Speech Therapy: It Isn’t Just About Talking

From helping children find their words, to supporting adults after brain injuries, certified practising speech pathologist Aaron Pulle shares how communication is tied closely to confidence, identity, and mental health.

Key points:

As Aaron explains, speech pathology is much broader than most people realise.

“Speech pathology covers so many things from understanding language, expressing ideas, social skills and getting along with others, [as well as] reading and writing, speaking clearly and confidently, and even thinking skills like planning and memory,” he said.

It even extends to safe feeding and swallowing, and the use of communication devices for people whose spoken words need support.

“When you can’t express yourself or you’re misunderstood, stress, withdrawal and lack of social connection are all too common,” Aaron explained.

“When you can’t express yourself or you’re misunderstood, stress, withdrawal and lack of social connection are all too common.”

Communication and mental health

The effects of communication difficulties can be heartbreaking.

“Kiddos act out not because they’re naughty, but because it’s exhausting to communicate and not be understood – that behaviour is communication,” Aaron shared.

Adults who experience stroke or brain injury can also grieve the loss of identity when conversation and reading change.

“When we restore communication to people, be that spoken, signed, typed or on a device, we see anxiety drop, participation rise and much more life satisfaction,” he said.

“Communication is a fundamental human right.”

“Kiddos act out not because they’re naughty, but because it’s exhausting to communicate and not be understood.”

Everyday skills and dignity

Aaron stressed that effective therapy must reach into everyday life.

For children, that could be parents turning bedtime routines into learning opportunities.

For teens, it may mean building confidence to self-advocate at youth group or in class.

For adults, therapy might focus on speaking up in job interviews or enjoying family mealtimes again.

“Speech pathology is all about advocating for your own needs and communicating in ways that matter to you with people that matter to you,” Aaron explained.

“Those moments remind us it’s more than just talking that we give to people. It’s dignity, agency, and hope.”

“Communication is a fundamental human right.”

Finding your voice again

Aaron shared the story of a young adult who had only a few words after a brain injury – most of them expletives.

“After a solid year of working together, he was able to re-enter the workforce… answering job interview questions and speaking up for himself.

“Being able to find his voice gave him a sense of purpose, a sense of hope and connection.”

Listen to the full conversation in the player above.

When to seek help

Many people don’t realise they might benefit from speech therapy.

Aaron encouraged listeners to think beyond sounds and words: “Ask, is understanding hard? Are stories jumbled? Is reading a battle? Are social moments tricky? Are meals stressful? Does my anxiety skyrocket whenever I have to talk to someone new?”

“The goal is simple,” Aaron said. “To help you be heard, understood and connected where life actually happens.”

Listen to the full conversation in the player above.

Feature image: CanvaPro