Optimal Communications Speech Therapy in Southport, Queensland | Medical and health

Optimal Communications Speech Therapy

Locality: Southport, Queensland

Phone: +61 7 5528 2222

Address: Suite 9/ 3-15 Jackman St 4215 Southport, QLD, Australia

Website: http://www.optimal-communications.com

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• Speech pathologist

25.01.2022 TODDLER FAMILIES have been asking for some simple tips to helping your child your child to develop their speech and language skills. Just pause on the slides so you can read them if they are too fast...Hope this helps.

24.01.2022 Introducing our newest member of our team...at Optimal Communications. Benjii. Paw Club is expanding.

24.01.2022 SUPPORT FOUNDATION SKILLS in the early years of your childs life across vital skills for literacy and numeracy.

23.01.2022 PART 4 - WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOUR CHILD IS A LATE TALKER ! Late talking can simply be a passing developmental stage, with no long-term adverse consequences whatsoever. However it can also be a sign of language disorder, speech disorder, intellectual disability, hearing loss or Autism (ASD). If a late talking child does not have ASD, treatments for autism may hinder development.... Its important to teach your late talking child that communicating is positive and fun with play-based interventions, whether it is a passing phase, a speech or language disorder or Autism. What do you do if you are concerned? Dont just assume that they will grow out of it. Early intervention is vital. See a Speech Language Pathologist. A Doctors referral is not required, however there are funding options available for some communication conditions to support early interventions. We can help. www.optimal-communications.com Phone: 07 5528 2222

22.01.2022 For our families - wondering what to do with teh NDIS plans next...

22.01.2022 Does my child need speech therapy - 10 RED FLAGS. Some tips for families about your young child :) Katrine

21.01.2022 We understand many families are struggling to find a Speech Pathologist for support for their child's communication skill. We are available to help with TELEHEA...LTH from anywhere in Australia. Just ask - or contact [email protected]. Stay well...Blessings from the Optimal Communications Team. See more

20.01.2022 PETS ARE GREAT THERAPY SUPPORTS Pets are a great source of support to help children build confidence and social skills. They love to engage and can be very forgiving for mishaps in communication. Why dont you try asking your young student to read a few pages to your pet-to build confidence and fluency. Optimal Communications Speech Pathology Phone 5528 2222 (ASK about Tele-therapy)... NDIS approved provider See more

19.01.2022 A quick lesson on the speech sounds /f-v-s-z-t-l/ using the Phonic All Star (P.A.S.) Cards. The hand signals are a vital part of the program as they use a visual way for kids to learn to see the sounds in words so they can correct their speech. When you have learned all the 46 speech sound hand signals and your child knows them, then it is awesome as you have mobile therapy in any setting as you can correct target words in your day at any time using your P.A.S. hand gestures to cue the correct sounds to be said in each word. This is particularly great for children with challenges with auditory processing who can struggle to perceive the speech sounds in words when they listen to them. Optimal Communications Speech Therapy Phone 5528 2222

19.01.2022 We are excited to announce that OPTCOM is now offering Occupational Therapy at our Southport Clinic and we are thrilled to introduce the newest member of our growing family. If youre interested in commencing Occupational Therapy, or would like to make an inquiry about how she can help, please contact the clinic or speak with your treating Speech Pathologist at your next visit.

19.01.2022 You CAN unlock your childs potential. Early intervention for speech and language delays is essential. CALL NOW to discover how much can be done for him. Phone 5528 2222

19.01.2022 Late Talkers PART 2 Important Language Milestones To determine if your childs vocabulary is appropriate for their age, compare your childs vocabulary with these milestones. At about 18 months of age they should use at least 20 words. These should include different types of words like: hi, bye, eat, go, up, down, hot, sleepy to name a few.... At 24 months of age they should use at least 100 words and can combine 2 words together. Your child should be generating these combinations themselves. Examples are: doggie gone, eat cookie or dirty hands. Dont miss PART 3 tomorrow. We are registered NDIS providers. We provide tele-therapy online direct to you as well. Call on 07 5528 2222 or message us

