Group therapy can play a significant part in a child’s therapy plan. Group intervention consists of sessions guided by a Speech Pathologist and includes two or more clients who work on improving their speech and language abilities together. The interaction among clients is considered to be an integral part of therapy and has been shown to be as effective as individual speech therapy (Boyle, McCartney, O’Hare & Forbes, 2008; Montgomery & Bonderman, 1989).
Whether group therapy is targeting social communication (turn taking, staying on topic, initiating conversations), building language skills or AAC skills, it is an exciting way to help children reach their full potential. Group therapy programs offer a supportive network and trusting environment where children can grow with and learn from each other.
At Small TALK each group therapy program is presented in a structured manner tailored to each group’s abilities and goals. We have a range of groups on offer all year round that cover a range of therapy areas from AAC to Pre-kindy readiness programs. Activities and goals are always adjusted to allow children of all abilities to be involved and adjustments are made throughout as skills improve. Yet, we always maintain the ultimate goals of having fun and making friends!
1. It provides a more natural and realistic setting to practise therapy goals.
2. Children learn that they are not alone by being around children with similar skills.
3. Children can find support and confidence newfound friendships.
4. Parents can meet which can lead to peer support and information sharing and;
5. It is a cost-effective way to have an intensive period of therapy.
We run a range of AAC groups for children of all ages currently using low tech and high tech AAC devices. Our AAC groups focus on generalising AAC skills in a fun and natural manner such as; social skills, core words and literacy. Click here to find out more about AAC.
Our Social Language group is aimed at primary school aged children who are finding social interactions difficult. This group introduces a range of social skills such as conversations, emotions, play and body language in a fun and supportive environment.
Construction Club is a building based group run by Sarah Rolfe, accredited Lego®-Based Therapy Facilitator. This group caters for children of all ages who experience difficulty with a range of social language skills. It focuses on ‘building up’ a child’s social language skills through play based learning and their love of building. Read more about “Building Up’ your child’s communication skills here.
School Learning Strategies is a group that helps children become independent learners. It is best suited to children 9-15 years old who have difficulty using strategies to listen effectively and identifying when they have not understood. In this group children will develop their comprehension monitoring and active listening skills and learn to put these skills in place at school.
The PALS (Playing and Learning to Socialise) Social Skills Program teaches preschool children about greeting others, listening, sharing, taking turns, dealing with feelings of fear, sadness and anger, and solving problems. These skills are taught in a fun and engaging way using storytelling, songs, games, and role-play.
Our Pre-Kindy group is for children who are entering mainstream Kindergarten, and who communicate verbally. The program focuses on communication, listening and social skills required for participating in the classroom. The program also targets skills such as letter-sound awareness, following visual schedules, and answering ‘wh’ questions.
Small TALK groups are modified to meet the needs, ages and skills of the children enrolled. Each group is limited to 3 participants (as per NDIS group therapy guidelines) to ensure adequate modelling, prompting and interaction. Small TALK is an NDIS registered service provider and NDIS funding is accepted for all groups.
You do not have to be a current client at Small TALK, so contact us and book a spot today!
