‘Communicate to Participate’ an important message
24 August 2009
- Speech Pathology Week 23 to 29 August 2009 -
Some children learn faster than others - and language development is no exception with one in 10 children experiencing difficulty in learning to communicate.
Speech Pathologists help these children in their development through advising, assessing and working on the issues.
Kaleidoscope's Speech Pathologist Lauren Haskins said children usually develop speech and language within particular age ranges.
“Generally children utter their first words at 11 to 14 months and start putting two words together at around two years of age,” Ms Haskins said.
Many people mistakenly believe that speech-language treatment can only begin when a child has begun to talk. However, Ms Haskins explains that research has shown that if the child is experiencing difficulty early, it’s better to begin a course of treatment as soon as possible.
An internationally recognised Canadian program for children with language delay, It Takes Two to Talk® – The Hanen Program® for Parents*, has recently been implemented in Newcastle. Eight local families participated in the service provided by the Newcastle Community Health Speech Pathology service.
“The program’s philosophy is that the parent is the best person to help a child learn to communicate,” Ms Haskins said.
Local mum of three, Michele Fitzsimmons, recently completed the program with two year old Emily.
“The It Takes Two to Talk program has empowered me to understand my daughter’s communication and improve her skills as part of our everyday interactions, such as getting dressed, eating dinner and playing games,” Ms. Fitzsimmons said.
“She is more confident, using more words and will initiate a conversation. She would not have been able to do this only a couple of months ago,” added Ms. Fitzsimmons.
Speech difficulties are not confined to just children, with many adults developing them later in life, often after strokes, head injuries or head and neck surgery.
Speech Pathology Week runs from August 23 – 29, 2009, showcasing the Speech Pathology profession and highlighting the work they do in assisting individuals and their families.
The theme of this year’s week is ‘Communicate to Participate,’ drawing attention to the important role of communication in allowing individuals to fully participate in the world around them.
*For more information on the Hanen approach, visit the website at www.hanen.org
Contact: Carisa Green
Phone: 6767 7135