Julia Travis Speech Therapy

21/02/2026

This is very important to remember, and for our language delayed and Autistic kids, this may be true beyond 3 years old. I work on understanding negative form because of this issue, and encourage parents to state things in the positive to ensure the best chance of being understood.

❌ Don't run around the couch. (they hear "run")
✅ Sit on the couch
✅ You can run outside

❌ You mustn't hit your brother (they hear "hit your brother")
✅ Gentle hands (and demonstrate this concept)
✅ Give a high five (if they are looking to interact)
✅ Hit the pillow (if they are frustrated)
✅ No hitting (if they understand this) + add a visual

Alternatives to a negative behaviour depend on function of the behaviour.

21/02/2026

This is a great explanation of sensory systems, really important to understand in our Autism population, kids with sensory processing disorders and for all of us with different sensory needs.

06/02/2026

We are so excited to be hosting our first young autistic adult social group this n Cape Town. These will run every 2 weeks. Please have a look at the flyer below and make sure to contact us for more information. Only 6 spots available at R50 a session. Let’s start something AUsome together!

06/02/2026

Having conversations with toddlers and the importance of narrating their experiences.

29/01/2026

Useful tips for dealing with meltdowns in our younger kids

29/01/2026

This is SO important for our Level 3 ASD individuals, and this should drive their learning curriculum at school and beyond ♾️

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTvpQchEdQ6/?igsh=MWt1a3JrZWxvZXl6ZA==

21/11/2025

Looking forward to sharing some information, insights and experiences with younger children with CAS on Monday evening at the SASLHA Apraxia Symposium EduSeries.

The Symposium covers the introduction, definitions and diagnosis of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), with focus on differential diagnosis, especially from Inconsistent Phonological Disorder. Includes evidence-based interventions, Acquired Apraxia of Speech, DCD/Oral Apraxia vs CAS, CAS symptoms vi...

17/11/2025

Some great tips for parents of Autistic children to help make it through the festive season ♾️

The holiday season is a time for joy, family gatherings, and celebrations. However, for parents of autistic children, it can also be a period of heightened stress and anxiety. The disruption of routines, sensory overload, and social expectations can make holiday gatherings challenging. But with some...

15/11/2025

💬🗨️Today we honour the dedicated professionals who help unlock communication; one word, one gesture, one communication system and one breakthrough at a time.

In South Africa, speech therapy is more than a service, it's a lifeline. But too many communities still face barriers to accessing services.

💡 We can do better. By investing in early intervention, supporting team approaches, and expanding services, we can ensure that every voice is heard, regardless of language, location, or ability.

🌟 Speech therapists can lead the way by sharing tools and strategies across disciplines, advocating for inclusive systems in health and education, building partnerships with families and caregivers and building bridges between clinical expertise and everyday life.

🇿🇦 To every South African speech therapist: Thank you for your resilience, creativity and care.

🎓 If you are speech therapist interested in learning new and effective ways to deliver services, have a look at our study programmes: https://www.up.ac.za/caac-study-programmes or email saak@up.ac.za for more information.

11/11/2025

Definitely seen this with many of my kids 💗

Do you know what I see frequently when kids with CAS are getting sick or are sick? They experience “regression” in their speech and/or seem to struggle more with their speech. This can be worrisome for all involved but the good news is that’s it’s usually temperate and they bounce back to baseline when they are feeling better.

10/11/2025

Attending the first session of the SASLHA Apraxia Symposium 2025 this evening presented by Dr Jan Broomfield: Introduction, definitions & diagnosis, including differential diagnosis, especially from inconsistent phonological disorder.

10/11/2025

I am honoured to have been invited to present at the SASLHA Apraxia Symposium 2025. I will be presenting alongside Nasreen Allie for the session on 24 November. We are extremely fortunate to have such esteemed international speakers at the forefront of this field presenting this EduSeries and I look forward to absorbing all their knowledge and wisdom.