Social isolation and frustration are just some of the impacts people with communication difficulties can experience, said local speech pathologist Amanda Walla, who is raising awareness in the Manning and Great Lakes community for Speech Pathology Week from 23 - 29 August. 

This year Speech Pathology Week’s theme ‘Communicate to Participate’ highlights how communication difficulties can impact day-to-day life.

One in seven Australians has some form of communication difficulty. This means that one in seven people have a problem understanding other people or being understood by people. The difficulty can be present at birth or acquired in later life.

The 2.7 million Australians who have a communication difficulty come from every part of our society, including the two year old who has not yet started to talk, the preschool student experiencing difficulty producing sounds, children with a cleft palate, along with people who have suffered a stroke, head injury or those who have had their larynx (voice box) removed.

“We know that communication difficulties can have a major impact on health, wellbeing and quality of life. Being able to communicate helps to connect with people, build friendships and participate in discussions, decisions, social events and work activities,” Amanda Walla said. 

“Communication difficulties include problems with speech, hearing, reading, writing and using and understanding language.”

Amanda Walla said communication difficulties can impact people at any stage of their life.

“Communication difficulties in children are often associated with premature birth, hearing impairment, cerebral palsy and autism. A person can also develop problems later in life as the result of stroke or degenerative disease.”

“Speech pathologists help to improve a person’s speech and language skills. And for those who have more severe disorders, techniques including picture boards, gestures and signing assist them to participate more fully in everyday interactions and activities,” Ms Walla said.

A Speech Pathologist is professionally trained to advise, assess and work with people who have a communication difficulty. Speech Pathologists work in a variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, community health centres, schools and private practice.

If you are concerned about a friend or family member who might have a communication difficulty, encourage them to visit a Speech Pathologist.

For more information on Speech Pathology Week 2009 visit: www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Contact: Tanya Carlyle, Communication Officer

Phone: (02) 49 392 602