Speech Therapy
Does your child need Speech & Language Therapy?
Is your child not using any words? Stuttering?
Or unable to pronounce certain sounds?
If you are seeking a comprehensive language and learning program, Speech Made Easy, led by Speech Therapist Zainab Vaggie, offers expertise in Early Childhood Intervention, diagnoses including autism, as well as literacy development and second language acquisition. Speech therapy sessions are provided on a weekly basis and are an essential component of our neurodiverse clinic at Incy Wincy College.
Below is additional information about speech therapy:
Children may need speech therapy if they have delayed language, trouble pronouncing words, difficulty understanding instructions, stuttering, or issues with social communication.
Common signs:
- Delayed first words: A child not saying their first word by 15 months is a potential red flag.
- Limited vocabulary: Fewer than 50 words by age two, or a lack of two-word phrases by age two and a half, can indicate a delay.
- Difficulty understanding: Struggling to follow simple instructions or understand what others are saying, especially by age two, is a concern.
- Trouble putting words together: Difficulty forming sentences or expressing ideas clearly.
- Inconsistent grammar: Using incorrect grammar or struggling with sentence structure, even if they can say the words correctly.
- Limited social interaction: Avoiding eye contact, not responding to their name, or showing little interest in social interaction can be a sign.
Occupational Therapy
We’re partnering with OT Parents – Occupational Therapist Candice Van Kesteren to offer in-school sessions for our Neurodiverse team at Incy Wincy College.
She offers:
- Development Screening
- Individual & Group therapy
- Developmental workshops
What is OT?
Occupational therapy for children, also known as paediatric occupational therapy, focuses on helping children develop the skills they need to participate in daily activities and reach their full potential. It addresses a range of developmental needs, including fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing, and social skills, to support children in playing, learning, and self-care.
Signs your child might benefit from OT:
- Trouble holding a crayon or pencil with a proper grasp.
- Difficulty with tasks like buttoning clothes, using scissors, or tying shoes.
- Challenges with coordination and balance.
- Sensitivity to sounds, textures, or visual stimuli.
- Avoidance of certain textures or surfaces.
- Trouble making friends or interacting with peers.
- Difficulty understanding social cues or participating in group activities.
- Difficulty with transitions or changes in routine.
- Frequent emotional outbursts or difficulty calming down.
- Difficulty with dressing, bathing, or grooming.
- Trouble using utensils or drinking from a cup.
- Picky eating or difficulty with food textures.
- Difficulty with handwriting, organizing tasks, or paying attention in school.
- Struggles with visual or perceptual skills.
- Difficulty following instructions or completing tasks.
Neurodiverse classes
The notable rise in the number of neurodiverse students at our school in recent years has further strengthened our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. A neurodiverse classroom has been established to provide students with additional opportunities for learning. It is a learning environment that supports students with various neurological profiles, recognising differences in how people learn. It shifts away from a single standard of learning, viewing conditions like autism and ADHD as natural variations. Our neurodiverse students participate in dedicated one-hour sessions, once or twice per week, within a specialised classroom setting. During these sessions, they engage in sensory activities and outdoor exercises designed to further enhance their developmental progress. Support for our work can be provided by donating to the Incy Wincy Neurodiverse Fund. Donations help us maintain programs aimed at student development.