How do children learn to talk? Children learn to talk by hearing other people talk. They hear all the people all around them talk. This process of listening to other people talk starts from the day they are born. Their little brains are hard wired to take in sounds and words from the very beginning. When children need help learning to talk, the people they spend the most time with are the ideal people to do this. They can learn strategies from Speech Pathology sessions and apply these strategies to everyday activities. One session of Speech Pathology each week isn’t…
Understanding Communication Delays: A Guide for Parents in Bondi Junction and Mascot Communication is an amazing yet complex process, especially during the early years of your child’s life. Watching your child begin to communicate and become more proficient is a truly rewarding experience. However, not all children follow the same path. While many children develop communication skills naturally, others may take longer or need extra support. As Speech Pathologists at OneOnOne Children’s Therapy in Bondi Junction and Mascot, we understand how important early communication is, and we’re here to help. Is My Child’s Communication Delayed? It’s normal for parents to…
Is Your Child Saying ‘Fing’ for ‘Thing’? Can they say ‘th’ sound? Understanding Speech Sound Development and When to Seek Help Are you worried because your child is saying “fing” for “thing” or “dat” for “that”? The ‘th’ sound is one of the later-developing speech sounds in children. According to Speech Pathology Australia, children aren’t expected to say this sound correctly until around 8 years of age. Some children pick it up earlier, while others may take longer. If your child is struggling with this sound, don’t worry—it’s a normal part of speech development. However, understanding the general order of…
What Does the Research Say About Early Diagnosis? Research consistently shows that early identification of autism leads to the best outcomes for children and their families. Early intervention results in better language skills, cognitive abilities, and reduced signs of autism. Additionally, research indicates that early intervention can lead to significant cost savings as the child gets older. Let’s look more closely at why we should diagnose autism early. The Challenge of Addressing Concerns It’s not easy for parents to open up to others and express concerns about their child’s development. If a friend or family member says, “I am worried…
Why is the ESDM different? In the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), children learn through active engagement in an activity. It is so much more than achieving the cognitive goal of matching the puzzle piece to the correct part of the puzzle. It is more than developing the fine motor skill of getting the puzzle into place. In the ESDM, every activity focuses around play. We target multiple goals and objectives across all areas of the child’s development in every activity. In an activity such as a puzzle, the Certified ESDM Therapist will also be targeting goals in the following…
Is Your Child 2 and Not Talking? Understanding Speech and Language Delays in Bondi Junction and Mascot Most children begin saying their first words between 12 and 16 months. Some start earlier, at 9 months, while others may not begin until 18 months. Just like walking and other milestones, the age at which children start talking can vary. But what if your child isn’t talking by age 2? Is it time to be concerned? If your child is 2 and not talking, it’s worth taking a closer look. Understanding what is “normal” in speech and language development can help ease…
Children who do not learn to read in the first few years of schooling will often struggle at school. This is because reading underpins most academic learning. When children have trouble learning to read, parents often ask “why can’t my child read?”. Reading involves a lot of different things. Students need a strong foundation to learn to read. There are 5 steps that are an important part of reading. When children develop their skills across all these areas, then reading success is more likely. Phonemic Awareness This is knowing that words are made up of sounds, that some words sound…
Developing Clear Speech Sounds Clear speech development is very important for children. It is part of their overall communication development, is critical to their friendships, and it integral to children’s academic success. Some children learn to speak clearly very quickly. Other children take longer to learn to speak clearly, and some children will need help with their speech. Our Speech Pathologists at our Bondi Junction clinic believe that it is much better to identify any speech development issues early and resolve them early. When children first begin to speak, most children can’t say a lot of sounds clearly. This is…
Autism is a complex neurodevelopment condition. Early intervention is key to helping children with autism. The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is an intervention for young children with autism. It was developed by the MIND Institute from The University Of California Davis. It is delivered by certified ESDM therapists and we are proud to offer this early intervention to our families. Choosing an intervention for your child Now that you have chosen the intervention for your child with autism, understanding the goals for each intervention is the next step. The intervention needs very clear: goals and objectives method to record…
Understanding W Sitting: Expert Occupational Therapy Insights from Bondi Junction and Mascot “W sitting” is a term used to describe a common sitting position in children. When a child sits like this, their legs bend, knees point forward, and feet tuck under their hips. This creates a “W” shape when viewed from above. Although it may seem comfortable, it’s important to understand what W sitting can mean for a child’s development. This is an issue that regularly comes up in our Occupational Therapy clinics in Bondi Junction and Mascot. Our Occupational Therapists are highly skilled in addressing W sitting through…
School readiness refers to a child’s preparedness to start school, both academically and socially. It means that a child has the skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed to succeed in a classroom environment. Understanding and supporting school readiness is crucial for helping children make a smooth transition into school life. Key Areas of School Readiness Physical Health and Motor Skills: A child’s physical health and motor skills are fundamental for school readiness. This includes being able to run, jump, and play, as well as fine motor skills like holding a pencil, cutting with scissors, and managing personal care tasks such as…
Why Is Reading So Hard for Some Children? Speech Pathology and Dyslexia Treatment in Bondi Junction and Mascot For many children, reading is a challenge. While good readers develop strong pre-reading skills, recognise and blend sounds fluently, and connect reading to their experiences, children who struggle with reading may face difficulties in one or more of these areas. At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, our Speech Pathologists in Bondi Junction and Mascot, members of Speech Pathology Australia, specialise in helping children overcome these challenges, including those with dyslexia. Why Do Some Children Struggle with Reading? Good readers typically have: Strong pre-reading skills…