What are Speech and OT?

Description:

Speech Pathology:
Speech pathologists support children to develop their communication skills. This includes helping with speech sounds (how clearly a child talks), language (understanding and using words and sentences), and social communication (e.g., taking turns in conversation). They may also assist children who have difficulties with stuttering, voice, or feeding and swallowing. Their goal is to help children communicate effectively so they can learn, build relationships, and participate confidently at school and in everyday life.

Occupational Therapy (OT):
Occupational therapists help children develop the skills they need for everyday activities, such as dressing, eating, writing, and participating in school tasks. They support fine motor skills (e.g., handwriting), sensory processing (how a child responds to sounds, textures, and movement), and self-regulation (managing emotions and behaviour). OTs aim to build independence and help children engage successfully in their home, school, and community environments.

Our Staff

Brooke is a Paediatric Occupational Therapist specialising in infant/early childhood development and mental wellbeing. Brooke has 15 years of experience working across early childhood development services and child/infant mental health services. She is skilled in supporting children and their families across a range of developmental areas including play, participation in ADL’s (sleep, toileting, mealtimes), emotional and sensory regulation. Brooke works to empower parents to understand and support their child’s needs, as this leads to the best and most sustainable outcomes for the child and family unit. Brooke works out of TD Psychology under business name ‘Heads and Hearts Therapy’. 

Libby Dansie is a Speech Pathologist who works with children and adolescents to support speech, language, and communication development. She has experience working with school-aged children and adolescents across areas including speech sound disorders, language difficulties, literacy, and social communication. Libby takes a collaborative and evidence-based approach to therapy and enjoys working closely with families, schools, and other health professionals to support each child’s communication goals and participation in everyday life.