18.01.2022 Case Management From Home Workshop - TUES mornings

17.01.2022 YES-We can help you if you have received your plans from NDIS as we are an approved provider for therapeutic supports and early intervention for speech therapy. Last year was an enormous year helping our families to make their way across to this new scheme and in understanding how to prepare their information for their planner. Many families dont receive their support from support coordinators or their fund managers until they are into the NDIS system and receive their plan...s. We understand that many of our families are confused how to get started - or what is needed specifically for their childs challenges and needs. Just ask for help - it can be a minefield or a step-by-step process depending on whether you understand the system and what you are required to do. Many of our families benefited greatly from attending our-Case Management From Home Training Workshops - last year and we saw some fantastic results come through based on these families preparing their information based on what the NDIA want to see evidence for to give valuable funding to help disabilities. LIKE our case management from home (yourCMFH) page that is built to help you with these tasks. - If you want to gain information from our "case management from home" workshops and support service this year - just speak with one of our team. See more

17.01.2022 Who is a Later Talker? PART 1 They are a toddler between 18-30 months of age, who has a good understanding of language. He or she is typically developing social, motor, thinking and play skills. However, they have a limited spoken vocabulary for their age. The problem late talkers have is specifically with spoken or expressive language. They are a very puzzling group as they have all the building blocks for spoken language, however they either dont talk or talk very little. Part 2 to be continued tomorrow. Phone us today on 5528 2222

16.01.2022 DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION? Our qualified Speech Pathologists are leaving no question unanswered! School readiness is always a hot topic towards the end of the year. Whether its the looming pressures of little ones starting school next term or the sudden realisation that there are only a few weeks left until Christmas, we often hear families asking the question around now, But my child is ready for school next year, right? School readiness skills dont happen spontaneously ove...rnight. -- This can be a complicated issue as the general assumption is if your child is of the right age and is attending a kindergarten program then transitioning to school will be like a walk in the park. If only it were that simple. Each childs transition from kindy (or pre-prep) to Prep is different and some kids settle easily. But for other children, the move from Ms Debbie at Daycare to Big School can be overwhelming. Starting your child off on the right foot is crucial. This can be done by removing the added stress of: - not being able to follow classroom instructions - not being able to express their needs and preferences confidently and clearly - not being able to sit still in their chair - not being able to maintain focus and attention - not being able to make or keep friendships - falling behind in literacy and learning - having difficulty with transitioning from task, setting, or person Your childs happiness and well-being, not to mention their future social and academic success, depend heavily on them reaching their communication and literacy milestones. By 4-5 years old a typically developing childs speech should be understood nearly 100% of the time by an unfamiliar listener. They should be able to follow longer and more complex instructions and have little difficulty with routines and transitions (including changes in those routines). The expectation is that they can focus attention to their teacher and sit in a chair for a sufficient period of time as well as independently complete tasks set by the educators. They should also be developing pre-literacy skills including emerging phonological awareness skills and be able to have full conversations and cooperative play with a group of friends. If you are concerned about your childs performance in ANY of these areas, talk to one of our speech pathologists today for support in evaluating your childs skills. Early literacy skills are linked to later academic outcomes so its never too early to start.

