Prelinguistic Skills and Their Importance in Therapy

About Us

Communico Speech Language and Swallowing Therapy provides communication and swallowing services to participants of all ages and abilities. We pride ourselves in delivering inclusive and evidence-based practice within a safe, respectful and accepting clinic space. Through providing quality services, our client's are supported to achieve their goals towards independence and wellbeing. We passionately advocate for our clients to ensure their access to basic human rights of communication, connection and safe mealtimes.

Our Approach & Values

Person Focused

We focus on the person in front of us. This way, we really get to know our client’s interests, preferences and goals which helps us deliver a tailored therapy program. After all, we all learn best when we are engaged and interested! Our flexibility and creativity within a session also means that we can keep our younger clients engaged with the therapy for longer, especially when their interests are still developing or when their interests are constantly changing (sometimes multiple times within a session!).

Support

Communication and mealtime challenges can be frustrating and isolating for the person experiencing them and their loved ones too. We endeavor to meet you where you are and hold space for you while offering support to achieve your therapy goals at a pace that is right for you. We create a path to see real progress towards a set goal and are genuinely excited when we see even the smallest of gains!

Respect and Acceptance

At Communico SLS, we acknowledge everyone comes from various walks of life with varied preferences, neurotypes, personalities, cultures, religions and values... all which make up our colorful world. We are respectful of all and maintain a safe and welcoming space for all. We understand many participants can feel vulnerable and anxious, so building a trusting rapport through respect and acceptance is our priority.

Who We Support

We support individuals of all ages and abilities from pediatrics to geriatrics. We support a range of participants including those who are/have:

Neurotypical and Neurodivergent (ADHD, Autism)
Developmental Delays (Global Developmental Delay and delays associated with Autism)
Genetic Conditions (Down Syndrome, Cleft Palate, Cystic Fibrosis, Fragile X Syndrome)
Neurodegenerative Disease (Parkinson’s disease, Dementia, Primary Progressive Aphasia)
Acquired Disorders and Disease (Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury)
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD)

Who We Collaborate With

At Communico Speech Language and Swallowing Therapy, we are advocates for holistic care to ensure participants receive well rounded supports, increased learning opportunities and continuity of care. We often assist participants in understanding what other supports they may benefit from. These include:

Allied health practitioners (behavior therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, physiotherapists, imaging, audiology)
Educators (early childhood, teachers, principals, support teachers)
Health practitioners (nurses, doctors, specialists)
Disability supports (support workers, support coordinators)

Collaboration with the wider team helps us implement personalized strategies recommended by other providers, such as behavior support plans. We can also encourage other providers to implement our communication and mealtime strategies/accommodations to ensure effective communication and safety during mealtimes in the community.

Who We Are

Johanna Sciancalepore

BSHS., MSLP., CPSP.

Certified Practicing Speech and Language Pathologist

What do you like most about being a speech pathologist?

I enjoy working in a field that is so varied and connected with people. I like that one day I could be managing mealtime safety for a participant with Dementia or training nurses and support staff in safe mealtime practices and the next day implementing communication devices to support a young child. I also enjoy working within the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) community.

Tell us about your credentials.

I am a Certified Practicing Speech and Language Pathologist registered with Speech Pathology Australia for the past 8 years. I have also enjoyed working as a therapy assistant and disability support worker for 5 years prior to being a Speech and Language Pathologist. I have a Masters of Speech and Language Pathology as well as a Bachelors of Speech and Hearing Science. I am also a licensed SPEAK OUT! Provider.

I am a strong advocate for continued learning and have completed further certification and training in:

- Hanen More than Words

- The Lidcombe Program

- Management of Actual or Potential Aggression (MAPA)

- Key Word Sign

- Assessment and Therapy for People with Disabilities

- AAC Training with LAMP Words for Life, Proloquo2Go and Eye Gaze Systems

- Dysphagia Physiology and Management

- Mental Health First Aid

- Telehealth assessment and therapy delivery

- Clinical Supervision

- Cultural Responsiveness

- Voice Disorder Management

- Sounds-Write Literacy Program

What are your top 3 career highlights?

Making connections with my wonderful clients and seeing them make progress towards their chosen goals is always a highlight for me.
Supervising and supporting a team of Speech Pathologists across Australia while developing the SLP department.
Having the opportunity to conduct in-field research in Cambodia which contributed to the establishment of their country’s own speech therapy profession (Their work is seriously amazing – check out “OIC Cambodia” if you’re interested!).

What do you like doing outside of work?

Spending time with my family (as a mother, I can definitely relate to the many ups and downs of family life my clients also experience!). I also love a good DIY project around the house and relaxing by the water or through Yoga.

What did you do before becoming a speech pathologist?

Bit of a mixed bag but I always came back to people-centred work! Apart from study and a bit of travelling, I worked as a disability support worker, OOSH educator, therapy assistant, children’s birthday party host and executive assistant!