Problems saying sounds clearly and being understood.

• Articulation difficulties (e.g., “wabbit” instead of “rabbit”)

• Phonological delays (e.g., leaving off end sounds i.e “ca” instead of “cat”)

• Childhood apraxia of speech (difficulty planning speech movements)

• Slurred or weak speech (e.g., due to cerebral palsy or stroke)

• Structural differences (e.g., cleft palate)

Understanding or using words, sentences, and stories.

• Late talking in early childhood.

• Language difficulties related to neurodevelopmental conditions (e.g. ASD, Down Syndrome, DLD, Fragile X).

• Language loss after brain injury or stroke (aphasia).

• Difficulties with reading, writing, or learning.

Using language appropriately in social settings.

• Trouble with conversation skills (e.g. taking turns, staying on topic).

• Difficulty understanding body language or facial expressions.

• Social challenges related to neurodevelopmental conditions (e.g. ASD, Down Syndrome, DLD, Fragile X)

• Selective mutism.

Disruptions in the natural flow of speech.

• Repeating sounds, words, or phrases.

• Getting “stuck” or blocked while talking.

• Speaking too quickly or jumbled (cluttering).

• Fluency issues made worse by stress or anxiety.

Changes in pitch, loudness, or vocal quality.

• Hoarseness or vocal strain.

• Vocal cord nodules or polyps.

• Voice changes from neurological conditions (e.g., Parkinson’s).

• Voice therapy as part of gender-affirming care.

Difficulty chewing or swallowing food and drinks safely.

• Infant feeding difficulties.

• Swallowing problems after stroke or surgery.

• Neurological conditions (like Parkinson’s disease or ALS) – can affect the muscles used for chewing and swallowing, making eating and drinking less safe or more difficult.

• Support during or after cancer treatment (head, neck, throat).

Thinking skills that affect communication.

• Memory problems.

• Trouble focusing or organising thoughts.

• Communication difficulties after brain injury or stroke.

• Language and thinking changes due to cognitive decline.

Helping young children build foundational communication skills.

• Encouraging first words and gestures.

• Supporting late talkers.

• Enhancing play-based interaction and bonding.

• Teaching caregivers strategies to boost language at home.

• Working with infants and toddlers with developmental delays.

Helping children thrive academically and socially.

• Improving listening and comprehension skills

• Supporting classroom participation and following directions

• Helping with written language and storytelling

• Collaborating with teachers and learning support teams

• Addressing language-based learning disabilities (e.g. dyslexia)

Maximizing communication and quality of life in older adults.

• Supporting conversation and memory in early-stage dementia.

• Training families and carers in effective communication.

• Helping with swallowing and mealtime safety.

• Providing cognitive stimulation and routine-building.

Helping adults regain communication abilities after illness or injury.

• Speech and language therapy after stroke, TBI, or surgery.

• Working with degenerative conditions (e.g., ALS, MS, Parkinson’s).

• Teaching compensatory strategies for memory and word-finding.

• Supporting family communication and care planning.