The Reading Speechie, Speech Pathology

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Reading development is intricately linked to language development, oral language, phonological awareness, phonics, spelling, and writing skills. Children who experience speech sound difficulties or language challenges may find reading, spelling, and overall literacy more demanding, particularly those with dyslexia and other literacy-based learning difficulties. Additionally, children with speech and language difficulties are at an increased risk of facing reading and spelling challenges, highlighting the essential role oral language skills play in literacy support. 

At The Reading Speechie, we provide evidence-based literacy support that focuses on the foundational skills necessary for reading, spelling, and written language success. Our approach also includes neurodiversity support to cater to the unique needs of each child. 

Support may encompass: 

- phonological awareness 

- phonics and decoding 

- speech sound awareness 

- vocabulary and oral language 

- reading comprehension 

- spelling and written expression 

- narrative and storytelling skills 

Therapy may additionally address areas such as morphology (understanding meaningful word parts) and orthographic mapping, which can help children strengthen their reading, spelling, and vocabulary skills. 

Recognising that every child learns differently, we understand that some may benefit from more repetition, structure, and explicit teaching, especially when developing literacy skills. Our sessions are tailored to each child’s individual strengths, learning profile, and cognitive load, ultimately building confidence while reducing overwhelm and frustration. 

Our approach is engaging, evidence-based, and designed to support meaningful progress across communication, literacy, and learning, including stuttering therapy for those in need.

Support for children experiencing speech sound difficulties, including issues with speech clarity, pronunciation, or speech sounds that persist beyond the typical age of language development. While you may understand your child well, others such as extended family members, educators, or peers might find their speech more challenging to comprehend.

Some children may simplify sounds or words, for example saying “wed” instead of “red” or “poon” instead of “spoon.” This can lead to frustration and a loss of confidence, especially when others struggle to understand them. Addressing these speech sound difficulties is crucial, as they may also impact later literacy development, including reading and spelling skills.

Therapy focused on articulation, speech sound awareness, and phonological patterns can provide essential literacy support, helping children communicate more clearly and confidently. Additionally, neurodiversity support can play a vital role in ensuring that all children receive the understanding and assistance they need, including options like stuttering therapy when applicable.

Language development is distinct from speech. While speech pertains to how sounds are produced and articulated, language involves understanding, using, and organising words to communicate, learn, and connect with others.  

Language difficulties can significantly impact learning, reading, spelling, written expression, and social communication. Additionally, some children may be diagnosed with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), a common yet often hidden difficulty affecting language development.  

Therapy may support various areas such as:  

- expressive language  

- receptive language  

- vocabulary development  

- sentence structure  

- narrative and storytelling skills  

- social communication  

- understanding and answering questions  

Some children may benefit from tailored support with forming simple and complex sentences, organising their ideas into coherent stories, or understanding how language is used in everyday conversations and learning environments. For those dealing with speech sound difficulties or requiring stuttering therapy, specialised approaches can be integrated.  

Where appropriate, therapy may also incorporate visual supports, Key Word Sign, and other neurodiversity support strategies to help children engage more confidently in communication and learning.  

We are dedicated to supporting children in building confidence and stronger communication skills across home, school, and everyday life.

Support for children who stutter is essential, utilising evidence-based approaches that cater to the individual child's needs and their family's circumstances. Stuttering can manifest as repetitions of sounds or words, prolongation of sounds, or interruptions in the natural flow of speech. This can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, or reduced confidence in communication during everyday situations, impacting their overall language development. 

Our therapy emphasises fostering confident communication and active participation while collaborating with families to create positive communication environments that support literacy development and neurodiversity. The Reading Speechie has undergone training in the Lidcombe Program, an evidence-based early intervention strategy specifically designed for young children facing speech sound difficulties related to stuttering therapy.

At The Reading Speechie, we provide support for children with diverse communication and learning profiles, including neurodivergent children and those with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), Autism, and ADHD. Our therapy is strengths-based, collaborative, and individualized, acknowledging that every child learns, communicates, and engages with the world differently. 

Support may focus on: 

- language development and literacy support 

- social communication 

- attention and learning support strategies 

- classroom participation 

- emotional confidence in communication 

- addressing speech sound difficulties and incorporating stuttering therapy 

- building on each child’s strengths and interests 

Our approach is calm, supportive, and evidence-based, working closely with families and educators to help children feel confident, understood, and successful across home, school, and everyday environments.