About 1.2 million Australians have a communication disability and Speech Pathology Week aims to promote the profession and the work of speech pathologists.
In 2022, Speech Pathology Week takes place from 21 to 27 August, and Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) Senior Speech Pathologist – Stroke, Geriatrics and Rehabilitation, Annelise Green , wants to raise awareness about communication and swallowing disorders, and the impact this entails. these have in people’s lives.
“Communication and swallowing are vital parts of all our lives that we often take for granted,” said Annelise.
Think what it would be like if you couldn’t get your message across or if you couldn’t eat or drink.”
Annelise knew from a young age that speech pathology was the occupation for her. With an interest in anatomy, physiology, teaching and working with others, she was “sold” on speech pathology the moment her occupational therapist mother suggested it.
Annelise’s grandfather also influenced her career choice, as she “wanted to help stroke survivors like him.”
“I mainly work with people with neurological impairments after stroke and also with geriatric patients who can be very unwell and weak, all of which can affect communication and swallowing function,” Annelise explained.
Helping people improve and regain these skills and functions so they can live a more normal and rewarding life is her favorite part of the job.
“I have helped rehabilitate patients who were not safe for any oral intake to be able to take their favorite foods and drinks again,” said Annelise.
“I have also helped patients improve their speech and language so that they can return to work and participate in activities that are meaningful to them, such as giving toasts at their daughter’s wedding or video chatting with family members at foreign”.
Throughout the day, Annelise works with doctors, nurses and allied health professionals such as occupational therapy, dietetics, physiotherapy and social work to discuss patient care and work as a multidisciplinary team to achieve optimal outcomes for patients
“I believe all allied health professionals find it fulfilling and rewarding to make a difference and ultimately help improve someone’s quality of life,” she said.
One patient Annelise has recently worked with is stroke survivor Mr. Tuan Anh Pham.
“Mr Pham is bilingual – he speaks English and Vietnamese, but unfortunately both languages have been affected by his stroke,” Annelise explained.
“His language is improving and he is very motivated to continue speech therapy, but he currently uses a ‘total communication’ approach to communicating which includes speaking, writing, gesturing and support from the speech therapist.
“Every day is better but difficult,” explained Mr. Pham.
We don’t think when we speak, but now speaking is different, before easy now different; very harsh words for me.”
Pham said Westmead’s speech therapy staff “helped me improve my life, more like before: practice words, talk together, work hard.”
Annelise would like people to keep in mind that “the person in front of you at the coffee shop who takes a long time to order may have a language disorder and struggle to get the right words out, or the person who asks you to repeat may have problems understanding what is said to them”.
This Speech Pathology Week, Annelise would also like people to be aware that changes in speech or swallowing function can indicate that something could be wrong.
“If you or your friends and family notice any changes in communication or swallowing, or if you have a pre-existing condition for which you would like speech pathology assistance, you can speak to your GP or visit the Speech Pathology Australia website and use the ‘Find a Speech Pathologist’ feature at www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au.