When most people think about speech pathologists, they are probably thinking it is someone who helps individuals who have a lisp or stutter. While it is true, their scope of services is a lot broader.
The pathologists in Australia must be certified after undergoing a thorough speech pathology degree at university. Like any other medical professional, speech pathologists study physiology and anatomy, genetics, linguistics, acoustics, neuroanatomy, language and human development, psychology, and more! This explains why an NDIS speech pathology professional is qualified to evaluate, diagnose, and treat various disorders and delays.
What a Speech Pathologist Does
Speech pathologists at a disability support services Brisbane organisation are also responsible for treating and creating care plans that help maintain, improve, and restore specific functions and skills.
These functions include:
- Language processing challenges
- Swallowing and feeding difficulties caused by dysphagia
- Phonological or articulation disorders such as apraxia of speech (AOS) or dysarthria
- Language fluency issues, including stutters
- Social communication pragmatics
Is There a Difference Between a Speech Pathologist and a Speech Therapist?
They are the same.
Speech pathology is the official line of work for the individual, usually known as a speech teacher or therapist. These terms are interchangeably used to refer to a professional evaluating a client’s unique communication disorders or impairments. They also help determine the best treatment course to help you or a loved one improve.
What a Speech Pathologist Does in a Hospital and School
Schools and hospitals are the most common work environments for an NDIS speech pathology professional. Each setting brings its unique opportunities and challenges. You can look up the nearest speech therapy pathologist in your area, based on client reviews.
In the School
A speech therapist in the early childhood education setting sets up support and intervention strategies for students. The therapist also advises and works with administrators and educators. This collaboration ensures any communication challenges students have are holistically addressed without interrupting their learning.
Key responsibilities of the therapist in your kid’s school include:
- Working with children and students with various auditory, physical, and learning disabilities or those disorders likely to interfere with their educational performance
- Consulting with families of children, administrators, and children on how to prevent and treat common communication disorders
- Supervision of clinical practices for students
- Taking part in the school curriculum and literacy teams
In the Hospital
Medical speech pathologists also work in healthcare facilities such as hospitals and disability services Brisbane organisations. They are an integral part of the interdisciplinary treatment team responsible for designing and implementing a client’s rehabilitation plan.
They may also collaborate with occupational and physical therapists, audiologists, social workers, psychologists, or physicians to get the job done. The major functions of a medical speech therapist in the healthcare setting include:
- Diagnosis and treatment of language, cognitive, swallowing, and communication issues
- Prescription of modified diet plans for clients with dysphagia and swallowing disorders
- Offering support, education, and guidance to their patients and primary caregivers
- Researching methods of treating swallowing and communication disorders
- Carrying out periodic screenings
- Working with clients with chronic disease or affected by neurological events leading to brain trauma, such as cancer, physical trauma, seizure, or stroke
Why a Speech Pathologist is Funded by the NDIS
A recent exertion of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) across Australia has introduced several new services in multiple allied health streams, such as speech therapy.
An NDIS speech pathologist can be an individual or be part of a service with NDIS registration. In QLD, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission regulates service providers.
Under the NDIS, service providers apply for certification in specific categories and must fulfil strict requirements and guidelines. This way the organisation or individual has adequate skills, practical understanding, and training to offer high-quality and safe services.
Get Help Today
Language and speech problems have been shown to contribute to poverty and crime. Even if they are preventing your child from understanding that mind-opening book, they must be addressed at once. An NDIS speech pathology organisation is the best place to start!
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