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This is where modern, evidence-based speech pathology meets a furry friend with a tail and anything becomes PAWsible.
Embracing PAWsitivity In Speech Therapy
The Speech Express is one of the first paediatric speech pathology clinics in Victoria to integrate animal-assisted interventions in speech pathology services.
With our trained animal companions, we create a supportive and engaging environment for our young clients at our private practice in Chirnside Park.
Watch the video below to learn more about how we work!
What We Do
Our certified practicing speech pathologists can cover a wide scope of practice.
We welcome all clients and referrals are not needed to see us for therapy sessions.
Speech Pathology Services
We can support children who face challenges in speech, language, fluency, social skills, literary, feeding/swallowing, voice and alternative augmentative communication (AAC).
Therapy Express Service
This service provides flexible options for speech therapy delivery at home or at school, making speech pathology support more accessible and cost-effective for families that are busy and/or on waitlists.
School Readiness
We help children develop the skills they need for school readiness such as speech development, receptive language, expressive language and pre-literacy skills.
Skills Groups & School Holiday Programmes
Our neuro-affirming, animal-assisted events and groups are held during school holidays to help children develop their social skills and prepare for the school term.
How Speech Pathology Animal-Assisted Interventions Work
What is it?
- Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) is the umbrella term, referring to the deliberate and meaningful inclusion of animals in human learning, wellbeing & treatment.
- Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is goal-focussed therapy delivered by a therapist and assisted by the inclusion of a trained animal such as a dog.
As proud pioneers in integrating therapy dogs into speech pathology, we have witnessed the incredible impact animals have on our therapy sessions with children.
Animals, being nonjudgmental and patient, can help children during sessions by:
- Making them feel more comfortable and helping them self-regulate
- Making it significantly easier for them to engage and communicate.
Besides improving communication, children also develop a special bond with their furry therapy companion, making their speech journey extra rewarding.
Benefits include:
Development of social skills
Increase in verbal communication and language
The therapeutic relationship between the clinician and child may develop more quickly in the presence of a calm animal
Therapy dogs have skills that make them able to pick up social cues imperative to human relationships. Therapists can then utilise that information to help feedback to the child and help them to reflect on how their behaviour affects others
Patting an animal has been demonstrated to lower blood pressure, lower anxiety and lessen stress (oxytocin effect)
Numerous studies indicate that the social communication of those on the Autism spectrum improves in the presence of animals
Increases in social interaction is the single most common finding in the AAI literature for children and young people with Autism
The ‘social lubricant effects’ , in conjunction with the animal being seen as non-judgemental, provides an intrinsic motivation which allows the child to fully engage in the therapy.
Why Choose The Speech Express?
Creativity
We embrace our inner child and create a world where anything is possible.
Individuality
Every client is different. We tailor our therapy with their interests in mind to enhance engagement.
Positivity
When we have fun, the magic of learning takes places and positive memories are formed.
Support
We set clear goals and help equip parents to support their children in their therapy journey.
Evidence Based Programmes
Join The Movement!
The Speech Express is excited and honoured to be one of the very first Speech Pathology Clinics in Victoria to integrate therapy dogs into therapy services.
FAQs
How do animal-assisted interventions help speech therapy for children?
Children often find it easier to engage with and communicate with animals than with people. When our speech pathologists bring out animals in our therapy sessions, we have seen benefits in children such as reduced anxiety and stress, an increase in verbal communication and social interaction, faster development of social skills, and accelerated progress in building a therapeutic relationship between the clinician and child.
How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?
Your child may benefit from speech therapy if they struggle with issues such as:
- being late to learn to talk
- being distant and hard to engage with
- being hard to understand when they talk
- being unable to say some sounds that they should be able to say
- getting frustrated trying to talk
- confusing his/her, he/she and other parts of grammar
- repeating many sounds and words when they talk
- being slow to learn to read, write or spell
- not listening to, understanding, or remembering what you say
- finding it hard to make friends and learn social rules
- finding homework harder than expected
- being disorganised
- not participating in classroom discussions
- having trouble eating a variety of textures and food groups.
You can book an appointment with our speech pathologists for a more thorough assessment.
What ages of children do you work with?
We support children from 1-18 years old and some young adults with our tailored speech pathology services.
What should I expect from the first appointment?
After you book an appointment at our speech pathology clinic in Chirnside Park through our enquiry form, we’ll call you to discuss your child’s needs and history.
At the appointment, you and your child will meet your speech pathologist and therapy animal, and they’ll create a personalised therapy plan for your child. Bring any relevant medical or educational reports and be prepared to discuss your child’s history and needs.
How frequent are therapy sessions?
The frequency of sessions depends on the individual therapy plan created for your child. Best evidence practice usually recommends weekly or fortnightly sessions.
Are you a registered NDIS service provider?
We are not, but we do accept clients who are self-managing their NDIS funds. Please speak directly to reception for more information.
How can I support my child's therapy at home?
We provide clear goals and strategies for parents to support their child’s progress outside of sessions. Our Therapy Express Service also enables therapy plans to be delivered at home or at school by one of our therapy assistants. Contact us for more information.
Your therapy journey starts here.
Phone
Address
1 Kimberley Drive Chirnside Park, VIC 3116
Hours
Mon-Fri: 8am- 6pm
Saturday: 9am-4pm
Sunday: Closed
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