ARTICULATION, SPEECH AND SPEAKING PATTERNS

Given the range of potential reasons why students may be demonstrating the described behaviours in this section, it is recommended that you consult directly with your local Speech Pathologist.

In the area of articulation (speech sound production), it is possible that the student may have some immature development. If you feel this is the case, monitor the student’s progress closely over a couple of months. Discuss the student’s speech with the parents or previous teacher. Identify if there has been any recent gains. If this has occurred, this will support the decision to implement the monitoring process. If limited gains are described or if during the monitoring progress you feel progress is slow or non-existent, a referral to your local Speech Pathologist is recommended.

If the student’s speech intelligibility (ie. their ability to be understood) is significantly influenced, a referral to your local Speech Pathologist is recommended.

Where issues with the student’s speech fluency are apparent, again a referral to your local Speech Pathologist is recommended. Behaviours evident in this area would include the following:

• Shows hesitant speech, filled with pauses and numerous “ums”;

• Speak with little fluency, say things that don’t have natural oral language fluency;

• Speak excessively slowly, slow rate of articulation;

• Show stutter, stammer patterns.