CASE STUDY: Social Communication Training for an Adult at SPEECHAUS

A handful of our clients face challenges with social communication in their daily lives, whether it’s with family, friends or colleagues. A common question we hear is, “Should I see a speech pathologist or a psychologist to help with my social skills?”

Simon works in a high-pressure role with a very demanding schedule, leaving him with little time for things like therapy. However, he recognised the need to improve his social communication based on feedback he’d received from others, both personally and professionally. Simon took the initiative to search online of which he discovered Speechaus and quickly scheduled an initial appointment. The initial assessment was held virtually, which Simon found very practical given his busy lifestyle.

During the session, Simon expressed uncertainty about whether he was reaching out to the right professional, as he wasn’t clear on the difference between a speech pathologist and a psychologist in addressing social communication challenges. Through a detailed case history and assessment tasks, Simon’s speech pathologist explained the nature of his communication difficulties, outlining how a speech pathologist could assist with social communication skills, while also clarifying the role of a psychologist. With a better understanding of the differences, Simon began to understand that his struggles mainly stemmed from “not knowing the right words to say.”

With this clarity, the conversation shifted to the type and frequency of therapy that would best suit Simon’s needs and align with his personal and professional goals. The speech pathologist used visuals and made notes on the screen to make the information more accessible, especially in the online format. After the session, Simon decided to continue with therapy, scheduling fortnightly sessions to give it a try.

In Simon’s first treatment session, his speech pathologist conducted a goal assessment, identifying the key areas of social communication that mattered most to him. In Simon’s case, they began by focusing and improving the directness of his tone. The speech pathologist introduced techniques, such as using modal verbs and introductory phrases to soften his tone, which Simon initially practiced deliberately but began to incorporate more naturally over time. He started using these strategies with his family first, then gradually with colleagues at work.

As Simon progressed, he became more aware of the specific situations where he struggled most to control his tone. With his speech pathologist, he would set new goals and developed strategies to address these challenges. Over time, Simon grew more comfortable applying the techniques he’d learned across various social situations. He found the practical strategies provided in each session to be extremely helpful in navigating these interactions.

If, like Simon, you’re unsure how speech pathology might help you reach your communication goals, scheduling an assessment with one of our experienced clinicians can provide valuable insights into your challenges and help you determine whether speech pathology is the right path for you.

• Telehealth allows therapy in a familiar, comfortable environment (your home).
• Avoid stress from unfamiliar therapy rooms or overstimulating settings.
• A relaxed space leads to better engagement and progress.

• Eliminates sensory triggers common in in-person visits (i.e., loud noises, bright lights).
• You control your environment, reducing anxiety and distractions.
• Option to turn off the video if eye contact or other cues are difficult.

• No need to travel – therapy is accessible from anywhere, whether you’re in a rural, suburban, metro or even out of Australia!
• Saves time and energy by avoiding the stress of commuting.
• Consistent therapy, no matter where you live or your busy schedule.

• Access to Speechaus digital platform and a personalised Miro board.
• Visual aids and interactive materials that can support your learning and comprehension.
• Resources can be shared easily during sessions for extra help.

• Easier to maintain regular sessions without interruptions from travel or other commitments (i.e., work or university schedule routines).
• Telehealth allows for seamless transitions if your schedule changes (i.e., travelling or being unwell).