REGIONAL NEWS - Speech therapy and audiology services are important interventions when it comes to young children and development. Early intervention is important for children to develop the communication skills needed for their academic and social life.
According to a media release by Western Cape Government Health and Wellness in the Garden Route, help is available for children who face challenges in these fields.
The district has a speech therapist and an audiologist who do outreaches to the entire Garden Route District (Kannaland, Oudtshoorn, George, Mossel Bay, Hessequa, Knysna and Bitou).
Speech therapy
Speech therapist Annemie Vogel said, "Our wish is that all caregivers of children (0 to 5 years) come and bring their child for a speech therapy session, even if you are not currently worried about something regarding their speech or feeding."
Cayden (8), who was nonverbal, has seen great improvement since he started sessions at Uniondale Hospital with Vogel. His mother, Caslyn Skosana, said since they started with these sessions he has made a lot of progress.
"The growth that has taken place in my child during this time is incredible. Cayden enjoys every session and because he is a very excited boy, it is always nice for him to visit Miss Vogel. As a parent, I also learn a lot from the speech therapist about how to help my son at home and make it easy for him to express himself freely. I am grateful that I have decided to make speech therapy sessions part of Cayden's growth and education," she said.
Speech therapy can help with the following:
• Stuttering eg, 'M-m-mom I want-I want-I want the chips'
• Struggling with certain sounds eg, saying 'tat' instead of 'cat', or 'wed' instead of 'red'; not saying a sound correctly or leaving sounds out in words.
• Fewer words or sentences than peers or mostly using gestures (such as pointing) to communicate
• Difficulty breastfeeding, moving from milk to soft foods or picky eaters
• Difficulty understanding your instructions or words you say to your child
Audiologist Nonkulukelo Mtolo assessing Sydney Bomsi. Photos supplied
What to expect in a speech therapy session:
• The therapist will discuss any concerns the caregiver may have and gather background information and medical history.
• Then the therapist will play and interact with the child and look at the child's strengths and any possible areas of concern.
• The therapist will also discuss observations and possible home activities with the caregiver.
Audiology services
Another important service for early intervention is audiology services. Hearing impacts speech, language, learning, and social skills. "We want to confirm hearing problems in children as early as possible," said audiologist Nonkululeko Mtolo. "Bring your child for an assessment - it’s free. I will be able to determine if there is hearing loss, in one or both ears, the type of hearing loss, the severity and the recommendation of hearing aids."
We can help children who:
• Need constant repetition when you speak to them.
• Need to be close to you to understand.
• Often misunderstand what is said to them.
• Still have a hearing problem even after being treated for ear infections or ear wax has been removed.
Caregivers can go to their nearest clinic and ask to be referred to an audiologist.
Children aged 0 to 6 years are referred to George for an assessment.
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