WHAT IS A speech pathologist?

A speech pathologist is able to assist people with communication and swallowing disorders. Our Speech Pathology team helps individuals of all ages, from young children to adults. We are able to assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, voice, fluency and swallowing disorders. This can include difficulties with articulation of speech sounds, language comprehension, language expression (expressing what we want to say), stuttering, and even problems with swallowing food and drinks. Speech pathology plays a crucial role in helping people communicate more effectively, leading to greater independence and improved confidence in their everyday lives.

At Empower Health NQ, our Speech pathologists use various therapeutic techniques, activities, and exercises to help individuals improve their speech and communication skills, making it easier for them to communicate effectively in their daily lives. From time to time, we may also work with people who are recovering from injuries that affect speech or swallowing. This might include stroke, brain injuries or throat cancer to name a few.

What to expect in your first appointment

During your first appointment with our Speech Pathologists, our focus is on you. You should expect the following during your first appointment:

• Our Speech Pathologist will ask about your medical history and current concerns with your communication or swallowing. This will assist us in understanding how any underlying health conditions may be impacting you.

• During your initial appointment, we will ask what your goals are and what you would like to achieve from Speech Pathology services at Empower Health NQ.

• We will discuss what prompted you to seek Speech Pathology services, this might include challenges such as speech delays, difficulty with articulation, swallowing, stuttering or other communication difficulties.

• Following getting to know you and your goals, you will then be asked to complete different assessments specific to you. We will evaluate various aspects of your speech and communication such as:

  • Your articulation of different speech sounds

  • Your ability to understand language (receptive language)

  • How you express thoughts, ideas, feelings etc. (expressive language)

  • Any concerns with fluency (stuttering)

  • Your reading and writing skills (literacy)

  • Voice quality (e.g., roughness, breathiness, strain)

• By performing different assessments we can gauge your starting point and this is then used as a reference point when you complete future assessments. This is most important as it will indicate whether our speech pathology treatment is beneficial and helping you achieve your goals.

• Finally, we will provide you with a clear plan to achieve your goals. Our speech pathologist will discuss the results of the assessments with you, and also discuss the frequency of appointments that is required to successfully achieve your goals.

If you have seen a Speech Pathologist before and have previous speech pathology reports or other information that may assist us with providing you the highest level of care, please bring this along to your initial appointment.

Parental Involvement (if applicable): If you are attending the appointment with a child, you may be asked that as parent or caregiver that you assist and participate in the appointment, provide insights and assist when required.