Communication
Communication is a basic human right. Communication is a broad term and includes so many aspects. Hastings Macleay Speech Pathology works with all aspects of communication and will tailor therapy to meet your needs. A communication impairment might mean that there is a difficulty in one or more of the following areas:
Social Communication
When we interact we are using lots of skills to make that interaction a success, e.g. conversing back and forth, sharing eye contact, saying hello. Difficulties with social communication can negatively impact a person’s ability to participate in school or work, recreational activities like sport, home life, or carrying out tasks like buying items at the shops.
Language
Language includes reading, writing, speaking, listening. Difficulties might include impairments in spoken or written language e.g. difficulties finding the right word to say or inability to write down sentences/words. Impairments in understanding language (comprehension) might include difficulty following instructions or comprehending written material
Fluency
Commonly known as stuttering. This can effect anyone. There are treatment approaches to assist adults and children with stuttering. These approaches are highly evidence based and our clinicians will work with you and your carers to help achieve your goals.
Speech
Speech is the way we make sounds when talking so that people understand what is being said. Difficulties with speech might include slurred speech, poor pronunciation, difficulty controlling the speed of speech, nasal sounding speech, running out of breath when speaking, controlling saliva / dribbling & monotone speech.
Voice & Upper Airway Disorders
Voice and Upper Airway Disorders can impact the quality of the voice, breathing and everyday communication. Symptoms may include a hoarse, weak or strained voice, chronic cough, throat tightness, vocal fatigue, noisy breathing or difficulty speaking comfortably. At HM Speech, we provide evidence-based assessment and therapy for voice disorders, chronic cough, vocal cord dysfunction and dysfunctional breathing, working closely with ENT and respiratory specialists to support clearer communication and improved breathing function.
Cognitive Communication
Cognitive-communication difficulties can occur as part of conditions such as Dementia, Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease and Brain Injury, impacting memory, attention, word-finding, problem solving and everyday communication. At HMSP, we provide assessment and therapy to support communication, participation and independence, with a strong focus on functional strategies, education and support for both individuals and their families.