Downloads Centre – Speech and Communication Resources
Welcome to a very useful part of our website – the Downloads Centre – Speech and Communication Resources. Within this section you will be able to either view, or download, a comprehensive range of resources and information. Some of these resources will support programs put in place by your speech and language therapist / pathologist. Speech pathologists are welcome to download the free resources for use in your clinic or classroom, or to distribute to clients, but please leave the logo and website address on any copies.(please see our Copyright Requirements / Terms and Conditions regarding the use of these downloads in a professional capacity). It is our intention to populate this section with a range of handy resources in one central location. The resources have been designed to be printer friendly. We are continually putting new downloads and programs in this section so keep checking back to see the latest additions.
The Downloads Section is divided into several sections – click on the links below to access your area of interest:
Childrens Speech and Language Development:
Watching your child’s communication development is an exciting time for most parents. Most children develop speech, language and social skills naturally during the first few years of life. As parents it is important to remember that these first few years are vital and there is a lot you can do to help develop these skills and put in place many crucial building blocks for the future. This section contains lots of ideas and activities to help you develop your child’s speech, language and communication.
Speech and Language Milestones:
The development of a child’s communication skills can vary enormously from child to child. Some children will develop certain skills quicker than others, and there are often differences between girls and boys. The information in this section is just a general guideline and many experts vary considerably on what they believe to be the normal stages of development. To try and make this information easier to read we have created a made-up child called Bill. Bill was lucky, he had a childhood free of any illness or accidents and he had pro-active parents who played with him and gave him lots of quality 1:1 attention.
Autism is a developmental disorder of the brain and can affect anyone, regardless of social status or intelligence. This section provides information, strategies, and guidance on different options that you can use every day to help to facilitate the understanding, social skills and communication of individuals on the autism spectrum.
Many children present with language difficulties. Language difficulties can be expressive (the language we use when we talk) or receptive (the understanding of language). Some children have difficulties with both. This can have very serious affects on the well-being of the child if they are unable to express themselves or unable to understand what is going on around them. Approximately three quarters of children with identified emotional and behavioural difficulties have significant language deficits. This section contains information and resources relating expressive, receptive, and specific language impairment.
Children’s Speech Difficulties:
This section contains information about, and strategies to, facilitate speech difficulties including Selective Mutism, Voice difficulties, and Dysarthria.
Many children have difficulties with communication or learning because of disease, injury or a disorder or syndrome. Some children just have delayed learning skills for no apparent reason. However, no matter what the nature of the disorder, it is likely that there are ways to help children to communicate. Even children with profound difficulties have the potential to increase their level of communication, allowing them to initiate, respond and make choices.
Develop your Child’s Language Skills
Many children present with language difficulties. A language difficulty can be expressive (the language they use when they talk) and/or receptive (their understanding of language). Some children have difficulties with both. Language difficulties will impact on your child’s well-being and educational development as they may be unable to express their needs or understand what is going on around them. There is no magic formula to learning language – language and communication skills come from play and interaction, and parents/carers creating opportunities for language skills to develop. Approximately three quarters of children with identified emotional and behavioural difficulties have significant language deficits. This section contains information and resources that will benefit kids with expressive and receptive language delays, and specific language impairment. There are many things you can do to develop your child’s language skills.
Difficulty reading, writing and spelling is a problem encountered by many children. Literacy difficulties and dyslexia can be caused by a number of factors and consequently there are a number of different programs to help with reading and spelling.
Dysfluency (Stammering, Stuttering and Cluttering):
Dysfluency (stuttering) can produce anxiety, tension, stress, embarrassment, and a feeling of “loss of control” during speech. The emotional state of the stutterer is often the most serious effect of the disorder. Many adult stutterers claim that the disorder has affected their lives making them avoid many social situations and affecting their confidence. This section will include information relating to both child and adult dysfluency.
This section provides an overview of hearing impairment with downloads about the hearing process, causes of hearing impairment, hearing assessment, hearing aids and cochlear implants, and strategies and programs to facilitate speech, language, and communication.
Adult speech difficulties can occur for a number of reasons. Accident, injury, disease and illness can all have affects on our speech system. This section contains information and resources related to several types of speech problem, such as dysarthria and voice problems.
Many adults suffer from learning disabilities or have special needs. Alongside learning difficulties there are often difficulties with communication, social skills and behaviour. However, even for adults with profound difficulties there are ways (often using a total communication approach) that can increase an individual’s level of communication, allowing them to respond and make choices. This section will include information on Total Communication, assistive communication, language strategies, and communication and behaviour.
Progressive Neurological Diseases:
Progressive diseases and disorders of the brain such as tumours, dementia, or a progressive neurological disease can have a huge impact on communication skills. Although we cannot usually halt the development of some of these diseases, there are many things we can do to improve and facilitate speech and communication.
A brain injury and head injury can cause damage to the brain that may contribute to both short term and long term difficulties with communication and cognitive functioning. An injury of this kind can occur both from the impact of an external force or an internal event such as a stroke, tumour or disease. There are many simple, functional strategies that can be introduced that will facilitate your memory, planning, attention, and reading skills.
A stroke or cerebro-vascular accident (CVA) can be a very debilitating event in an individual’s life. Some individuals make a complete recovery, others only have minor difficulties and their communication is unaffected. However, for some, their speech and language can be severely affected. This section provides information about the effects of a stroke and some strategies to facilitate communication.
Assistive Communication / AAC:
Assistive technology is a generic term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices with a focus on facilitating communication. Modern new electronic machines (hi-tech) have become the way for many individuals to communicate. With advances in computer technology, new hi-tech devices are becoming smaller and smarter. However, assistive devices do not have to be expensive or electronic, they can be lo-tech (picture cards for instance), and often the simpler lo-tech option is a better, more functional option depending on the client and their disability. Whatever assistive device is used, the end goal is to facilitate communication and independence. This section provides information relating to hi and lo-tech devices, strategies to enhance communication, The Total Communication approach, and trialling and assessing the best assistive communication options for an individual.