ive-year-old Ariki Thompson shares a laugh with his speech pathologist Katherine Sanchez at Sunshine Hospital. 69451 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
BY NATALIE GALLENTI
WHEN little Ariki was only two years old, his parents realised there were problems with his literacy skills.
Mumbled speech and unrecognisable words were the first signs that the young Cairnlea resident needed speech pathology.
Three years on and Ariki is in kindergarten and preparing for school next year.
Ariki’s father Pera Thompson said since beginning speech pathology at Sunshine Hospital eight months ago, the improvement in his son’s communication and social skills had been dramatic.
“He’s very different now,” Mr Thompson said.
“Speech pathology has been instrumental in getting him prepared for school.”
Mr Thompson said Ariki now enjoys attending kindergarten and has lots of friends and can pronounce all their names. And he said one of his favourite days of the week is Tuesday when he attends speech pathology.
“He loves it.
“It’s the only time I can get him out of bed so quick.”
Speech pathologist Katherine Sanchez said she had seen a big change in Ariki’s engagement and confidence.
“His talking is better, and he can use more complex language. He requests certain games that he enjoys, and sometimes asks for more practice activities when we are ready to finish,” Ms Sanchez said.
She said his demeanour has changed completely from a reluctant and quiet participant to someone who is very willing to learn more each week.
“At first, Ariki was quite reluctant to come in and talk to us – now when I go to the waiting room to collect him, he waves and runs over to me, asking what we’re going to play together, and whether we can play one of his favourite games. He seems more confident, and will have a chat while we’re playing.”
Ms Sanchez said most of the children she sees at Sunshine Hospital have a delay in their language skills. They have trouble thinking of the right words and grammar to use, and understanding others when they are spoken to.
She said the earlier a child begins speech pathology the better.
“We see children from when they are babies, and have several clients who are one or two years old. As soon as you notice a problem, bring them in, because what we know from the research is that the earlier we see children, the easier it is to help them.”
Speech pathologists also help babies with early feeding problems and children who are having difficulty chewing and swallowing.
