowing difficulties, a report is prepared (if required) and a comprehensive therapy programme, tailored to the needs of the individual, is provided.

click here to download the adult client information form

What to Expect at Subsequent Sessions

Depending on the communicative difficulty the speech pathologist will provide you with exercises and activities. Home practice is recommended. We encourage you to ask questions if at any stage you are unclear about any aspect of the assessment or therapy program.

Alternative Service Delivery

Speechcare speech pathologists may in some circumstances provide home and nursing home visits. At Speechcare we are also able to provide therapy via telehealth. We currently do this using Skype technology.

Alternative and Augmentative Communication

For those with little or no speech, support can be offered in the area of alternative and augmentative communication (AAC). This can range from compiling a simple communication board to programming a complex speech generating device (SGD). Assistance in trialling different SGDs and applying for funding to Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (M.A.S.S.) can be arranged.