Paediatric Communication
Adolescents and Young Adults
Preparing for life beyond school
The transition from school into adult life can create a completely different set of communication demands.
Young people may suddenly be expected to communicate with employers, service providers, businesses and unfamiliar members of the community with much greater independence.
Speech Club can help adolescents develop the functional communication skills required for this transition.
Rather than focusing solely on traditional therapy tasks, intervention can increasingly focus on how communication skills are used in everyday adult life.
This may include preparation for:
Employment • Further education • Community participation • Relationships • Independent living • Self-advocacy
Communication for Employment
Developing communication skills for the workplace
Finding and maintaining employment involves much more than completing the practical requirements of a job.
Communication is an important workplace skill.
Speech Club can support adolescents and adults preparing for employment, entering the workforce or experiencing communication difficulties within an existing workplace.
Intervention may target:
understanding workplace instructions
asking for clarification
communicating with supervisors
communicating with colleagues
participating in workplace conversations
understanding workplace expectations
explaining when something has gone wrong
requesting assistance
communicating during job interviews
telephone communication
problem solving
self-advocacy
managing communication breakdowns
developing greater independence at work.
Where appropriate, intervention can occur within the participant's actual workplace or employment environment.
Selective Mutism: Breaking the Silence
Selective mutism is a complex anxiety disorder that affects a child's ability to speak in certain social situations, despite being able to communicate comfortably in others. I help young people overcome this challenging condition.
Understanding Selective Mutism
Selective mutism typically emerges between ages 3 and 6, affecting approximately 1 in 140 children in their first three years of primary school. While it can be a daunting diagnosis, it's important to know that selective mutism is treatable with the right approach and support.
Our Approach to Treatment
I utilise evidence-based strategies that include:
Sliding In
A gradual approach to help children transition from speaking in comfortable settings to more challenging ones.
Graded Exposure
Carefully introducing children to increasingly challenging situations to reduce anxiety.
Anxiety Management
Teaching techniques to help children cope with anxiety in social settings.
Communication Skill Development
Enhancing overall language and social communication abilities.
Why Choose My Speech Pathology Service?
Expertise
Michael is specially trained in treating selective mutism and stays current with the latest research and techniques.
Holistic Approach
We consider all aspects of a child's life, including family dynamics and school environment.
Individualised Treatment
Each child's plan is tailored to their specific needs and challenges.
Collaborative Care
We work closely with psychologists, educators, and families to ensure comprehensive support.
What to Expect
Treatment for selective mutism is a journey that typically takes one to two years. However, with patience and consistent effort, children can make significant progress. My goal is to help your child become a confident and effective communicator in all settings.
Take the First Step
Don't let selective mutism hold your child back. Contact us today to schedule an assessment and learn how our speech pathology services can help your child find their voice.
Remember, with the right support, children with selective mutism can overcome their challenges and thrive in social and academic environments.