Group therapy can play a significant part in a child’s speech and language development, and consists of sessions guided by a Speech Pathologist with two or more children working on improving their speech and/or language abilities together. The interaction among children 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).
The benefits of group therapy include providing a more natural and realistic setting to practise therapy goals. Children can find support, confidence and newfound friendships while realising that other children may have similar skills they need to work on. Group therapy can provide peer support and information sharing between parents while being a cost-effective way to access speech pathology services.
Group therapy sessions run at Duntroon Community Centre in Campbell on Mondays during the ACT school term. Each group will run once a week for 45 mins and consist of a minimum of 2 children and a maximum of 6 children. The cost is $140 per week for ten weeks, payable upfront for the term.
All group programs and activities will be organised based on the students participating and their individual needs. The ten week program is designed so that a session could be missed without hindering future sessions but please note that each week will build upon the last week’s learning. If you are unable to attend, we appreciate 24 hours notice so that the Speech Pathologist can plan accordingly. Unfortunately we cannot provide a refund for missed group sessions.
Rebates may be available through your private health provider or claimed by yourself through NDIS funding. The cost covers the duration of the session with your child as well as essential planning, preparation, assessment and documentation for each session. If you would like to participate in a group, please note – you are committing to a ten week block of therapy.
If you are interested in participating in any of the groups outlined below, please click here to complete your registration form. We will then be in touch to confirm your registration.
GROUPS
Supporting First Words Group
Utilising Hanen’s “It Takes Two to Talk” program, this group is designed for parents of young children who did not babble as a baby / were late to babble, and/or who have not started using their first words by 18 months of age, or who are 2 years of age but are not using around 50 words / 2 word combinations. Parents will learn practical strategies to help their child learn language naturally together.
When: Mondays 0900-0945am; we ask for only one parent to attend due to room sizing constraints.
Early Language Group
This group is for 18 months – 3 year olds and uses early language stimulation strategies and play to nurture language development. Strategies are discussed with parents and practiced with the guidance of the Speech Pathologist. Your child will need to be able to sit and play with toys away from their parents for a short time while parents learn the strategies.
When: Mondays 1000-1045am; we ask for only one parent to attend due to room sizing constraints.
Preschool Speech and Language Group
This program is designed for 4-5 year olds in preschool who are communicating in sentences, have no underlying cognitive difficulties, have functional hearing and vision and their behaviour is ready for group instruction. Goals of the group include understanding and using language concepts, encouraging milestone appropriate speech sounds, pre-reading skills (eg. rhyme, letter-sound awareness), play and social skills.
Groups can also be run out of participating preschools during the ACT school term. Enquire at your current preschool about availability.
When: Mondays 1100-1145am