Speech Therapy in Adelaide
Welcome to Brightside Speech Therapy! We are dedicated to offering high quality and individualised speech therapy services for children and young people up to 18 years old. Brightside specialises in assessing and supporting a range of speech, language and communication areas. From improving articulation, to understanding others and expressing ourselves clearly, we are here to support your child’s growth and success every step of the way! Brightside is proud to offer both in clinic appointments at our office space in Wayville, or we can travel to your child’s school or Kindy - whatever works best for your family!
Services
Brightside offers formal speech and language assessments to evaluate your child’s current communication strengths and areas for support. These assessments can help to identify speech or language challenges and guide appropriate intervention strategies. Informal assessment through carer report and discussions with the child can lead to social connection and wellbeing goals which are neuroaffirming and child led.
Assessment
Speech and Articulation
Therapy at Brightside can focus on supporting children to produce clear and intelligible speech. This is very beneficial for children who have difficulty pronouncing certain consonants or vowels, or saying multisyllabic words. Therapy can focus on practicing the correct placement and movement of articulators (tongue, lips etc.) or comparing two words that differ by a single sound.
Expressive language refers to the ability to convey thoughts, ideas, and feelings through spoken, written, or nonverbal communication. Receptive language involves understanding and processing language that is heard or read. Brightside is able to provide therapy that targets both of these areas to have a large impact on everyday conversations and school!
Language
Brightside Speech Therapy is a neuroaffirming practice. Engaging with courses, webinars, podcasts and professional developments that are created by neurodivergent individuals has been crucial to offering services that celebrate neurodiversity. Typical ‘social skills’ will not be taught to neurodivergent clients and the aim of therapy will not be to teach neurotypical skills or masking. Goals may centre around fostering a positive neurodivergent identity and understanding our own unique social communication profiles. Your child will play a key role in telling us what they want support with!
Social Connection and Wellbeing
AAC is a broad area and may include both low- and high-tech options! Low-tech options may include tools such as picture cards, visuals and sign language. Children who find it difficult to use spoken language may benefit from speech generating devices or other multimodel supports. These can be trialled in sessions to assess suitability and engagement.
Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC)
Sessions can also be conducted via telehealth. This can be a great option for when you can’t attend in-person sessions due to distance, scheduling conflicts, or health concerns. Telehealth allows speech therapy to be delivered remotely using video conferencing technology, making it convenient and accessible.
Telehealth
Meet the Speechie!
Originally from Sydney in NSW, Jamie Freeman has had experience working with a wide range of children and teenagers to support them on their communication journey. Bringing positivity to every session and celebrating unique strengths has been a crucial part of her therapy approach! Jamie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and is dedicated to creating tailored therapy plans that address each individual’s needs whilst also emphasising strengths. Her compassionate and engaging methods help build confidence and foster growth, ensuring that every child feels supported and motivated. Outside of her professional work, Jamie enjoys exploring South Australia, reading the latest thriller novel and dining out whenever she can!
