Logo for Dr. Maggie Tshule: silhouette of child speaking inside silhouette of adult speaking, both with smiles. Text reads 'Maggie Tshule - Speech and Language Therapy'.

Find out more about what services I offer

For children:

VOICE: Children may present with a hoarse or nasal or excessively loud or soft voice which may affect how they are perceived and could affect and cause them to feel self-conscious.
SPEECH SOUNDS: Clear and precise articulation of speech sounds is important for clarity of speech. Imprecise and poor pronunciation of speech sounds may affect intelligibility making speech difficult for the listeners.
LISTENING, SPEAKING, READING AND WRITING are important for learning and success at school. Difficulties in listening, understanding, following commands and responding to questions in class may impact learning. Limited vocabulary and inappropriate use of language will improve when the child is encouraged and supported to read books which will also positively impact spoken and writing.
Effective VERBAL COMMUNICATION is important for building friendships. Children with verbal communication difficulties may avoid talking to other children and making friends, which isolates them and deprive them of the opportunities for developing important SOCIAL skills.
STUTTERING is one a most common speech difficulty affecting children. It is a developmental condition where the child struggles to control muscles important for speech production. Speech is characterised by repetition of sounds and words, there are long unnecessary pauses and sometimes facial grimaces. When identified early stuttering can be corrected.
COMMUNICATION also requires intact COGNITIVE abilities. Thinking skills such as remembering, solving problems and using one's imagination are important for effective learning and impactful communication.

For adults:

Adults with different COMMUNICATION difficulties benefit from Speech and Language therapy. Individuals with brain injury as a result of stroke or accident may have COGNITIVE difficulties and changes in their personality that may influence their communication. These brain-related communication difficulties may affect all aspects of language, including speaking, understanding, reading and writing. The brain is a remarkably adaptable organ and it is possible to reduce some of the effects of the injury through Speech and Language Therapy. Through Therapy one is able to:

Increase listening skill to assist you with paying attention and remembering information presented orally.
Gain a greater understanding of your listeners.
Increase vocabulary, language skills, reading, spelling and writing which will help harness work opportunities and career growth.
Be more clear and effective when speaking thus increasing self-confidence and esteem.