16.01.2022 WHERE DID IT ALL START - THE ORIGINAL BUILDING DESIGN!!!! Dug up the footage from the archives. Optimal Communications Speech Pathology has been in operation for over 25 years and has had many locations over this period. However none were a TRUE HOME until we built the Once Upon A Time Therapy Centre in Jackman St SOUTHPORT (near Abrakadazzle-St HIldas and Tiger football Club -----with the green flags) Many of our families were with us as we made the exciting transition ac...ross to the Once Upon a Time Therapy Centre in 2013 from the Ashmore Shopping Plaza Clinic. Here is the CAD4 walk through that CREST - Lauchie had made to give us a feel before Lindsay, his sons and contractors (ie. Timmy PAIN) started the internal build after selecting the building-shell. Many families may not know that we purpose designed and built the clinic to be the design for what was needed for individual sessions, therapy groups (Club Yak, Literacy Blasts), Parent Workshop Trainings) observation windows in all rooms (The Snowwhites Forest- Frog Princes Palace - Trazans Jungle), Mad Hatters art and craft kitchen wet space and low sensory room over the group room (Genie Bottle). It was a laugh hearing us chat about this and all the changes given we are now 5-6 years into living in this Once Upon A Time Therapy Centre - but especially when I said "Kerry - theres your car." when looking out the top window- and we hadnt known we were buying the ELGRANDE van by then! Lachie must have known. How to manifest a vehicle. lol. CLICK ON THIS LINK TO HAVE THE VIRTUAL WALK THROUGH THE PLANS OF THE CLINIC. Dont forget to look out for the "spooky Elgrande car" --- if you can give me the seconds of when this comes in the You Tube movie in the comments below...100 tokens for those kids who do attend the centre for therapy for the token shelf! Dont copy each other- as accurate matters. x https://youtu.be/fblOGXmwF5c

16.01.2022 We have been waiting all year for Halloween to come around and I think it is safe to say we are a little bit excited! Remember to wear your costume if you come into the clinic today... or dont... we have plenty here waiting for you. MWHAHAHA #Halloween #Halloween2018

14.01.2022 ABSOLUTELY FAB! Thats communication at the finest. XX

14.01.2022 Just another day in Speech Therapy...at the Once Upon A Time Therapy Centre - where dreams are designed.

14.01.2022 DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION? Our highly trained Speech Pathologists are leaving no questions unanswered! You may have noticed your child sometimes drinks out of a tup, thinks the sun is lellow, and claims their favourite animal is a wabbit. Children may leave the sounds off the end of words, substitute one sound for another, or scrap a whole syllable altogether (mato sauce anyone?) But why are they doing this and when do they grow out of it? ... -- Phonological processes are patterns of substitution or omission that are seen in typically developing children when they are learning to talk. Over time, their speech will usually become clearer and closer to adult speech but for some children, this takes longer than expected (delay) or they may have a disorder. Traditional speech therapy targets a challenging sound (think lisp) but the evidence suggests that phonological processes require a different approach to remediate the issue faster and more effectively. Give our clinic a call today to understand if your child is making sounds that are appropriate for their age or if they require intervention. The sooner speech errors are fixed the better the outcome and the happier your little one will be.

13.01.2022 PART 3 - Will my LATE TALKER catch up on their own? Yes, many do appear to grow out of it and they may be developing very well in other areas of development. Check out this list of risk factors that have been identified, which suggest that a child may be at risk of continuing to have language difficulties if they..... Have a history of ear infections;... Are quiet as an infant with little babbling; Have limited number of consonant sounds like b,p,m,t etc; Do not imitate or copy words; Have difficulty playing with peers; Use nouns mostly like names of people, places or things; Use few verbs (action words); Dont link pretend ideas and actions together when playing; Use few gestures to communicate; Have a family history of communication delay or learning difficulties. You should not adopt a lets wait and see approach as early intervention is advisable. Dont miss PART 4 tomorrow. (Final Post in this series) www.optimal-communications.com Phone 07 5528 2222

13.01.2022 6 TIPS for OPTIMAL ENGAGEMENT with your AUTISTIC child. TIP # 1 - Gain engagement in the area that they have a special interest" (So, if they love STAR WARS -... be Yoda!). TIP # 2- ALWAYS remember that whilst they may not seem like they are listening - THEY ARE !! So speak about them with the greatest respect (especially when they are in the room). Talk about their greatest strengths, parts and skills. TIP # 3- Be the mentor and teacher they love to be around! Show them your best-caring-patient-helpful and supportive side. TIP # 4 - Be the one they trust and honor. They tend to be selective who they give this part of themselves to. TIP # 5 - Never promise something you cant follow through with. They dont forget. TIP # 6 - Create a calm environment with Routines. I love spectrum kids and families, they just make US be the BEST people we can be.

