Speech Pathologist

Following an Acquired Brain Injury, children/young people may demonstrate a range of complex speech and language difficulties. Often in the acute stages of rehabilitation children may also present with swallowing difficulties.

The Speech Pathologist assesses and treats areas specific to brain injury, such as speech (articulation etc), language, social language skills, voice, fluency and swallowing abilities.

Communication and swallowing problems are often further complicated by the presence of cognitive deficits. Factors such as attention, speed of processing, retrieval, planning and organisation are taken into account when assessing and treating children with brain injuries.

Common cognitive-communication impairments include: expressive and receptive language disorders, naming or word finding difficulties as well as motor speech disorders, such as dysarthria and dyspraxia.

If necessary, further clinical investigations may be organised to assist with the accurate diagnosis of specific disorders. This may include: Modified Barium Swallow/ Videofluoroscopy or attending the Voice Clinic for a nasendoscopy.