Fluency | Speech Pathology Adelaide
Fluency refers to the smooth and efficient flow of speech, including the connection of sounds, syllables, words, and phrases. Difficulties with fluency can impact communication, making it harder to express thoughts clearly and respond appropriately in conversations.
At Thrive Health Therapies, we help individuals improve speech fluency to enhance their ability to communicate effectively with others, respond to questions, and participate in conversations with ease.
What is Fluency?
Fluency is a term in speech-language pathology that refers to the smoothness and flow with which sounds, syllables, words, and phrases are connected during rapid speech. Stuttering is the broad term used to describe disruptions in an individual's speech flow or rhythm. Many children experience moments of disrupted speech or "dysfluency" as they grow and develop their language skills. This is considered normal; however, if your child continues to experience disruptions in the flow or rhythm of their speech and finds communication challenging, speech therapy is advised.
Why is Fluency Important?
Fluent speech is crucial for effectively relaying information and socialising. When a child’s speech is dysfluent, it can make communication difficult for both the speaker and the listener. Fluent speech helps a child express their thoughts, needs, and ideas, while struggling with fluency can lead to frustration and difficulty getting their messages across.
If left untreated, speech difficulties can hinder a child’s ability to communicate and engage in meaningful conversations. They may rearrange their words to avoid stuttering, which can lead to increased anxiety, frustration, and reduced confidence. This may result in reluctance to participate in school activities and avoid social situations. Children with stuttering difficulties may also experience language or articulation delays.
What Might Difficulties with Fluency Look Like?
Individuals with fluency difficulties may experience challenges in the following areas:
Repeatedly repeat sounds, syllables, or phrases in their speech.
Experience frequent stops and starts in speech, making it difficult to follow or understand (lack of flow).
Avoid certain words or phrases they find difficult to say or get stuck on.
Avoid talking due to difficulty communicating fluently with others.
Display physical behaviours, such as foot tapping, blinking, or slapping their leg, when trying to get a word out.
Use fillers like “um”, “er”, or “ah” often while thinking about what to say.
Regularly rephrase sentences while talking to express themselves.
Show frustration because talking takes a lot of effort or they can’t get their words out.
Seem to get stuck on certain words frequently.
How Do Speech Pathologists Help Improve Fluency?
Speech pathologists play a key role in managing stuttering by assessing and creating personalised treatment plans to improve fluency. They also educate clients about stuttering, equip them with strategies for communication in social situations, and promote self-advocacy.
How We Deliver Speech Pathology at Thrive Health Therapies
Thrive Health Therapies offers community-based, clinic-based, and telehealth speech pathology.
Community-Based Services: We provide community-based speech pathology in your home, school or kindergarten, or a location convenient to you throughout metropolitan Adelaide. Learn more about our service areas.
Clinic-Based Services: We provide clinic-based sessions at our Findon clinic.
Telehealth Services: We also offer comprehensive telehealth services, providing clients with convenient, video-based therapy consultations for those who may have difficulty travelling to our clinic or prefer the convenience of remote support.
Funding Options for Speech Pathology
We accept a variety of funding options, making augmentative and alternative communication therapy accessible for everyone:
Private Health Insurance
Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans (GP Team Care Arrangements)
Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA)
Why Choose Our Speech Pathology Services?
No wait time: We can start working with paediatric or adult clients straight away!
Experienced: Our speech pathologists have extensive experience working with individuals of all ages.
Extensive Coverage in the community: We serve a large geographical area, providing speech therapy services across all of metropolitan Adelaide from Gawler to Aldinga. We see clients at home, in their school or kindergarten, or at a location convenient to them.
Clinic space: Our Findon clinic has been specially designed to be appropriate for a wide range of presentations and disabilities.
Individualised care: Every client receives a personalised therapy plan based on their unique needs and goals.
Neuroaffirming Practice: We provide compassionate and affirming services to support and empower neurodiverse individuals.
Multi-Disciplinary Approach: We offer a wide range of allied health services under one roof, allowing for a holistic approach to your health.
NDIS Registered: We are proudly registered with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Home Care Package (HCP) and Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP): We accept a variety of funding options, helping our clients access the support they need.
LGBTQIA+ friendly: We celebrate, value and include people of all backgrounds, genders, and sexualities, Our Findon clinic is a welcoming, safe and inclusive space for all LGBTQIA+ people and families.
FAQs About Fluency
If you can’t find an answer to your question, please contact our friendly team on 0474 248 081 or email enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com
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Fluency in speech-language pathology refers to the smooth flow and connection of sounds, syllables, words, and phrases during fast speech.
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Stuttering is the broad term used to describe disruptions in an individual's speech flow or rhythm.
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No! We can start working with new clients right away.
Once we have received a referral form with all of your details, we are able to book an Initial Assessment as soon as possible, depending on your availability.
You can find our paediatric referral forms here and our adult referral forms here.
If you have any questions prior to referring please reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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If you are funded through Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) or Chronic Disease Management (CDM) we need the appropriate referral documentation from your GP.
For all other funding sources you can refer yourself or your child directly via our online referral form, or reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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Referring is easy! You can find our paediatric referral forms here and our adult referral forms here.
If you have any questions prior to referring please reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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Yes! As a registered NDIS provider, Thrive Health Therapies meets rigorous NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators. We are passionately committed to upholding the NDIS Practice Standards, providing high-quality and safe supports and services for NDIS participants.
As a NDIS registered provider, we are also able to offer services to participants whose funds are managed by the NDIA.
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As a registered NDIS provider, interpreter services are available free of charge for NDIS participants. Please inform us if you require this service, and we will arrange this for you.
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We accept referrals from a wide range of funding sources, including the NDIS, home care packages, Department of Veterans Affairs, Chronic Disease Management (previously known as EPC) and private clients. Learn more about our accepted funding sources.
As a NDIS registered provider we are also able to accept participants who have chosen to have their funds managed by NDIA.
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Prices vary between services. Our therapists work with you to ensure you get the best program of services within your budget allocation.
Please contact us for a personalised quote.
Your Trusted NDIS Registered Provider in Adelaide
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding for individuals with permanent and significant disabilities. As a registered NDIS provider in Adelaide, Thrive Health Therapies meets rigorous NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators. We are passionately committed to upholding the NDIS Practice Standards, providing high-quality and safe supports and services for NDIS participants. As a NDIS registered provider, we offer services to participants whose funds are managed by the NDIA.
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Referral Form
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