Talk of Tarragindi - Speech Pathology

02/03/2025

I’ve been rather quiet on the socials lately, as I have been all ‘head down, bum up’ working hard in the clinic with my Tarragindi Talkers!

However, I do have something to shout about! Over the weekend I FINALLY got to see the legendary Linda D’Onofrio speak on the topic of oro-myofunctional disorders. She is the bees-knees in this area of Speech Pathology and I learned so much over the two day workshop.

I also got to catch up with a number of fabulous colleagues, put names to faces and make some new friends!

Thank you to the Australian Association of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy for organising this workshop and for the photos! ☺️

04/06/2024

The latest craze in the clinic!

06/11/2023

Every day is a good day in the clinic. ❤️

25/08/2023

Back home in from the conference just in time to sort out Book Week 2023.

Yes, I took the easy route and bought a commercial costume!

The juggle is real mums & dads. You’re all doing great!

24/08/2023

News just in from the IALP Auckland 2023

Dr Caitlin Hurley has just done some of the first research on the impact of speech production upon extraction of the maxillary incisors (top front teeth).

Her research indicates that there is no detrimental effect on speech production one month post-op for these kids. Her sample size is small, only 10 kids in Perth, and she’s yet to do long term follow up, but these results are good news.

The best part of this research is that she has used gold standard speech assessment tools, rather than opinion… unlike some other info out there.

The translation of this early research indicates that families should not put off dental extraction if required for optimum oral health due to concerns around speech production. In this scenario, the priority would be oral health, not speech.

I’m not too convinced at this point that we won’t see longer term impacts with tongue posturing & speech, but we’ll see. I’ll be watching this space with keen eyes!

Thanks for you work Caitlin!

22/08/2023

IALP Auckland 2023

More than 1 billion young people (12–35 years old) are at risk for hearing loss due to recreational exposure to loud sound.

- World Health Organisation (WHO)

Check out the Make Listening Safe initiative.

Over one billion people are at risk of hearing damage due to unsafe recreational listening practices. To combat these risks WHO created the Make Listening Safe initiative in 2015. “Make listening safe” aims to realize a world where people of all ages can enjoy recreational listening without risk...

21/08/2023

Did you know it’s Speech Pathology Week back home, down under?

This year the theme is “Communicating for Life”.

I want to give a big shout out to my colleagues who work with adults. I don’t know how you do it. 😉

Here I am in front of the Auckland Sky Tower with the lovely Sue from Speech Language and Learning in Clayfield. So much learning today at the IALP Auckland 2023.

20/08/2023

IALP Auckland 2023

Children who have better quality reminiscing in early childhood (personal narratives), have better storytelling skills 9 years later…

🗣️ Dr Marleen Westerveld

20/08/2023

IALP Auckland 2023

Judge Andrew Becroft states that speech pathologists are some of the most important early crime fighters.

60-90% of young people in custody (child and youth offenders) have communication disorders.

“In the Western World we have crimialised a group of young people… particularly those with communication disorders.”

“Speech-Languge Therapists have become a vital part of the youth justice system.”

But the question is… “Are we getting it right?”

We need to demonstrate excellence in speech-language therapy! We need a double commitment to getting it right. ❤️

20/08/2023

With communication professional delegates from 42 countries present at the IALP Congress, Prof. Gail Gillon speaks about the role of Speech Pathologists in literacy development across the world.

IALP Auckland 2023

20/08/2023

The weather in Auckland is a little different to what this Queenslander is used to!

Looking forward to hearing the wonderful Kiwi, Prof. Gail Gillon, speak today about helping English Language learners (children who have English as a second or third language) succeed in literacy development!

A big day ahead! Can’t wait. 🗣️

IALP Auckland 2023

20/08/2023

Made it to Auckland for the IALP Auckland 2023! No sessions Mon - Thur this week while I fill my brain. ❤️