A great video highlighting some of the everyday challenges of people with additional needs.

We can all wish for a world where people with additional needs can take for granted the same things able-bodied individuals do—a world where accessibility is natural, universal, and unquestioned.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is revolutionising how individuals with disabilities access support services in Australia. Among its many offerings, NDIS speech pathology and therapy services play a crucial role in enhancing communication skills and improving overall quality of life for participants.

The video "Using the Bubbles Key Sign for Children Learning to Talk" demonstrates how to use the "bubbles" key sign to support language development in young children. It highlights the importance of incorporating sign language into early communication, especially for children who are just starting to talk. The video shows how the bubbles sign can help children express themselves, improve their vocabulary, and develop their ability to understand and use language in a fun and engaging way.

Jules talks about breaking the stigma of accessing speech therapy, why it’s important to access help as soon as possible, free support for children 0-6, NDIS funding, and some of the challenges raising a child with additional needs.

As a parent, you want to give your child the best support possible. But between school, work, and daily routines, battling city traffic, finding time to attend in-person therapy sessions can be a challenge. That’s where online speech therapy and occupational therapy come in. These services allow your child to receive the help they need from the comfort of your home. 

Telehealth or online speech pathology and occupational therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy and is still tailored to your child’s unique needs. Online services are not ‘new’ despite the perception that they have been around since Covid.  In fact, telehealth  has been operating for over 50 years in rural areas of Australia, where clinic resources are often scarce.   Even families living close to clinics choose telehealth as parents are aware of the flexibility and convenience to fit sessions into their busy schedules.  

Why Hydrotherapy? 

Hydrotherapy, or therapy conducted in a heated pool, is a highly effective and enjoyable way for children with additional needs to develop crucial skills. When led by qualified speech pathologists and occupational therapists, hydrotherapy sessions are designed to support children’s unique sensory and motor needs, making it a powerful tool for achieving positive outcomes. 

Why Take Therapy Beyond the Clinic? 

When it comes to supporting children with speech, motor, and social development, therapy shouldn’t be limited to the clinic room. Research shows that a holistic and transdisciplinary approach, where therapy is integrated into all areas of a child’s life—at home, at school, and in everyday environments—is most effective. By addressing challenges in the places where children spend the most time, we can help them generalize functional skills across all aspects of their lives. 

What is Early Intervention? 

Early intervention refers to the support and services provided to young children, typically from birth to age seven, who show signs of developmental delays or have additional needs. During these crucial early years, a child’s brain is rapidly developing, making it the ideal time to address any challenges they may face. By working with experienced speech pathologists and occupational therapists, parents can help their children build a strong foundation for future success.  It also helps relieve any stress or confusion a new parent may have when supporting a child who presents with delayed milestones.  

What Are School Readiness Groups?

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems are transformative tools that empower individuals with speech and language difficulties to communicate effectively. At our speech pathology and occupational therapy clinic, we prioritize ongoing learning and upskilling to provide the best possible support. Recently, our team has undergone comprehensive training in AAC, both in-person and online, through Liberator, a leader in AAC solutions.

Feeding a picky eater can be challenging for families, but understanding the roots of picky eating and knowing how to address it can make a significant difference. At our speech pathology and occupational therapy clinic, we are dedicated to ongoing learning and upskilling to provide the best care for your child. Recently, our team has undergone specialized training in feeding and picky eaters, ensuring we are equipped with the latest strategies and techniques to support your family.

Gestalt Language Processing is a way some individuals, including those diagnosed or undiagnosed autistic, develop language skills. Unlike typical language development, which builds from single words to phrases and sentences, GLP involves learning and using whole phrases or "gestalts" as single units of meaning.

Are you looking for simple ways to boost your preschooler's literacy skills while having fun together? Engaging in playful activities is a fantastic way to help your child develop a love for reading and writing. Here are some parent-friendly exercises that our speech pathologists recommend that you can try at home to support your preschooler's literacy journey prior to starting school:

Storytime Adventures: Set aside time each day for a cozy story session with your little one. Choose a variety of books that cater to their interests and let them explore different genres, from picture books to rhyming stories. Encourage them to ask questions, make predictions, and retell the story in their own words. Don’t worry if they prefer to make up stories or can’t remember. It’s about exposure and making storytime fun!

