Our Speech and Language Pathologists (SLPs) at CAYS provide specialised services for children, adolescents and younger adults across a wide range of communication and feeding needs. We work closely with families and other professionals to ensure each child and adolescent receives the right support at the right time. The main goal is to empower every individual, up to 25 years of age, to reach their full communication potential through early and collaborative intervention.

Our services include:

• Assessment, diagnosis, and intervention for children, focusing on early communication development. The assessment process involves the use of formal or informal assessments as well as collaboration with other members of the multidisciplinary team and other individuals involved in the service user’s development and wellbeing.
• Intervention is tailored according to the child’s needs following assessment results and may be carried out individually or in groups, at CAYS or within the community.
• Feeding and swallowing support for babies, infants, and toddlers; including those with syndromes or complex medical needs who present with dysphagia or other feeding difficulties.
• Implementation of early intervention screening tools, aimed at early identification of speech and language difficulties.
• Therapy for children with multiple developmental needs, especially those requiring Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
• Referral to other services and professionals, based on assessment outcomes, to ensure children receive multidisciplinary care tailored to their needs.
• Ongoing liaison and collaboration with other professionals, including paediatricians, psychologists, occupational therapists, nurses and community services, to provide coordinated and holistic support.