River Speech

30/03/2026

I am lucky to have recently had 3 days of learning about Orofacial Myology with Australian Orofacial Myology Collaboration. Oh my gosh, what a mind-blowing ride!

Orofacial Myology involves assessing & treating a range of oral & facial muscles, postural & functional disorders and oral habits that may disrupt normal growth and development.

I learnt how impactful and important the resting position of the tongue is for optimal oral function.

Did you know oral function can influence:
- swallowing
- picky & fussy eating
- speech
- sleep
- airways & breathing
- attention & concentration
- dentition
- facial growth

Oral function (assessment & treatment) will become more central to what I do.

I look forward to seeing what additional gains I can make with my current clients.

I am excited for the new opportunities this will create for collaborative work amongst Riverland-based professionals, such as dentists & bodyworkers, so support can be provided as close-to-home as possible.

Speech Pathologist with training in Orofacial Myology - I think this could be the start of another chapter in my journey as a Speechie.

17/03/2026

Happy Swallowing Awareness Day!

I love working with children & families (& hopefully adults again in the not-so-distant future) who have swallowing challenges!

17/03/2026

Is your child a fussy eater? Should you be worried or will they grow out of it?
Holly Tickner, Next Bite SP shares 4 things to help you consider if your worry is warranted.

Feel free to reach out if you’d like to chat further.

06/03/2026

Changes to Medicare - hopefully making speech pathology a little more within reach for families 🤞

From 1st March 2026, the MBS M10 program has expanded to include Speech Sound Disorders, Apraxia of Speech, Dysarthria, Cleft Lip &/or Palate & stuttering.

This expansion offers a capped number of rebated sessions for assessment & therapy.

A referral from a GP or Specialist is required.

💧Apologies that I don’t have a pretty picture or social media carousel to share this info!

17/02/2026

A fabulous event coming to our region in April 😊 Free to attend - and I’m sure it will be well worth it!
Thanks to Flow Child Therapy for being an integral part in making this happen.

Come along and hear Mark LeMessurier, 2022 South Australian, Senior Australian of the Year...in person...right here in the Riverland!

21/01/2026

A timely reminder that school can bring a lot of angst for some of our kids around mealtimes, particularly our restricted eaters.
I love this post from Let’s Eat- Feeding Therapy.
If you need someone in your corner to help in this space, please reach out 😊

Supporting Restricted Eaters During Crunch & Sip 🍎🥒

Our tips for helping you advocate for your child at school

Does your child have a very limited range of fruit and vegetables? Crunch and Sip can be stressful – for kids and parents. Here is how you can support and advocate for your child:

✨ Talk to the teacher
Let them know exactly what your child eats and what helps them most – gentle encouragement, or no pressure at all.

✨ Practise at home
Do “mini crunch and sip” at the park or at home. Practise opening containers and reassure your child they do not have to eat everything.

✨ Make it easy
Small portions, peeled and chopped fruit, no browning, easy to eat with fingers or a fork.

✨ Add tiny variety
Rotate foods slowly – apple one day, cucumber the next. Change shapes, cuts, brands or textures rather than changing foods completely.

✨ Know the school rules
Ask what is allowed. Some schools allow dips, dried fruit or canned fruit packs – others do not. Advocate kindly if your child needs flexibility.

✨ Take the pressure off
It is one break. It is okay if they do not eat. Crunch and Sip is not the place for food challenges. Save learning about new foods for home or therapy, not in front of peers.

💛 Big message:
Your child’s safety and confidence matter more than finishing fruit. Support them, work with the school, and advocate for what helps your child feel calm, included and successful.