speech

Articulation and Phonology

Articulation and phonology are key aspects of our speech, but they can sometimes be a bit tricky to understand. In simple terms, articulation is all about how we make speech sounds using our mouth, lips, tongue, and teeth. Think of it like playing an instrument - it's the physical way we produce individual sounds, like the way we bring our lips together to make a "b" sound.

Phonology, on the other hand, is more about the patterns of sounds in a language and how they're used to form words. It's like the rules of a game - guiding which sounds can go together in words, and how they change in different situations. For example, in English, we know that the "ng" sound can end a word like "ring", but we never see it at the start of words.

When there are difficulties with articulation or phonology, it can make speech hard to understand. Someone might substitute sounds (e.g., say "wabbit" instead of “rabbit”), leave them off (“ca” instead of “cat”), add extra ones (“dog-uh”), or use them in the wrong place. A speech-language pathologist can help identify these challenges and develop personalised strategies to improve speech clarity. By practising specific sounds, understanding the rules of how sounds fit together in words, and using engaging, fun activities, we work towards achieving clearer, more confident speech.

Should you suspect your child has difficulty with their speech production or being understood by others, it is advisable to seek help sooner rather than later to avoid any impact on their communication and literacy development at school.

speak out!®

for individuals with Parkinson’s disease

The SPEAK OUT!® Therapy Program, developed by Parkinson Voice Project, helps people with Parkinson’s and related neurological disorders regain and retain their speech and swallowing. Using the principles of motor learning, this evidence-based program combines education, a specialised workbook, individual and group speech therapy, daily home practice, and regular follow-ups. SPEAK OUT! Therapy trains patients to “speak with INTENT,” transitioning speech from an automatic function to an intentional act.

As a Licensed SPEAK OUT! Provider, Sam can help affected individuals improve their speech clarity, voice projection and confidence in their communication skills, empowering them to stay socially engaged and maintain a better quality of life.

language

Speech-language pathologists play a crucial role in helping children overcome language difficulties. These difficulties can range from trouble understanding others (receptive language) to challenges in expressing themselves effectively (expressive language). For children, these challenges can impact learning, social interactions, and overall confidence.

As a speech-language pathologist, the first step is to conduct a comprehensive assessment to understand each child's unique language needs. This involves evaluating their ability to understand and use vocabulary, form grammatical sentences, understand figurative language, and engage in conversation. Based on this assessment, I develop a tailored therapy plan that targets specific areas of need.

Therapy often includes engaging activities that are designed to be both fun and educational. These might involve storytelling, interactive games, or picture-based exercises to improve vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, and storytelling.

Additionally, I collaborate closely with parents and educators, providing them with strategies to support the child's language development at home and in school. This holistic approach ensures that children receive consistent support, maximizing their progress and helping them to communicate more confidently and effectively.

pragmatic language

Pragmatic language is the social use of language, a vital aspect of communication that encompasses more than just words. As a speech-language pathologist, I am committed to a neurodiversity-affirming approach in helping students of all ages develop supportive pragmatic language skills. This approach recognises and values the diverse ways in which individuals think and communicate, offering support that is respectful of each person's unique neurological makeup. My services include:

  • Understanding Figurative Language: Teaching students to interpret and use non-literal language elements such as metaphors, similes, hyperbole, and sarcasm.

  • Developing Perspective-Taking Skills: Guiding students in identifying the thoughts and feelings of others to foster mutual understanding and effective communication.

  • Interpreting Non-Verbal Cues: Assisting students in reading facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice to support a better understanding of social communication.

  • Recognising Diverse Communication Styles: Exploring the varied communication styles of different neurotypes, promoting respect and understanding for all individuals.

  • Understanding Interoception: Helping students connect physical sensations with emotions, enhancing self-awareness and emotional literacy.

  • Enhancing Self-Regulation: Teaching strategies to identify and regulate emotions and behaviours to support well-being and positive social interactions.

  • Problem-Solving in Social Situations: Equipping students with skills to navigate complex social scenarios, from misunderstandings to conflicts.

Tailoring methods to each student’s individual needs, strengths, and goals, we work collaboratively towards a rich, nuanced understanding of the social world, empowering them to communicate with confidence and clarity.

