Speech & Language Support Services

As a speech pathologist, I've seen firsthand how even the smallest facial movements can significantly impact communication. One often overlooked aspect? The eyebrows. These tiny muscles play a crucial role in expressing emotions and ensuring our facial expressions align with our words. However, when they don't move as they should, it can lead to miscommunication and missed connections. In my latest chat, I explore the hidden language of eyebrows—how they convey emotions, the challenges some individuals face with eyebrow movement, and the steps we can take to improve this vital aspect of nonverbal communication. This isn't just about raising an eyebrow—it's about raising awareness of how much our faces communicate beyond words. Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/gMfFg9yx #SpeechTherapy #NonverbalCommunication #FacialExpressions #CommunicationSkills

Today, I experienced the most magical session with a little one who hasn't yet found his voice. It was truly heartwarming to see his eyes light up when I added engaging sounds or words to his ideas. When we looked at a cat, I signed "cat" and made a big, long "meeeooowww." He gazed into my eyes with a huge smile and kept touching the cat. He even moved my hand to make the sign and sound again. Switching to a "woof" when I signed "dog," he once again moved my hand to indicate he wanted to hear it repeatedly. As we stacked blocks and knocked them down, I said "uh oh" with lots of affect and action. He moved my hands to do it again and again, and then he said "uh oh." His dad hadn't heard him copy words in months. Moments like these make my day and remind me why I do what I do. Seeing first words, engagement, big smiles, and connection is what makes me passionate about being a speech pathologist. I'll be a speechie forever. #SpeechPathology #EarlyIntervention #FirstWords #SpeechTherapy #WhyIDoWhatIDo

Today we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. This year the focus is to end stereotypes. Over the past thirty years, families with children and young adults with Down syndrome have consistently shared stories of encountering low expectations and negative perceptions from the very early stages of their journey. Whether it's during pregnancy or immediately after birth, many families find themselves confronted with conversations that focus on limitations and what their child may not be able to achieve. These initial encounters can be disheartening and set a tone of diminished expectations, influencing how society views the capabilities of individuals with Down syndrome. However, it's crucial to recognize the power of belief in shaping outcomes. When families, therapists, educators, and communities believe in the abilities and potential of individuals with Down syndrome, they create pathways and opportunities for them to thrive. Conversely, when belief is lacking, individuals are robbed of the chance to reach their full potential. By fostering a culture of belief and empowerment, we can unlock opportunities, challenge stereotypes, and pave the way for greater inclusion, acceptance, and success for individuals with Down syndrome. #WorldDownSyndromeDay #BelieveInPotential #OpportunitiesForAll #EmpowermentThroughBelief

Every time someone asks me what I do and I respond with 'I'm a Speech Pathologist,' I often get the same response: 'Oh, my child saw a speech pathologist. She just played with him.' But let me tell you, that couldn't be further from the truth. A play session is like a workout for a speechie, and let's be honest, a child who can do structured activities at the table is soooo much easier... Play sessions with a child is like an iceberg – what yousee is just the tip of the iceberg! So above the surface, it looks like your child and the speechie are just playing games or having fun. But underneath, there's a whole lot more going on. 🚀 💥 First off, there's a tonne of planning involved. The speech pathologist has to carefully choose activities and toys that target specific speech and language goals for your child. It's like plotting a course on a treasure map! 🗺️ Then there's all the skill-building happening behind the scenes. Your child might be working on everything from engagement, copying, sounds, first words, vocabulary building, grammar to social thinking. It's like they're training to be communication super stars! ✨ And let's not forget about engagement. The therapist is like a master magician, keeping your child focused and motivated throughout the session. Normally this starts with the therapist matching or changing their own energy levels to help your child get the most out of their session. It's all about making learning feel like fun! 🎩 So next time you see your child playing with their speech pathologist, remember: there's a whole iceberg of skills and planning beneath the surface. There is a lot of action going on under the water to help your child achieve. 🎉 #SpeechPathologistLife #TherapyPlay #ChildDevelopment #PlayBasedLearning #SpeechTherapy #TherapistMagic #LearningIsFun #PlayAndGrow #TherapySuccess #EmpoweredKids #Speechies

So this year I broke my foot and I'd thought I'd share the lessons I learnt. 1. 4 year olds are dangerous. Let's just leave it at that. 2. Moon boots don't suit people who don't wear shoes. You really need a shoe with a heel. Ouch my aching hip from trying to tip toe with the moon boot. 3. Moon boots and stairs are not a great mix. 4. Homework notes sure make a difference. Weekly physio is amazing but I can never remember the exercises that I am supposed to do during the week. I really appreciate and understand the value of the notes we give families every week. Now how to suggest that my physio starts writing me notes. I have tried writing them in my phone but I can't keep up or describe the exercise well enough. Lying on the floor at home trying to recreate the movement is not working but pretty funny for my kids.

One of the keys to longevity in any profession is to keep on learning and developing your skills both professionally and personally. As a speechie there is always more to learn. Even with 60 years between us as speechies there is always more to learn with Alison from Newcastle Speech Pathology.