Speech Pathology at Minda's Southern Disability Support is primarily involved in the assessment and diagnosis of swallowing disorders, and exploration of augmented communication – verbal and non-verbal.

Intellectual disability, ageing, and illness commonly result in difficulty with communication, and potential difficulty organising and coordinating the muscles for swallowing.

A swallowing disorder can impact on your health and wellbeing and can result in:

• Coughing
• Choking
• Chest infections
• Pneumonia
• Dehydration
• Malnutrition

Speech pathologists advise on swallowing techniques and may recommend texture modification of food and fluid to reduce the risks of ill health and to promote the safety of swallowing.