12.01.2022 SOCIAL SKILLS are key to our relationships. It is easy to underestimate the gravity of these communication functions when they come natural to us. Some individuals may find social interactions a challenge. They may not know what to say, how to say it and when to say it. Social contexts can be confusing and they may find it difficult to make friends and build on these relationships. The impacts of social skill weakness can be seen not only with friendships but also in making partnerships and gaining and holding employment. Specialised intervention can be life changing - Individuals struggle with social interaction due to many reasons and Speech Pathologist can help you to understand why this may be occurring. Seek help - learn more - and widen your awareness of a skill set which can change your life.

11.01.2022 #1 ASD TRAIT - HYPERLEXIA is seen when students are reading significantly above the level of their peers. Children can draw from their strengths with visual memory and remember the image of the word and connect this with a memory of what the word "sounded like" when they were told. In some instances, professional assessment by a Speech Pathologist may reveal that specific types of dyslexia (reading impairment) may be present but are being compensated and masked by the ASD stu...dents heightened visual memory skills. Challenges may be seen in learning new words or understanding the meaning of sentences when the students syntax-(or word order) is changed. In later years, students may struggle to acquire an understanding of figurative meaning, having a literal-and-concrete awareness of the text that they are reading. Occupational Therapists may support the fine-hand-motor skills and the visual perceptual challenges in how the ASD student processes what they see on a page due to sensory-motor integration and sensory perceptual challenges. Speech Pathologist support the building of the auditory processing capabilities to discriminate the individual 46 grid of phonemes and then associate these to visual letters (graphemes). Then this information is integrated into phoneme loops or sound chains to build words that increase in syllable length. Spelling rules (e.g. Bossy e rule) are demystified and morpheme word units (eg. TION, CIOUS) are translated so that the Autistic or dyslexic child can then decipher what they may be reading when they crack the reading and spelling code. Speech Pathologists support in the building of language to express the students ideas and to develop language communication skills that enable functions beyond just comprehending text. Reciprocal dialogue is such an important area to focus on as this then teaches the ASD student to learn about social - spoken interactions, and how to transfer these skills across many different communication contexts - i.e. talking casually with peers, talking in a formal fashion, and the script of a play. Keep watching for TRAIT #2... next post... and for those families who want to turn knowledge into skill --- and see the benefits in their own lives, join us for our LIVING WITH AUTISM WORKSHOP - 6 mornings 9.00-12.00 starting TUESDAY 12th MARCH 19. Call the Once Upon A Time Centre if you are interested for more information. 55282222 See more

11.01.2022 Well it is Back to School for our little ones. Some are starting for the first time. It can be a very exciting time but not always. Are they ready? We can do a quick School Readiness Assessment and give you a report card. Call us on 07 5528 2222

09.01.2022 TELEHEALTH: Yes we Can! Our team are working very hard to bring our therapy across to telehealth to help reach our clients now more than ever. Just call us - if you feel you need help. PH: 07 55282222.

09.01.2022 Its that time again... Merry Christmas everyone!!! The clinic is now officially closed for the Christmas break and appointments for both Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy will recommence on the 2nd of January, 2020. Its been an amazing year with plenty of positive change and so much improvement seen in our kids, adults, families, and team. From all of us here at OPTCOM, we hope you guys have a truly magical Christmas Holidays and a Happy New Year!... Katrine, Kerry, Amber, Suzy, Farah, Maisha and Courtney. (And of course Archie and Benjii) xx

08.01.2022 Can you believe it is this time again - 2020 LITERACY NUMERACY BLASTS! Program - 20-24 JAN held at the CLUBHOUSE - Jackman street therapy centre. Program is held between 8.30-12.30 - Monday to Friday. Great if your child needs a kick start to launch their year of school! This year our program will be run by Katrine ELLIOTT- Speech Pathologist and Teneile HERT - Occupational Therapist. Call us if you would like to enroll.

