World Paediatrics speech and language team pays second visit for 2024 to SVG

The World Paediatric Speech and Language Therapy team made a return visit to this country for the second time this year after having a 3-day clinic in January, 2024.

The team returned on June 15, 2024, and held clinic from June 16-18, where just under 100 children were seen, states a release from WPP. The team was headed by speech therapist, Jill Hodge, and was accompanied by speech therapists, Wendi McMillan and Brendan Rooney; occupational therapist, Meg Porter; and local speech therapist, Kimberley Cambridge. Although labelled as a Speech and Language Clinic, it attended to a range of other concerns that affect a child’s development and day-to-day life. The make-up of the team was curated in a way to have specializations in Augmentative/Alternative Communication;

Autism; ADHD; Down’s Syndrome; Cerebral Palsy; Articulation disorders; Sensory and feeding concerns; and any other behavioural or speech disorders.

Over the three day period, the team saw 99 Vincentian children. On the afternoon of the first day, they held an informative group session for parents who have children with any of the listed concerns. The session, the release said, aimed mainly to share as much information as possible with the parents on the conditions their children might have and how to best handle and cope with them at home. It was also an opportunity for the parents to ask questions or share any concerns they may have. Another session was held on the afternoon of the following day for Early Childhood Education teachers from across the State to also share information on how to apply special speech and language, behavioural, and some feeding techniques within the classroom setting.

Team leader, Hodge is quoted as saying, “Our team of speech and occupational therapists are grateful to partner with World Paediatrics to serve the children in St. Vincent. Our recent mission allowed us to work directly with children and families to positively impact their speech, language, communication, feeding, sensory, and behaviour skills.”

Kimberley Cambridge has also encouraged parents to continue to monitor their children’s speech and developmental milestones.

This team was sponsored by The Mustique Charitable Foundation.