18/06/2024
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT
A SP is trained to assess, diagnose and treat all aspects of speech, language, literacy and swallowing. Some SPs specialise in specific areas but I have stayed a generalist as I have worked in Paediatrics for more than 40 years. I am however required to keep my knowledge current to maintain membership of Speech Pathology Australia.
At the initial consultation I take a case history which includes requesting information about your child’s birth, early development, feeding history, sleep, diet, play preferences, behaviour, educational progress and possible family history of communication issues.
While this is occurring, your child will be encouraged to play with the clinic toys. Then if your child is mature enough he /she will be invited to sit at the table while I measure skills of articulation, comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, story telling and maybe spelling and reading, using standardised tests. It is worth noting that during the testing your child will not be told specifically if they are correct or incorrect, but they are praised for effort or redirected if they are not attending.
After this I have a good idea about your child’s communication difficulties. Results are explained to the adults present and plans made to commence weekly therapy, review in a few weeks or months, or to discharge if no disorder is detected. It maybe possible to treat at day care, kindy, school or home.
Younger children are unable to respond to paper tests and hence assessment is done through play. A child’s speech errors can be noted through their verbal responses, comprehension can be gauged by their ability to follow commands and play can be assessed by watching how they use toys.
Usually a hearing test performed by an Audiologist, is recommended.
If further medical specialist advice needs to be sought, parents are advised to attend their GP for a referral. Not all professionals however require a referral to make an appointment, such as Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Audiology.