08.01.2022 WE ARE SO EXCITED to welcome our new furry friend at Once Upon A Time Therapy Centre. GIDGET is under specialised training with the AUSTRALIAN LIONS HEARING DOGS. It was her first day out at the clinc with ELizabeth and we were learning about all her skills she will be undertaking. She will be able to hear sounds and communicate this to ELizabeth with a two paw touch for #1 Phone ring #2 Alarm, #3 Oven, #4 Door knock and #5 Smoke Detector (which is teh most important and she... is required to jump up on the furniture and do a double touch on teh chect-and drop on all fours-and keep repating until they get a response). This is another form of communication-and essential for hearing impaired or deaf individuals so they can live independently at home in safety. We look forward to GIDGET becoming great PAW FRIENDS with ARCHIE, BENJII and MEYER who are our DOGS that our clinic kids are familiar with. Watch this short YOUTUBE about a day in GIDGETS LIFE. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeaB9VXqWYY See more

06.01.2022 LITERACY - NUMERACY BLASTS! What a BLAST What an amazing - fun week we had with our BLASTERS who attended the group program last week in the January holiday program. If you are disappointed to miss out-dont worry- we are running it again in JULY holidays as well -- Heres a quick taste of 10 highlights - but if you want to see what really happened ----- watch the YOU TUBE VIDEO of the week - and see the Body Clocks, Boxing Calculators, Snakes, Ladders and Worm Holes, Bowling... Bonaza, Blindfold Alphabet, Stationary Audit Game ---and much more! Thanks to all those great families in making it one of the best groups we have run at the centre yet!! The Speech Pathologists and support team had a BLAST as well! See if you can spot what colour billiard ball is our famous youtuber Lauchlan (below) in the movie. All answers in the comments win- 50 tokens for kids attending the centre for therapy - or a Phonic All Star gift voucher for $5.00. You have to be in it to win it. CHECK IT OUT AT: https://youtu.be/rcQp5zn4z_M

06.01.2022 AUTISM - BUILDING BRIDGES TO UNDERSTANDING BUILDING A COMMUNITY that now understands. We will be giving you one facet at a time of the greater jigsaw puzzle picture that is the AUTISTIC SPECTRUM as we kick off a new year in 2019. However, a true picture and diagnosis for ASD lies in the hands of the professional teams who are experienced in Autism across the age span who can put these puzzle pieces together and see what this collection of traits and behaviours truly makes. ...Sometimes - we may just have a unique-gorgeous-bang his own drum- individual. While many ASD individuals do show challenges in developmental capabilities for communication, social, emotional, psychological, sensory and physical skills. Gaining knowledge and understanding about what is Autism is a valuable start and then taking your child through the steps to understand their unique profile is the first step to establishing goals that match their profile. Autism is spectrum which communicates to us that each individual is different - and should be supported that way. Follow us - LIKE OUR PAGE - and come with us on this journey to understanding more about the mysteries of LIVING THE AUTISTIC LIFE. Gain a professional opinion if you are concerned from a team with fixed and specific interest in Autism. WORKSHOP across 3 weeks TUES 12th MARCH 9.00-12.00 - for those who want to go further and develop skills for HOW to help - s Book early :) YES- we are a NDIS provider. See more

06.01.2022 DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION? Our qualified Speech Pathologists are leaving no question unanswered! Childrens speech development is a fascinating and complex process. Within just a few short years children typically move from babbling (baba, mama) to full sentences without ever being formally taught how. But what do you do when your child has started saying words or even putting sentences together and you (or others) dont understand what they are saying? ... --- How much of what is understood by others is called speech intelligibility. Speech pathologists may put a percentage on how much of the time they can understand your child on your initial visit, or may ask you how much of the time you can understand your child. Parents tend to understand their children better than unfamiliar or less familiar listeners. Its no surprise when families come in to see their speech pathologist only to have to translate something out of context, ih eh ah ahp-aw - even to well- trained ears (this is an apple by the way). Through a detailed speech assessment, speech pathologists can record, analyse, and provide information on whether your childs speech is delayed, disordered, or exactly where its meant to be for their age. As a general guideline, by 12 months old a typically developing child is starting to say their first words, by two years they are putting words together and are approximately 50% intelligible. By three years 75% intelligible, and by four years old your little one should be understood 100% of the time, even if all their speech sounds are not accurate. If you have any concerns about your childs speech intelligibility consult a speech pathologist today. Early intervention is key!

