Speech Pathology
Our Speech Pathology Services
We are interested in supporting the following areas:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder and Social-Communication Difficulties: Enhancing communication skills and social interactions.
- Speech and Language Difficulties: Improving articulation, fluency, and expressive/receptive language abilities.
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Providing tools and strategies for effective communication.
- Literacy: Addressing reading, spelling, and writing challenges.
- Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) Management: Offering strategies and interventions to manage CAPD.
- Swallowing and Communication Management: Supporting patients with swallowing and communication issues due to stroke, dementia, and Parkinson’s Disease.
At Alpaca Speech pathology, we offer comprehensive speech pathology services to address a variety of communication and swallowing challenges. Our dedicated team of certified speech pathologists is committed to helping individuals improve their quality of life through personalised therapy plans.
Our multidisciplinary approach also includes occupational therapy and music therapy to ensure holistic support for our clients.
Contact us today to learn how our speech pathology services can help you or your loved one achieve better communication and swallowing health.
We provide face-to-face consultation at the clinic and clients’ homes and schools.
远程医疗服务也可使用
Meet the Speech Pathology Team:
Vivienne Au
Vivienne has extensive experience supporting children and adolescents with speech, language, literacy and social communication challenges. Currently, completing a Masters of Applied Linguistics, focusing on language assessment and undertaking a research project exploring the comprehension and production of complex syntax among autistic adolescents.
Personal Development/Areas of Interest
- Literacy, certified in Sounds-Write
- Speech, Language and Social Communication in Children and Adolescents
- Hanen More Than Words certified with Young Autistic Children
- Developmental Language Disorder Intervention
- Bilingual Language Development
Qualifications
- Master of Speech Pathology
- Bachelor of Arts – Linguistics & Anthropology
Nan Shiels
Nan is a speech pathologist and teacher who has over 30 years’ experience working with primary and secondary school students who have speech, language and literacy difficulties.
For the majority of this time she worked at Rossbourne School where she developed specialised programs to assist older students with diverse learning needs, including Autistic Spectrum Disorder, dyslexia and language disorder.
Nan is also a registered teacher and highly values her capacity to work collaboratively with colleagues, families and teachers to achieve the best outcomes for all.
Personal Development/Areas of Interest
- Literacy and Reading Difficulty
- Dyslexia training with ISV
- Development of Writing using ‘Talk for Writing’ Program, including applying the approach across the curriculum in Secondary Schools
- Colourful Semantics
- Narrative-based language intervention (Elizabeth Knowles)
- Social Skills Development
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Applied Science- Speech Science
- Diploma of Education- VIT registration
Joyleen Armer
Joyleen is the founder of Alpaca Allied Health and a certified practising speech pathologist.
As a former linguistics lecturer and English teacher, Joyleen is keen on helping clients struggling with both language and communication skills. She enjoys the challenges that every client brings and uses a multidisciplinary method in treating her clients, whereby she works with teachers, psychologists and other health professionals to achieve the best outcomes for her clients.
Collaborating with her colleagues, Joyleen also provides support to clients with swallowing and communication difficulties at aged care and supported residential services. Joyleen also treats adolescents and adults who have stuttering issues.
Joyleen can speak Mandarin, Japanese, English and Shanghai Dialect.
Personal Development/Areas of interest
- Adult and Adolescent Stuttering and Communication
- Language (Higher Order Language)
- Literacy (Sounds-Write Certified Practitioner)
- Social Skills (Adolescents and Young Adults)
- Parents Education and Information Counselling
Qualifications
- Bachelor of English Language and Education
- Graduate Certificate of Education
- Master of Speech Pathology
- Master of Applied Linguistics
Lachlan Andrews
Lachlan is a certified practising speech pathologist, who has experience working with clients across the lifespan.
Lachlan has had recent experience working within residential aged care facilities, supporting adult clients with their communication and swallowing needs. Lachlan enjoys implementing a multidisciplinary approach with clients and enjoys working closely with families and other health professionals to achieve person centred goals. Additionally, Lachlan is passionate about providing education and advocating for the speech pathology profession through quality improvement tasks.
Lachlan also has experience and enjoys working with children, supporting language, speech and social communication goals.
Apart from speech pathology, Lachlan holds a degree in linguistics and has been involved with research related to linguistics and speech pathology throughout his studies.
Personal Development/Areas of Interest
- Communication and Swallowing Needs for Adults with Acquired Conditions (Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, Dementia)
- Social Stencil trained (Neuroaffirming Social-Emotional Curriculum)
- Speech, Language and Social Communication Support for Children and Adolescents
- Literacy, Certified in Sounds-Write Program
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts Majoring in Linguistics
- Master of Speech Pathology
Quick Screener – Language and Speech
A screening assessment is to identify whether there is a need for further comprehensive evaluation, to measure progress following therapeutic intervention, or to review the individual’s status after a period of absence from therapy. The speech pathologist may employ a range of assessment methods, including standardized screening tools, structured observations, checklists, formal assessments, or a combination.
Comprehensive Language Assessments and Report
Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals – Australia and New Zealand Version
CELF 5 ( 5 – 21 years old)
The CELF-5 is a standardized tool used to assess and diagnose language and communication disorders in children and young adults. It offers a thorough evaluation of various language domains, including receptive and expressive language, morphology, syntax, and pragmatics. The assessment incorporates observation-based methods, authentic tasks, and norm-referenced data, enabling clinicians to make well-informed decisions regarding placement and intervention.
CELF P-3 (3 – 6 years old)
The CELF Preschool-3 is designed to assess the language and communication skills of children. It helps identify, diagnose, and monitor language and communication difficulties in preschool-aged children. The assessment includes a range of subtests that evaluate key areas such as receptive and expressive language, as well as early literacy skills. This tool provides speech-language pathologists with valuable insights into a child’s language development, supporting accurate diagnosis and effective intervention planning.
Pragmatics Skills Assessment
Pragmatics skills assessment focuses on the social language skills used in daily interactions, including conversational skills, non-verbal communication, understanding non-literal language, problem-solving, interpreting and expressing emotions.
Social Response Scale – 2 (SRS-2)
The SRS-2 is an assessment tool designed for children, adolescents, and adults. It is used to identify social impairments associated with autism spectrum disorders and to quantify the severity of these challenges. The assessment is completed by parents, teachers, or caregivers who provide ratings based on observed social behaviours in naturalistic settings.
Literacy Assessments
The Sounds-Write Literacy Assessment is a systematic, cumulative phonics program that builds essential reading and spelling skills. It is highly effective for early learners in kinder to Year 1 and also provides targeted support in Year 2 and beyond who experience difficulties with literacy.
Speech Assessment (Articulation)
The Fisher-Atkin Articulation Survey (Revised edition) uses pictures to elicit single–word responses, in order to test a specific sound in initial, medial or final word positions of words. It also created an opportunity to explore how quickly a child can “think of” the correct words. The results are recorded using the International Phonetic Alphabet. In addition, an Oral Peripheral Examination is conducted to measure the coordination between different articulators.