“The world needs all types of minds.” - Temple Grandin

literacy

Literacy is a cornerstone of communication and learning, and as a speech-language pathologist, I'm passionate about helping children develop these essential skills. My approach to literacy intervention focuses on the "Big 5" skills, which are crucial for reading and writing proficiency. Each skill is a step towards building confident and competent readers and writers:

  • Oral Language/Vocabulary: Enhancing the understanding and use of language, including the ability to understand and use a variety of words and their meanings, which is fundamental for reading comprehension and expression.

  • Phonemic Awareness: Developing the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken words, a key precursor to successful reading and spelling.

  • Phonics: Teaching the relationship between phonemes and their written symbols (graphemes), enabling children to decode words when reading and spell them accurately.

  • Reading Fluency: Focusing on the ability to read text accurately, quickly, and with appropriate expression, which is critical for understanding and enjoying reading.

  • Comprehension: Enhancing the ability to understand and interpret what is being read, turning words on a page into meaningful messages.

My dedication to literacy intervention is also deeply personal. As a parent of a child with dyslexia, I understand the challenges and triumphs that come with learning to read and write. This personal experience was a driving force behind my decision to become a speech-language pathologist. It's not widely known, but speech-language pathologists, with our extensive training in language and communication, are uniquely positioned to address literacy needs. We not only work on the mechanics of reading and writing but also understand how these skills are rooted in broader language abilities.

Whether your child is facing challenges with literacy or you're seeking to enhance their skills, I'm here to provide targeted, compassionate support, guided by both professional expertise and personal understanding.

EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING

Executive functioning skills underpin every aspect of our learning and communication, guiding everything from staying focused and organising thoughts to effectively managing tasks and interactions. They are the mental processes we use to plan, organise, manage time, and regulate our behaviour. They play a vital role in communication and learning by helping us stay focused, retain information, and tackle complex tasks more effectively. I offer individualised, evidence-based support to help children and adults develop a range of executive functioning skills, including:

  • Attention (Perception, Focus, and Sustained Attention)
    Enhancing attention skills helps individuals accurately perceive and process information, remain engaged in conversations and tasks for longer periods, and effectively filter out distractions. This leads to clearer communication and a stronger foundation for learning in both academic and everyday contexts.

  • Planning and Prioritising
    By learning to break tasks into manageable steps and decide which tasks need to be done first, individuals can organise thoughts more effectively. This skill allows for better pacing of workload and clearer communication of ideas and intentions.

  • Task Initiation and Completion
    Developing the ability to start tasks promptly and follow through to the end builds confidence and reduces procrastination. In turn, this helps individuals stay on track with coursework, work projects, and social interactions, ensuring more consistent communication and learning progress.

  • Optimisation (Self-Monitoring and Self-Correction)
    Strengthening self-monitoring skills enables individuals to reflect on their own performance, identify errors, and adjust their approach as needed. This fosters more effective problem-solving, clearer communication, and greater independence in learning.

This approach supports focus, memory, task completion, and problem-solving abilities, ultimately fostering greater success in academic, professional, and everyday settings.

stuttering

Stuttering, also known as stammering in the UK, is a speech disorder characterised by disruptions in the flow of speech. This might present as: repetitions of sounds, syllables, or words; prolongations of sounds; or interruptions in speech known as blocks. As a speech-language pathologist, I offer comprehensive support to individuals who stutter, focusing on a holistic approach that addresses both communication techniques and the emotional aspects of stuttering.

My approach includes:

  • Speech Therapy Techniques: Implementing strategies to promote smoother speech, such as controlling the rate of speech, regulating breathing, and practicing gentle onsets of sound. These techniques aim to reduce stuttering moments and improve overall fluency.

  • Cognitive and Emotional Support: Understanding that stuttering is not just about the speech itself, but also how one feels and thinks about it. I work with individuals to explore and positively shift their thoughts and feelings related to stuttering. This includes fostering self-acceptance, building confidence and self-advocacy skills, and reducing the pressure to achieve 'perfect' speech.

  • Creating a Supportive Environment: Encouraging open discussions about stuttering, promoting an environment of acceptance and understanding. This helps individuals feel more comfortable and less anxious about their speech in various settings.

Stuttering can impact communication, but with the right support and strategies, individuals can gain control over their speech and build confidence in their ability to communicate effectively. My goal is to empower individuals not only to improve their fluency but also to embrace their unique voice, recognising that communication is about connection and expression, not perfection.

“communication is a basic human right.”

World Health Organization