SIMAR DHALIWAL
Credentials: B.A.Sc, M.S.Path
Treatment Locations: Clinic/Office, Virtual Telepractice
Name of Practice: Building Blocks Speech Pathology
Address: 403 Dorset Road, Croydon South
Melbourne, VIC, 3136, Australia
Phone: +61450956431
Email: info@buildingblockssp.com
Percent of CAS cases: 51-75%
Additional Languages Offered: Punjabi
Overall Treatment Approach:
I use several methods depending on the severity of CAS. I use Dynamic Tactile and Temporal Cueing, which involves picking various speech targets and practising these in a supported, structured way. I also use the Nuffield Dyspraxia Program and Rapid Syllable Transition Treatment. These treatments use the motor learning principles – meaning a high level of support, lots of practise and a high number of sessions are provided.
Parent Involvement:
Parents are generally expected to attend all sessions unless their personal circumstances do not allow for it. I give guidance for how parents can practise the target words at home, allowing them to practise during my sessions so that they feel capable of home practise outside of the session.
AAC Use/Implementation Expertise:
Choosing the right AAC is important. We trial a range of options, then choose the right one for your child. I coach parents on using AAC in all environments and have the most confidence using the LAMP system. I also teach Key Word Sign to assist the child in getting their message across while they trial other AAC options.
OLGA KOMADINA
Credentials: Bachelor of Speech Pathology
Treatment Locations: Clinic/Office, School, Client’s Home, Client’s Preschool/Daycare, Virtual Telepractice
Name of Practice: Olga Komadina Apraxia Therapy
Address:
Albury-Wodonga Region
NSW, Australia
Phone: 0414599745
Email: info@olgakomadinapraxiatherapy.com.au
Website: https://olgakomadinapraxiatherapy.com.au
Business Hours: Monday and Friday, 9:00am – 4:30pm
Percent of CAS cases: >76%
Additional Languages Offered: Serbian Croatian
Overall Treatment Approach:
Olga employs an eclectic approach to treating children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), with a strong focus on Dynamic Tactile and Temporal Cueing (DTTC). She has successfully helped many 2-3 year-olds with CAS, who initially could only say 4-5 words or approximations, progress to speaking in sentences after just 2-3 months of intensive therapy. Olga collaborates closely with other professionals, including occupational therapists, physiotherapists, pediatricians, and teachers, to ensure the best possible outcomes for each child.
Community Involvement:
Olga is dedicated to raising awareness about Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) across Australia. She speaks at professional development events for allied health professionals and educators, and consults with speech pathologists nationwide. Her goal is to ensure that children with CAS receive timely, best-practice speech therapy.
Parent Involvement:
Parents and caregivers are required to attend and actively participate in therapy sessions with their children. This involvement ensures they can effectively carry over the strategies and techniques used in therapy into the home and community environment.
AAC Use/Implementation Expertise:
Alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) can be vital in supporting a child with CAS. Providing an alternative means of expression helps reduce frustration and offers a break from the challenging work of learning to speak more clearly. Olga is experienced with a range of AAC tools, from low-tech options like picture cards to high-tech devices such as LAMP, Proloquo2Go, and Dynavox.