Letter Hunts: Turn letter recognition into a scavenger hunt around the house or outdoors. Write the first letter, or all of the letters of your child’s name and hide them. You can use a torch to search for them as children love using new tools in an activity. This activity not only reinforces letter recognition but also helps build vocabulary.

At Grow and Tell Therapy, we understand the importance of creating opportunities for children to practice and generalize their language skills in real-life settings. That's why we offer peer sessions with our speech pathologists and occupational therapists, where students can engage with like-minded peers in a small, supportive environment tailored to their needs.

Practice with Peers: Students engage with like-minded peers in a small, supportive environment.

Real-Life Application: Opportunities to apply language skills in everyday situations for improved fluency.

Guided Interaction: Experienced clinicians facilitate activities to support and encourage each child.

Natural Progression: Peer sessions seamlessly transition from individual therapy, ensuring continuity.

Functional, Neuroaffirming Strategies: Children learn practical communication skills for social and academic success.

At Grow & Tell Rhodes, we're making waves in therapy with our exciting pool sessions! Our team of speech pathologists and occupational therapists are taking therapy to the water, offering a unique and engaging approach to support children's development.

Here's how our pool sessions can benefit your child:

Multi-Sensory Experience: The water provides a stimulating environment where children can engage all their senses.

Increased Relaxation: The warmer water, quiet pool area and gentle movements promote relaxation, helping children feel more comfortable and open to learning.

Improved Motor Skills: Moving and playing in the water can help children develop strength, coordination, and balance, supporting their motor skill development.

Enhanced Communication Skills: Speech pathologists and occupational therapists can utilize water-based activities to target speech and language goals in a fun and dynamic way.

Sensory Integration: Occupational therapists can work on sensory integration in the water, helping children regulate their sensory systems and improve attention and focus.

Boosted Confidence: Mastering new skills in the water can boost children's confidence and self-esteem, transferring to other areas of their lives.

Are mealtimes in your household often met with resistance, tears, or frustration from your child? Do you find yourself worrying about their limited food preferences and nutritional intake? If so, you're not alone. Many parents navigate the challenges of feeding picky eaters from 2 years and up, and it can be a daunting journet. However, there's hope and help available through neuroaffirming feeding therapy approaches at Grow & Tell Therapy Rhodes.

Feeding therapy for picky eaters isn't about force-feeding or coercion. Instead, it's about creating a safe, supportive environment where children can explore and develop a positive relationship with food. At the heart of Babble & Munch feeding training are principles that prioritize the child's emotional well-being and autonomy.

Speech Pathology:

Improved Communication Skills:

Helps children express themselves clearly and effectively.

Enables better understanding and use of language in various contexts, such as conversations, storytelling, and academics.

For example: A child with a speech delay might struggle to pronounce certain sounds or words, leading to frustration and difficulty communicating with peers and adults. Speech therapy helps children and adolescents to articulate sounds correctly, making it easier for others to understand them.

Speech and language delay in children is natural and it is expected.

If you’re reading this you are probably a parent or grandparent. You have children and you know how challenging, exhausting and rewarding raising a child can be.

On top of this, if a child is presenting with speech and language delays, initially it can add a layer of confusion, fear, and sometimes even guilt and shame.

We know that speech and language delays are real, are expected, and are present in boys more than girls. We also know something very, very important… possibly the most important part of this article…we know that it is not anyone’s fault.

Because boys present with more speech and language difficulties than girls we understand that there is sometimes a genetic link to speech and language delays. If a child is going to present with a language delay there is nothing you did or did not do which would have changed this fact.

Does your child need help with talking, eating, moving or communicating?

Did you know, accessing professional supports such as a speech pathologist or occupational therapist BEFORE the age of 7 years, is the BEST time to have the biggest impact on improving a child’s skills compared to any other age in their life.

Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) Funding is free to families who hold a Medicare Card. Applying is easier than you think.

As parents, we all want to see our children thrive academically. One fundamental aspect of their educational journey is literacy development. Ensuring that your child is on track with their literacy skills early on can set them up for success in school and beyond. In Australia, literacy plays a crucial role in a child's educational journey, and understanding its importance can empower parents to support their child effectively.