Speak_Out_June_2013

Speech pathology in the Top End

Dyslexia study urgently needs your help! Do you have clients with dyslexia or with a family history of dyslexia, who are: • Parents of 0-6 month old infants? • Expecting a baby? The UWS MARCS BabyLab is examining the development of speech, language and cognitive abilities of 120 infants from six months through to 5 years of age. The study investigates possible acoustic, speech, and cognitive precursors of later reading ability, and what methods might be used for detecting such reading disabilities as dyslexia. In December 2012, the twelfth cohort of students graduated from the speech pathology program at CSU. Past graduates are now working in a range of settings in Australia and internationally, in clinical and research positions. Dr Jane McCormack Lecturer in Speech Pathology Charles Sturt University meaning of words and phrases, and another is the co-editor of the Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology . Staff members are also involved in conducting local and national research projects. We were part of a successful team to gain Australian Research Council funding to determine if a preschool computer-based service can promote speech development and reduce the risk of reading difficulty. We have also investigated the collaborative practices of early childhood educators and speech pathologists when working with preschool children with communication difficulties, and will present this work in Italy and Estonia later in 2013.

C ROCODILES, CYCLONES AND HUMIDITY are often the things that come to mind when people think of the Top End. The Northern Territory is home to the jumping crocodile, Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, the Beer-can Regatta and the NT News and Territory Day (Firecracker night). At the tip of the Top End is the capital, Darwin; situated on the Timor Sea, Darwin is a hub of diversity and multiculturalism. With a population of 131,700 people, Darwin is by far the smallest of all of the capital cities in Australia. I moved back home to Darwin after completing my speech pathology degree at the end of 2012. I am now currently employed as a new graduate speech pathologist at the Children’s Development Team – Darwin Urban. Returning home was not a difficult decision for me – my family is here, I love the warmer weather, the people and the laid-back Darwin lifestyle. As a born and bred Territorian, I thought that it was important to give back to my community and work with other health professionals to provide much needed services to Territorians in need of assistance. Home is where the heart is! Hooked on the lifestyle: After completing her degree interstate, Amy Southwood returned home to Darwin to practise speech pathology.

Participants will receive BabyLab degrees for their child, a small gift and $30 for each visit to cover

travel expenses. For more information or to refer your client to our study please contact Rachel Lee on 9772 6313 or email rachel.lee@uws.edu.au

The Children’s Development Team (CDT) services the Darwin and Palmerston region. (continued next page)

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www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au