05.01.2022 HAPPY HALLOWEEN IS HAPPENING AT OPTCOM-Once Upon A Time Therapy!!! Miss Katrine and Ethan make a reptilian ruckus while Miss Lana and Grace were doing a Luigi and Mario duo. OPTCOM team continued our Beanstalk Central monthly lunch-where Kerry was awarded the Golden Harp by Amber, the Giant, being awarded the Halloween treat from Chaya, the Blue Box giver. Only at OPTCOM therapy centre!!!

05.01.2022 Only a month has gone by and we are all already looking forward to next year! #throwback #tbt #tthrowbackthursday #halloween #halloween2018

05.01.2022 OK- FAMILIES - and KIDS in our Gold Coast Speech Therapy Community - We need your help. Kerry and I and our Optimal Communications Team are stuck between going forward with the cute kid with the red glasses or the Once Upon a Time Therapy cuties...of which I have a set of these really-really cute kids. After nearly 5-6 years, we are going to get signaaaaaaaaaaaaaage!!!!!!!! so we dont have any more families confused in finding our building in the Jackman Centre. (It has u...sually been the jinx in past centres for the rent going up-and moving on after paying for the expense of the signs). This one---we and the bank own, so I think we are safe The green flags are working outside the Once Upon A Time Therapy Centre (Thanks Phil for helping make them flap perfectly with some construction support)- Its time I designed the signs and get these made. So...first- I wanted your opinion... We need to personalise these kids- 1. THE OFFICIAL NAMING OF OUR card-board-cut-out-team-mebers : a) Lets give our little bloke in the glasses a first name. b) Lets name all the Once Upon A Time Kids featured... 2. Lets take it to a vote. Which one do think we should go with .... A) RED GLASSES chappy or B) ONCE UPON A TIME kids. C) GO WITH BOTH---!! (Why not confuse everyone in the community and cater for all those kids that dont like fairy tales but wear red glasses!) Enter your recommendations in the comments box. - We will post the official naming ceremony of our cardboard cut-out -crew....once we have chosen our BIRTH NAMES. xx-Jack-of-all-trades-and -jobs- Katrine

05.01.2022 10 Early Signs of Autism: Many parents may be worried about whether their child is showing Autistic traits in their early years. This video is a very good capture of what to look for. I recommend that families watch this to help them on their way to making decisions about whether to gain professional support from a Speech Pathologist to assist in their process towards an official diagnosis. The consortium team involving professional experienced in Autistic Spectrum Disorders ...compile information for that process to be accurate. Members may include a Psychiatrist, Paediatrician, Speech Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, and Psychologist. Speech Pathologists have a very critical and useful role in the diagnostic process as well as throughout the process of long term support based on Autistic children displaying specific disorders in their speech, language, learning and social communication profile. Speech Pathologist with further expertise and experience with Autism will also support emotional challenges, behaviour, attention and social interaction development whilst supporting the childs specific sensory profile needs as part of the therapy plan. Be aware that there are many supports available and that therapy intervention that is early in your childs life is best and proven to make significant difficulties for their future success. :) If you are concerned - seek advise. Katrine Call us on 07 5528 2222 or message us :)

02.01.2022 WOW... what a week !

01.01.2022 We understand many families are struggling to find a Speech Pathologist for support for their childs communication skill. We are available to help with TELEHEA...LTH from anywhere in Australia. Just ask - or contact [email protected]. Stay well...Blessings from the Optimal Communications Team. See more