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Xavier has been helping children living with disability for over 70 years. Now, our multidisciplinary approach to therapy includes Speech Therapy, which can be provided at our clinic in Wooloowin.

Xavier’s team of Speech Pathologists can help your child develop their communication skills, including speaking, listening, non-verbal communication, and socialising. With this support we can help your child reach their potential and live a happier, healthier life.

What is Speech Therapy and how can it help?

There is more to Speech Therapy than just speaking. Xavier’s team understands both verbal and non-verbal communication are essential in all areas of life and can help your child strengthen their skills in speaking, listening, reading, writing, and more. Speech Therapy can help your child with:

• Communicating their thoughts, feelings, needs, and wants in both verbal and non-verbal ways
• Asking and answering questions
• Listening, comprehension, and understanding
• Learning
• Socialising, building, and strengthening relationships, and making new friends
• Strengthening their mouth and throat for easier eating, drinking, swallowing, and the taking of oral medications

Assistance with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Xavier’s team supports both verbal and non-verbal communication through AAC, which can be either aided or unaided. Aided AAC utilises tools, ranging from simple image boards to iPads, while unaided ACC teaches communication using body language. Both types of AAC have unique benefits, A few of these are:

1. Sign language

Sign language can be either an official, recognised form or even just an informal system of signals understood between you, your child, and their carers. Learning an official form of sign language may help foster relationships, while creating an informal language can sometimes be easier.

2. Body Language

People use body language and facial expressions all the time, often without realising. Xavier’s team can help your child learn these non-verbal communication skills, and understand subtle, coded, and emotional social cues.

3. Reading and Writing

Learning literacy skills will help your child reach out and communicate their needs and wants. This can be using an alphabet board so your child can spell out messages.

4. Images and Objects

Similar to alphabet boards, a chart, picture board, object board, or even actual objects can create a mutually understood language between your child and the people in their lives. They can be as simple to use as pointing.

5. Speech Devices

There are many modern tools which can play recorded verbal messages. While some can be quite simple, modern tools such as iPads and similar tablet devices can also assist your child in learning to use modern technology.

Assistance with Speech Therapy

Speech Therapy with Xavier is fundable through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). To receive NDIS funding, Speech Therapy must be considered reasonable or necessary for your child. With our sister organisation InFocus, Xavier can help you access this funding whether it’s your first time or if your child is an existing participant and you want to adjust their care plan to include Speech Therapy.

Xavier Locations

While you can access Xavier’s Speech Therapy services in Wooloowin, we service several other locations across Brisbane. Here’s where you can find us:

• Chermside West
• Ipswich
• Logan
• North Brisbane
• South Brisbane
• Scarborough
• Springfield Lakes

Xavier’s Speech Pathologists offer house visits where we can support your child in an environment where they feel most comfortable.

Further Information

Xavier’s support team are always happy with to assist you with any speech therapy questions you may have about your child. Simply call 1800 XAVIER or email intake@xavier.org.au for further information.