Speech Therapy Services
Across the Lifespan
Paediatrics (children)
At rara Therapy, we provide paediatric speech therapy services to help children develop their communication and feeding skills.
Our therapy is designed to support children in their speech and language development journey, tailored to their specific needs and age.
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With additional professional development in:
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SOS Approach to Feeding Introductory Course
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SOS Approach to Feeding Advanced Food Scientist Course
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Meaningful Speech Gestalt Language Processing
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Creating Safe Communication Spaces: Minimising Pressure and Maximising Authenticity with AAC
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Neurodiversity Affirming Practice
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Empowering Parents, Empowering Children: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach to Supporting Neurodivergent Families​
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Lidcombe Program
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Affirming Practices and Ideas in Stuttering Therapy
Adults
For adults facing speech and language difficulties, our adult speech pathology services offer personalized support to improve communication and swallowing.
Clients who have experienced a stroke or traumatic brain injury, have been diagnosed with a neurodegenerative diseases or disorder (e.g., Parkinson's Disease), or a developmental or acquired disability may benefit from support from a speech pathologist.
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​With additional professional development in:
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Neurodiversity Affirming Practice
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SPEAK OUT!® Provider Training - Parkinson's Voice Project
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Practice Standards for mealtime management and dysphagia
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Voice intervention: Goal setting and technique selection
Communication
Speech
The speech domain focuses on how we produce sounds and words clearly. It includes articulation (how we form specific sounds), phonology (the sound patterns we use), and motor speech (how the brain and muscles work together to create speech).
Difficulties in this area can make it hard for others to understand what someone is saying. Difficulties can be developmental or acquired (from injury, stroke, or illness)
Language
Language involves understanding and using words to communicate effectively. It includes receptive language (understanding what others say or write) and expressive language (using words, grammar, and sentences to express thoughts). It also covers literacy skills like reading, writing, and spelling, as well as narrative language – the ability to tell and understand stories using structure, vocabulary, and sequencing.
Fluency
Fluency encompasses the smooth flow of connected speech. Disruptions to this are referred to as dysfluencies. Some clients experience stuttering.
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Stuttering intervention can encompass development of smooth speech strategies, neuro-affirming education, and support in accessing resources and the stuttering community.
Voice
Voice refers to how we use our vocal cords to produce sound. This includes vocal quality (such as a hoarse or clear voice), pitch and loudness (how high or low, soft or loud the voice is), and resonance (how sound travels through the mouth and nose). Voice disorders can occur due to strain, misuse, psychosocial factors or anatomical differences due to disability, disease, or illness. We support people in being heard and understood, and educate clients on healthy vocal use to prevent harm or damage.
AAC
AAC stands for Augmented and Alternative Communication, which is a system that someone may use instead of or as well as speech, to communicate and understand messages.
Communication systems range from Key Word Sign to low-tech paper books with images, to high-tech speech-generating devices with customisable software.
Swallowing and Feeding
Dysphagia
Dysphagia refers to difficulty with swallowing food, drinks, or saliva. It can happen at any stage of the swallowing process and may cause coughing, choking, or aspiration. Aspiration occurs when food goes to the lungs (sometimes without any obvious signs) and can impact a client's health. Dysphagia can affect eating, drinking, and overall health, and may occur due to medical conditions, neurological disorders, or developmental delays. Speech pathologists assess and help manage dysphagia to support safe and effective swallowing.
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You may be referred to imaging services as required such as a video-fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), also called a modified barium swallow, or a fiber-optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES).
Feeding
Feeding encompasses the skills involved in eating. This includes the sensory system, oro-motor skills, cognitive abilities, mealtime routines and behaviours... and so much more! Some terms you may have heard could include 'picky eating,' or 'failure to thrive.'
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We love working with other health professionals in this space including your GP, dietician, nurses, occupational therapists, and psychologists.
Mobile Therapy Sessions
Our mobile speech pathology services bring support directly to your home, school, kindergarten, or other community spaces. We understand the importance of implementing speech therapy in clients' natural environments, as it fosters comfort and encourages progress in familiar settings. This approach not only enhances engagement but also ensures that skills are practiced in real situations. Please note fees are associated with travel.
Online Therapy Sessions
We understand the convenience of accessing speech therapy from anywhere. That's why we offer online therapy sessions for individuals who prefer virtual consultations. Our online therapy programs ensure that clients receive professional support and guidance in improving their speech and language skills.
