Communication Difficulties
Description: Communication difficulties in children can significantly impact their development, academic performance, and social interactions. These difficulties can arise from various sources, including developmental disorders, hearing impairments, and environmental factors. Communication difficulties encompass a wide range of issues that hinder a child's ability to exchange information effectively. These can also include both expressive and receptive language disorders, where a child may struggle to convey their thoughts or understand what others are saying.

Common Issue's
Difficulties Understanding or Speaking:
Children may find it challenging to grasp spoken language or may struggle to articulate their own thoughts clearly.

Difficulties with Early Communication:
Some children may not reach early communication milestones, such as babbling or responding to their names, which can indicate potential delays.
Difficulty Forming Sentences:
Challenges in constructing sentences can hinder a child's ability to express themselves coherently and may lead to frustration in communication.
Limited Vocabulary:
A restricted vocabulary can affect a child’s ability to express their thoughts and ideas, limiting their engagement in conversations.
Trouble Understanding Spoken or Written Language:
Children may struggle to comprehend instructions, questions, or stories, impacting their learning and social interactions.
Frequent Misunderstandings in Conversations:
Miscommunication can lead to frustration for both the child and their conversation partners, making social interactions more challenging.

​Intervention Strategies are tailored for the child based on the assessment and therapy plan.  Contact our Admin to book an appointment.

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Contributing Factors
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1. Development difficulties
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Children with ASD often struggle with social communication and may have difficulty understanding non-verbal cues, gestures, and context in conversations.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity can impact listening, turn-taking, and understanding in conversations.
Intellectual Disabilities: Cognitive impairments may delay language acquisition and make it harder for children to process or use language appropriately.

2. Speech and Language difficulties
Speech Sound Disorders (e.g., Articulation Disorders, Phonological Disorders): Difficulty in pronouncing words or certain sounds can hinder clear communication.
Language Disorders: These include difficulty understanding language (receptive language disorder) or expressing oneself (expressive language disorder).
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS): A motor speech disorder where children have trouble planning and coordinating the movements needed to speak.

3. Hearing difficulties
Hearing loss can delay or disrupt language development since children may struggle to hear sounds or conversations properly, impacting their ability to learn language.

4. Environmental factors
​Lack of Stimulation: Insufficient exposure to language, reading, or conversation can slow language development.
Neglect or Abuse: Trauma, neglect, or emotional abuse can affect a child’s ability to communicate effectively, particularly in expressing emotions.
Multilingual Environment: While not inherently a risk factor, learning multiple languages simultaneously can sometimes temporarily delay speech or language development.
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5. Neurological and Genetic factors
Genetic Syndromes: These conditions often come with associated speech and language delays.
Brain Injuries or Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Premature birth, head trauma, or other neurological impairments can affect the regions of the brain responsible for language.

6. Emotional and Behavioural factors
Anxiety: Social anxiety or shyness can limit a child’s willingness to speak, engage in conversation, or practise verbal skills.
Selective Mutism: A severe form of anxiety where a child is unable to speak in certain social situations despite being able to speak in others (e.g., at home but not at school).
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7. Cognitive overload
Children who are overwhelmed by a task may find it harder to communicate. This can happen when a child is trying to manage complex ideas or language beyond their developmental level.

8. Medical factors
Cleft Lip/Palate: This physical impairment can make articulation more difficult, impacting a child's ability to communicate clearly.
Chronic Ear Infections: Persistent infections can affect hearing, which in turn can impact speech development.

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Steps for Parents: Addressing Suspected Communication Difficulties
1. Observe and Document:
Keep a record of your child’s communication behaviours, noting specific instances where they struggle to express themselves or understand others. Document any patterns or situations that lead to difficulty.
2. Check Developmental Milestones:
Review communication milestones appropriate for your child’s age. This can help you identify potential delays in speech and language development.
3. Engage in Daily Conversations:
Regularly engage your child in conversations about their day, interests, and experiences. Observe how they respond and whether they understand the exchange.
4. Consult with Teachers and Caregivers:
Discuss your concerns with your child’s teachers or caregivers, who may provide insights into their communication abilities in different environments.
5. Encourage Communication:
Provide opportunities for your child to express themselves through various means, such as drawing, storytelling, or role-playing. Observe their willingness and ability to communicate in these situations.
6. Schedule a Hearing Assessment:
Arrange for a hearing evaluation to rule out any hearing impairments that may be contributing to communication difficulties.
7. Seek Professional Evaluation:
If concerns persist, consult a speech-language pathologist (SLP) for a comprehensive assessment of your child’s communication skills.
8. Participate in the Evaluation:
Be actively involved in the assessment process by sharing your observations and any documentation regarding your child's communication challenges.
9. Discuss the Findings:
Review the results of the evaluation with the SLP, who will explain any identified communication difficulties and recommend strategies or interventions.
10. Implement Recommended Strategies:
Follow the SLP’s suggestions for therapy or activities that can help improve your child’s communication skills. This may include specific exercises, social skills training, or language enrichment activities.
11. Monitor Progress:
Track your child’s progress in developing communication skills over time. Regularly check in with professionals involved in your child’s care to adjust strategies as needed.
12. Create a Supportive Environment:
Foster a language-rich environment at home by reading together, engaging in discussions, and encouraging play that promotes communication skills. Celebrate their efforts and improvements to build their confidence.
13. Stay Informed:
Educate yourself about communication difficulties and their impact on speech and language development. Seek resources and attend workshops to stay updated on effective strategies and interventions.

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Addressing Communication Difficulties Such as Speech Delays and Language Disorders

​Identifying Signs:

• Limited vocabulary compared to peers
• Difficulty forming sentences or using correct grammar
• Struggles to follow conversations or instructions
• Frequent frustration when trying to communicate

Support Strategies:

• Model correct speech and language during daily interactions
• Encourage your child to talk about their day, feelings, and experiences
• Use play-based activities to promote language development
• Create opportunities for your child to interact with peers

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Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3634 or send us a message

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​Referrals to Belong Health
We are Medicare and Private Health fund registered for Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology.

EPC/Team care arrangements/Chronic disease (CDM) or GP management plans and self-referrals are all acceptable.

WA NDIS Registered Provider  

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Medicare
You can get a referral from your/your child’s GP for OT on a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan this gives you 5 sessions for OT per calendar year with a $53 rebate available on each session or a Helping Children with Autism/PDD/ or an eligible disability package (20 sessions between allied health professionals, as set up by a Paediatrician/Psychiatrist) which gives your child under 16 years a $75 rebate per session for the 20 sessions, you can use up to 10 sessions per Health Professional (up to 10 for OT) and you will need a separate referral letter from your child’s Paediatrician for each Allied Health Professional you are seeking services from. 

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Private Health
Your Private Health fund may cover up to 75% of the cost of OT sessions if this is included in your cover, be sure to call them or check your policy for details.

No referral or self referral
You do not require a referral for accessing OT

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NDIS Registered Provider
We are an NDIS Registered Provider
Whether you or your child have NDIS funding that is NDIS Managed, Third Party Plan Managed or you are Self-Managing your funds, you are able to use your funding to cover the full cost of therapy services plus travel costs. You will need provide us with your/your child’s NDIS number and plan details ahead of your first session. Once you have booked a session or contacted us, our team will be in touch to discuss our service agreement and provide you with our services price list. 

13 Littleton st, Falcon

Phone: 08 9586 3934

EMAIL US

OFFICE HOURS:         MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8:30am - 4:30pm

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