Internet Resources to Support Therapy
With so many advances in technology, it is not surprising that we can find a wealth of online and electronic resources to support children in their speech therapy.
The Apple iPad (or a similar device) is a wonderful tool which can allow children to engage in developing therapy
based skills through apps, games and programs. Here are a few sites and apps which we have found to be useful in supporting fun, technology based therapy. www.hiyah.net/software.html This site hosts a massive collection of free, downloadable educational software covering not only speech and language based exercised, but mathematical and general scholastic skills and activities.
www.images.google.com As simple as it may seem, Google Images is a great resource to gain quick access to pictures demonstrating actions or to assist in a descriptive language exercise. www.elr.com.au This Australian based website developed by local speech pathologist contains thousands of activities for children attending speechlanguage therapy. Guest user access is free on a trial basis — strongly recommended!
Apps for the iPad
iTunes has a wide range of apps available for free and at varied prices which are fantastic speech and language resources. Super Duper Inc. have a range of apps which are the same resource set we use in the
clinic on flash cards. You can also find articulation apps, stuttering rating apps, and fluency journals to name a few.
Hanen Programs – for Late Talking Toddlers
The Hanen Centre is Canadian organisation that offers training to speech pathologists all over the world, so that its evidence-based programs may be facilitated internationally. Speech pathologists use these programs to train parents in how to support their young children with language delays. I have been trained in two of these programs which I use regularly in therapy – ‘It Takes Two to Talk’ (ITTT) (for receptive and/or expressive language delays) and also ‘More Than Words’ (MTW) (for children with Autism or social communication delays).
Some basic principles of the ITTT program are:
- Observe, wait and listen (follow your child’s lead);
- Make simple comments;
- Promote language through daily or music routines;
- Turn book reading into a conversation.
In addition to the above, the MTW program also promotes:
- Including your child’s interest;
- Intruding on your child’s activity;
- Providing visual support.
You may wish to seek assessment if your child:
- Uses less than 30 words at 24 months of age;
- Is not combining two words together at 24 months of age;
- Is reluctant to imitate words or sounds;
- Does not seem to understand basic instructions or questions;
- Is becoming frustrated when communicating
Further information on Hanen programs can be found at The Hanen Centre website – www.hanen.org or please contact the clinic to book an assessment if you are concerned about your child’s early language development.
Every child needs someone in their life who says ‘YOU CAN DO THIS’ “ – Michael Grose
Michael is a renowned parenting expert and author. Visit his website at: www.parentingideas.com.au
Harry shows off his reward certificate. Well done Harry!
Starting School Next year?
What to look for:
- Is your child’s speech hard to understand?
- Are they at least 90% intelligible to an unfamiliar adult?
- Do they have difficulty imitating sounds correctly?
- Do they have difficulty with a number of different sounds—particularly, s, sh, ch, k(c), g
or f? - Is your child becoming frustrated with their speech?
- Do your child’s siblings ‘interpret’ or speak for your child?
Early assessment is essential! Please call if you have any questions or wish to make an appointment. Limited appointments available before the end of the year
