Areas of practice

Comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, reporting, therapy (planning, implementation and maintenance), management and training in the following:

Language

Language is the shared system of symbols, words, and rules we use to communicate. It allows us to express ideas, understand others, and connect socially. If someone has difficulty with language, they may struggle to find words, put sentences together, or understand spoken or written messages.

Key terms: Language impairment, aphasia, dysphasia, agnosia, anomia, phonological processing, phonology syntax, grammar, semantics, agraphia, dysgraphia, alexia, dyslexia, developmental delay

Speech

Speech is the coordinated movement of the lips, tongue, jaw, and palate that produces the sounds of spoken language. When muscles are weak, damaged, or poorly coordinated, a person’s speech may become unclear, making it harder for others to understand them in everyday conversation.

Key terms: Dysarthria, dysarthric, apraxia, dyspraxia, dyspraxic, articulation, maxillofacial, velum, soft/hard palate, dentition (teeth)

Voice

Voice is the sound created when the vocal folds in the larynx vibrate as air passes from the lungs. It is used not only for speech but also for sounds like laughing, sighing, or yelling.
*Investigation of some voice conditions may require referral on to an ENT for instrumental assessment.

Key terms: Dysphonia, aphonia, phonotrauma, maladaptive voice use, psychogenic dysphonia, tremor, vocal folds, vocal fold paralysis, presbyphonia, nodules, polyps, cysts

Cognitive Communication

Cognitive communication is how thinking skills such as memory, attention, organisation, and problem-solving support language use. Difficulties in this area can affect how clearly someone explains ideas, follows conversations, or remembers what was said, making communication less effective and requiring extra support strategies.

Key terms: Attention, memory, executive function, initiation

Social Communication

Social communication is how we use language, tone, facial expressions, and gestures to connect with others. It includes skills like taking turns, staying on topic, and interpreting humour or sarcasm. Difficulties may lead to misunderstandings, reduced social participation, and challenges forming or maintaining relationships.

Key terms: Pragmatics, social disorder, conversational turn-taking, topic maintenance, topic initiation, conversational repair

Dysphagia

Dysphagia means difficulty swallowing food, drink, or saliva safely and effectively. It can result in coughing, choking, or food going “down the wrong way.” Because swallowing is essential for nutrition, hydration, and health, dysphagia often requires professional assessment and strategies to reduce risks.
*Investigation of some swallowing conditions may require referral referral on to an ENT for instrumental assessment.

Key terms: oropharyngeal dysphagia, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, presbyphagia, secretion, xerostomia, odynophagia, globus sensation, cricopharyngeal dysfunction, zenker’s diverticulum.

Feeding / Cognitive Feed Behaviours

Feeding/Cognitive Feed Behaviours - the physical and thinking skills needed to consume food and drink. Difficulties using cutlery, remembering steps, or coordinating actions can affect swallowing safety, independence, nutrition, and mealtime participation.

Services

In-Clinic

Telehealth

Mobile

Contract