GROUP PROGRAMS
At Neuro Speech Connections we believe one of the best ways to target communication difficulties is to practise talking and having conversations within structured and supported groups in the community.
Group therapy is a fun and functional way to learn new skills and practise goals in a realistic setting. It is important to get the one-on-one support you need in order to learn new skills, but mastering and transferring your skills to the real world takes place when you practise what you have learned outside of individual one-on-one sessions. The one-on-one therapy environment, free of distractions, is quite different from real-life classrooms, social outings, and workplaces.
Group therapy offers a supportive and trusting environment that provides opportunities to teach and learn from your peers, build confidence through newfound relationships, practise skills in a realistic setting that mimics a real world environment (social experience at cafes, restaurants etc.), and has the added benefit of cost efficiency.
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LIVING WITH ABI GROUP
Neuro Speech Connections facilitates a weekly community group. The group consists of a gathering of (12-15) individuals with acquired brain injuries. It is a structured and supported environment for participants to develop peer relationships and practise communicating with others.
WHO:
Individuals with an acquired brain injury (ABI) who would benefit from additional opportunities to socialise in community settings
WHAT:
Explicit teaching of social communication and social cognition within conversations.
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WHY:
To enhance each individual’s participation in family life, groups and the wider community. Improving social awareness can also help a person transition more successfully back into the workplace.
WHERE:
Weekly meetings at local cafes and restaurants in Warrnambool
PEER SOCIAL GROUPS
Neuro Speech Connections facilitates weekly interest-based groups as one of a number of approaches to target executive functioning, social communication and social cognition.
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WHO
Neurodivergent individuals including autistic adolescents and young adults, ADHD'ers and individuals experiencing socio-emotional challenges.
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TYPES OF GROUPS:
Dungeons & Dragons
Lego
Minecraft
Tabletop Gaming
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HOW:
Each group is tailored to the interests of the participants and includes a range of activities and games to target key areas of social development, including:
emotional regulation
total communication approach (all forms of communication are accepted)
conversation skills (including the double empathy problem)
perspective taking (to build understanding of themselves and others)
self-advocacy (to develop autonomy, confidence & self esteem)
COMMUNITY APHASIA GROUP
Neuro Speech Connections recognises that people with aphasia often experience social isolation due to their communication deficits. Over half of all people living with aphasia 6 months after stroke report their life is lacking some aspect of social, recreational or purposeful activity. Group participation has been reported as a viable option for addressing chronic aphasia
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WHO:
Small groups of individuals with aphasia meet with a Speech Pathologist in the community each week
WHAT:
Each Community Aphasia Group consists of 2-4 participants that meet on a regular basis with at least two of the following aims: communication therapy, conversation activity, social support, psychological support, stroke/aphasia education and participation in accessible and meaningful activities
WHY:
A Community Aphasia Group is a place where a person with aphasia can experience meaningful activity, social relationships, and positive renegotiation of self-identity. Therefore, these groups provide a practical method to minimise negative psychosocial outcomes, increase participation in life and reduce health costs to society
SOUNDS WRITE INTEVENTION GROUPS
Neuro Speech Connections offers Sounds Write as our primary intervention for adolescents who have fallen behind in their reading and spelling. We use the Sounds Write approach to get teens back on track with reading and spelling. The Sounds Write program is available via individual sessions or small group sessions in person or via Telehealth
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WHO: Adolescents 12+ years (groups of 2-4 matching ages and skills whenever possible) with written communication difficulties
WHAT: The Sounds-Write program is a structured synthetic phonics program conducted by a qualified Speech Pathologist running in each of the school terms for individuals and small groups.
WHY: It is important to create solid foundation skills for spelling, as literacy skills (reading, writing and spelling) are essential in expressing ideas and understanding all settings - educational, vocational and the wider community.
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Nicole at Neuro Speech Connections is a certified Sounds-Write Trainer