Speech Pathology

Speech pathologists at Rocky Bay assist people of all ages and all abilities including:

• A young child learning the mechanics of making certain sounds
• A primary school-aged child struggling to make friends
• A young adult learning to be more independent by text messaging and reading menus
• An adult learning to form words again after a stroke.
• Literacy
• Language
• Speech or sound disorders
• School readiness and play skills
• Social skills
• Complex communication needs
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
• Neurorehabilitation for acquired communication disorders
• Mealtime management and dysphagia assessment and intervention
• Fussy eating

But it’s more than just speech and communication, our staff are also experts in swallowing and Dysphagia and can assist with the devices, foods and drinks you can use to eat easily and safely. Let us show you the utensils, thickeners and pre-packaged foods you’ll love – then, partner with a Rocky Bay dietician to really set you on a path to success. When we work together, anything is possible.

Our Speech Pathology team are available at our 10 hubs in the Perth metro region, the Peel region, and in Geraldton. The team also works with our other therapy offerings including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietitian and the neuro rehab team, to provide the holistic approach best suited to supporting you in achieving your goals.

Literacy

If you are experiencing difficulty reading or writing letters, words and sentences, a Rocky Bay literacy program could be ideal for you.

Our therapists can work with you in:

• Direct therapy with a speech pathologist to work on a specific goal
• Training parents and carers to support more effective communication
• Training parents and carers to assist you to learn new skills
• Provision of useful language strategies
• Provision of communication supports, such as picture books (PODD books).

We also work with you to write longer works like stories, reports and essays.

Language

Our Speech Pathologists provide comprehensive assessment and therapy in either expressive (speaking) or receptive (listening) language.

Language therapy may involve:

• Direct therapy with a speech pathologist to work on a specific goal
• Training parents and carers to support more effective communication
• Training parents and carers to assist the person in learning new skills
• Provision of information about language strategies

Provision of communication supports, such as pictures to aid comprehension or making choices.

Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC)

For individuals who have complex communication needs, Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) options are available to enhance communication. If you experience little to no speech, reduced intelligibility and have difficulty understanding what other people say, then our Speech Pathologists can assist you. They will identify your needs and provide you with a plan to support your goals. AAC is a total communication approach which might mean using unaided systems such as Key Word Sign or aided systems, such as voice output devices, to optimise your communication.

Information Kit for AAC Teams

Rocky Bay has developed a resource for teams working with children and adults who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

Our Positive AACtion information kit contains over 100 pages of tips, activities and strategies for improving communication skills. Click below to purchase a copy of the kit via paypal.