Speech Therapist

Beck Wickam

Speech pathologists assess and treat people who have difficulty communicating. Communication is the process of being understood by othe people and understanding them. It includes speech, reading, writing, signs, gestures and Alternative Communication (devices). Speech pathologists also work with people who have trouble swallowing food or drink.

Speech pathologists help people of all ages and also offer support to family members and care-givers.

Speech pathologists help people with a range of communication difficulties. These include problems with: Speech, Using and understanding language, Voice Fluency (how well speech flows), Reading and writing, Eating and Drinking and also Hearing.

Students at Frankston SDS participate in a group Speech Therapy program once a week with students from their class. Most classes last an hour in duration.

Speech therapy is a fun time full of games, songs and activities to elicit expressive (speaking or using alternative communication) or receptive (listening and understanding) skills, articulation and oro motor skills. Frankston SDS prides themselves in being a multimodal learning environment, incorporating speech, PECS, makaton signing and visual learning strategies. Language is through every daily activity and can be targeted during the day. Just remember that next time you are playing with them or setting the table that they are working on language skills.

PECS;  This form of communication is appropriate for anyone having diffficulty using speech and can be used across ages and disabilities. Picture Exchange Communication teaches the student that they need to ask someone for an item, that communication happens between 2 people, and sentence construction. Picture Exchange is when a picture is exchanged for an item.

CUED ARTICULATION; Each sound has a hand cue which helps students know where to place their mouth, tongue, etc. Cued Articuklation is most beneficial in articulation work

MAKATON SIGNING; This is communication by signing using key words. It  encourages language development and aides understanding of instrucions/speech. Makaton signing can be used as a way of expressing needs/ desires.