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About
Joanne Duncum
Certified Practising Speech Pathologist
Transforming Lives Through the Power of Communication
Joanne Duncum Speech Pathologist holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) and a Masters Degree (Deafness and Communication Studies) and has decades of experience as a clinician, published researcher, post-graduate degree lecturer, and consultant to the Education Departments of SA, ACT and NSW. She has developed numerous resources including customised literacy programs and is regularly asked to present workshops and seminars to parent groups, school Learning Support Teams and EAL/D teachers.
As a Member of Speech Pathology Australia for 40 years, with Certified Practising status, Joanne is committed to maintaining up-to-date professional standards, providing evidence based services, in line with current best practices. This includes regularly attending workshops and maintaining additional certifications and licensing in literacy programs and parent coaching. She supports children, parents and educators with strategies to develop and encourage oral communication, literacy and learning.
Services include assessment, treatment, training and consultancy for paediatric speech, language, literacy and learning difficulties.
What is a Speech Pathologist ?
Speech Pathologists are allied health professionals who work with and advocate for people who have communication difficulties. In Australia, qualified Speech Pathologists hold recognised university degrees at undergraduate or masters level.
Speech Pathologists study, diagnose and treat communication disorders, including difficulties with speech, language, swallowing, fluency and voice. Using assessment tools, Speech Pathologists are able to diagnose each person’s specific problem and devise a treatment plan that best suits their needs.
Speech Pathologists work with people across their entire lifespan. An adult might visit a speech pathologist to help them understand and find the right words to use after a stroke, while a child might need treatment to help their expressive language (putting words together and being understood) or receptive language (understanding instructions and meanings).
Speech pathology is practised in a wide variety of settings – schools, hospitals, aged care homes, universities, kindergartens, rehabilitation centres, community health centres, private practice and mental health services. Some speech pathologists specialise in areas of ‘complex need’, such as autism or cerebral palsy and may work in specialist intervention services for people with these disabilities.
Speech Pathology Australia is the national peak body representing speech pathologists, the professionals who work with and advocate for people who have communication difficulties and all Australian consumers of speech pathology services.