Complexity

So often throughout my day working with children who have communication disorders I am reminded of how complex communication disorders are. Never is a child's communication problem simple. Even a relatively simple speech sound disorder becomes more complex when family dynamics, a child's personality and the context a child must communicate in are taken into account. Surely if we are to make a difference in the lives of children with communication disorders, we need to consider and address all of the aspects of their lives that affect the way in which they communicate.

Take up the Challenge

I have just spent a busy week providing a local preschool with several speech pathology initial assessments. A mix of speech and language difficulties were diagnosed of varying severity and wtih varying amounts of parental support and capacity available. The mission...if you choose to accept it...is to help me work out a better way of servicing not only these children but the childcare centre that they all attend. Historically us 'speech pathologists' provide an appointment followed by a lovely (jargon heavy) report for parents and educators and an equally glossy and impressive looking 'programme'. Then, we are usually on our way to see our next client. This doesn't work! We wipe people off our lenghty waiting lists but do we really achieve any outcomes? Definitely not. What will work best to support families, therapists and educators to achieve the best outcomes for chidlren with communication disorders? Start thinking...my future posts will try to address this problem and propose varying solutions.

What we believe in

At Learn2Communicate we believe that is the right of every child to be given the opportunity to develop effective communication skills. Why? Beacuse learning to communicate effectively is the most important skill we will develop in our lifetime. Communication underpins our social, emotional and educational potential. Communication is vital in forming and maintaining relationships and friendships, and communication is what connects us to others and what enables our true participation in society.
At Learn2Communicate we value the crucial role that Early Childhood Educators play in supporting the speech, language and communication skills development of young children and in identifying those children with communication skill difficulties and disorders.
Are you a passionate Early Childcare Educator? Let's work together to develop resources, training and tools to ensure that all children are supported in early childhood settings to reach their true potential and become effective communicators. More exciting news to follow soon regarding the first resource publication for Learn2Communicate!

Chatter Matters

What's in a Name?

Well, I am finally in the world of blogging after many months of procrastination! Sometimes there are moments that just seem to put everything into perspective. One such moment happened today for me when I had just finished working with a little preschool aged girl. This little girl has made frustratingly slow progress in her ability to understand language and use words to successfully interact with those around her. Today we finished yet another therapy session and I was left feeling once again slightly disappointed with this little girl's progress. Out she wandered from my office only to literally bump into the child and family health nurse who innocently asked the little girl "What is your name?" Only months ago this little girl would have run back into my office and hid behind her mother's legs with no words on offer. The communication would have broken down and her opportunity to interact with a new conversational partner would have been lost. Today was different. The little girl stopped...looked up...and answered the question perfectly and with confidence using her own name. THe little girl's mother smiled with such love in her eyes and said quietly to me as we wandered out of my office "That is the first time my little girl has said her own name". What a huge achievement. What an amazing priviledge to share such a special moment. What a reminder of how important small steps are in achieving our long term goal for children with communication difficulties....PARTICIPATION.