This column, which started more than a year ago, is written by qualified children’s allied health professionals from Wagga Wagga Community Health Centre.
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We started this column because we found lots of parents have similar concerns, and it’s important to realise that if any of the topics we raise rings an alarm bell, you are not alone. But who are we, and what do we do? Speech pathologists assess, diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders, from birth to old age. We can break communication difficulties down into:
- Language – how your child uses words to express themselves, and how well they understand others
- Speech – the sounds your child makes
- Fluency (stuttering) –repetitions in sounds, words or phrases, as if their message is ‘stuck’
- Voice – your child’s voice quality. Does it sound husky or croaky, or cause them pain when they speak?
- Pragmatics – your child’s social skills
- Literacy – reading and writing, as well as the earlier skills needed before starting to read and write, for example clapping out syllables.
Occupational therapists work with children experiencing difficulties with aspects of movement, attention and thinking, social-emotional skills or sensory processing. Therapy might target:
- Infant development to sit, crawl or walk
- Self-care activities such as washing, eating or using the toilet independently
- Whole body co-ordination to ride a bike
- Fine motor skills for handwriting, using cutlery or tying shoelaces
- “Thinking” skills for attention, memory, problem solving, or self-organisation
- Social and emotional skills to make friends or manage anxious moments
- Tolerance for different sensations, to be comfortable in clothes, noisy shops or new foods
Dietitians work with whole families in order to support children of all ages to meet their nutritional needs and build healthy relationships with food. This might include:
- Giving practical advice about preparing age appropriate foods
- Supporting children who are over or underweight
- Uncover food allergies and intolerances
- Help manage gastrointestinal symptoms
- Help with fussy eaters during meal times
- Manage nutrition of children with specific and complex healthcare needs, including tube feeding
We provide free services for those with a Medicare card. If you have concerns with your child’s development, talk to your GP or phone 1800 654 324 to make an appointment with any of the above professionals.
