Auditory Processing Disorder Auditory processing difficulties encompass being over-sensitive to sound, under-sensitive to sound, finding it difficult to block out background noise, slowness in processing sound and / or difficulties in recognising and remembering what has been heard. Specialist approaches and listening programmes are available to develop these skills for both children and adults.
Dyslexia Dyselxia is a language based learning disorder affecting the acquisition of literacy skills. Specialist intervention aims to teach specific literacy skills using a range of multi-sensory techniques i.e. using sight, sound and touch to compensate for weaker auditory skills.
Language disorders For some children, language does not develop following the expected pattern. A receptive language disorder is diagnosed when the understanding of language, spoken and / or written is atypical. An expressive language disorder can affect the recall of vocabulary, sentence structures and language meaning. In adults, neurological incidents such as strokes may affect the understanding and / or use of language.
Social communication disorders Children and adults who are on the autistic spectrum will be affected by their difficulty in absorbing the subtle rules of social interaction and communication. This incorporates difficulties with using language in social situations, understanding and interacting successfully with others. Therapy aims to teach understanding and application of these rules to a wide range of social situations working closely with parents.
Speech and language delay In some cases speech and language develops normally but more slowly than expected. Practical speech and language activities are given to promote development and lessen frustration.
Speech sound disorders These can range from Dyspraxia, a severe speech sound disorder, to phonological disorders including difficulty in noticing subtle differences in speech sounds.
Voice disorders Vocal difficulties are common when suffering from a cold or laryngitis but the voice should return to normal as soon as full health is restored. From time to time, voice disorders continue to affect voice quality, pitch and projection and can impact on work and family life. Speech and language therapy works on a combination of relaxation of the vocal tract, re-training good breath support and developing good vocal technique for both professional voice users and those who need to improve their voice technique.
Referral from ENT is essential to rule out any underlying pathology.
Range of difficulties
