Services:

Aphasia is a language disorder that causes difficulties with talking (expressive language), comprehending (receptive language), reading and writing. It can be caused by brain injury, stroke or due to progressive neurological changes. Language differences can also result from developmental differences such as intellectual impairment and other neurological conditions. 

At Soflex Speech Pathology, we support you to identify your language goals and offer therapy targeting all areas of language to meet your communication needs.

Motor speech / voice distrubrances includes disorders such as Dysarthria (slow or slurred speech) and Apraxia / Dyspraxia (difficulty coordinating speech movements). Motor speech disorders can lead to breakdowns in communication due to difficulties producing  clear intelligible speech. Motor speech disorders often result from stroke, brain injury and neurological conditions (i.e., Parkinson's Disease), but can be the result of surgery, abnormal growths, or incorrect use of the vocal cords. 

At Soflex Speech Pathology we offer assessment, diagnosis and individualised motor speech and voice therapy options to support improving speech intelligibility, production and function.

Social Language (pragmatics) refers to the use of language within social contexts (i.e., functionally participating in conversation). This can affect a person's ability to engage in conversation and also includes includes nonverbal aspects of communication (i.e., eye contact, gestures and body language).

At Soflex Speech Pathology, we adopt a strengths-based, neurodiverse affirming approach to all areas of social language; We support each individual and their support network to suppport individual communication goals and create opportunities that bolster communication experiences and outcomes.

 Cognitive communication disorders are difficulties with communication that have an underlying cause in a cognitive deficit rather than a primary language or speech deficit.

A cognitive communication disorder results from impaired functioning of one or more cognitive processes (i.e., attention, memory, perception, insight and judgement, organisation, language, processing speed, problem solving, reasoning, executive functioning). This can cause difficulty performing activities of daily living (ADL) safely and efficiently as well as communicating effectively.

At Soflex Speech Pathology we recognise that cognitive communication disorders can impact a person's ability to socialise, access and maintain employment, and meaningfully participate within their community. We take a holistic approach to cognitive communication assessment, intervention and education by seeking input where indicated and appropriate from family, friends and employers.

Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to ways in which we communicate other than talking. There are two main types of AAC: 

Unaided - such as using signing, gesturing, facial expressions, and body language, or Aided - Low tech (i.e., writing and picture boards), and High tech (tablets, computers, speech generating devices).

The most crucial component of AAC prescription is taking a client-centred approach, to match an individual with the right system to suit their lifestyle and communicstion needs. We provide holistic assessment, recommendations and training for AAC and work cloaely with technology suppliers to facilitate the prescription of a device that best suits an individuals need.

Dysphagia can affect a person's ability to swallow safely by compromising airway protection during eating and drinking, which can adversely affect a person's respiratory health. A person's swallow can change following a stroke, brain injury, general aging and a range of medical and neurological conditions.

At Soflex Speech Pathology, we offer diagnostic assessments, education and management options for a range of swallowing disorders. This includes provision of current Mealtime Management Plans, and individualised training packages.

Communication and Swallowing are complex, and where misinformation or lack of knowledge can be dangerous, evidence based best practice knowledge and education can be life changing and critical.

At Soflex Speech Pathology, education and training options are available to suit a variety of audiences. This includes the provision of Dysphagia and Mealtime Management (i.e., to clients/families and support providers) to AAC trials and implementation or individualised communication/partner training packages. Peer supervision is also available to other Speech Pathologists in need of mentorship and guidance.