Specialist speech therapy - Down syndrome
Is your child with Down syndrome reaching their potential?
Do you wonder if there's more you could do to support their talking, learning, behaviour and friendships?
Fiona Kenworthy offers specialised speech-language therapy for children with Down syndrome. The Johansson Program is the core focus. The Program is evidence-based, up-to-date, comprehensive and effective. Best of all, families see great results and they love it!
Therapy for your child will depend on exactly what they need to fast-track their communication skills and learning. It may include:
The brain has critical periods of learning opportunity, particularly in the early years. Starting early will maximise your child's long-term success. Therapy can begin with children as young as 6 months.
Feedback from SLT colleague after observing a session
"Fiona, it was really helpful for me to see the way that the therapy is provided and the actual implementation of the Johansson Programme. Although I have been working as an SLT for 5 years, I haven't been able to observe this until now, so from a professional learning perspective it was really helpful, and also helpful for me to understand the way that (child's name) is learning, as we are definitely seeing results now in terms of verbal communication - wow!!"
- SLT colleague.
Therapy for your child will depend on exactly what they need to fast-track their communication skills and learning. It may include:
- Speech production activities, including apraxia therapy
- Parent-child interaction strategies and learning through play
- Signing, visuals and video therapy for both communication and behaviour
- Numeracy, fine motor, memory, auditory and visual perceptual and processing skills activities
The brain has critical periods of learning opportunity, particularly in the early years. Starting early will maximise your child's long-term success. Therapy can begin with children as young as 6 months.
Feedback from SLT colleague after observing a session
"Fiona, it was really helpful for me to see the way that the therapy is provided and the actual implementation of the Johansson Programme. Although I have been working as an SLT for 5 years, I haven't been able to observe this until now, so from a professional learning perspective it was really helpful, and also helpful for me to understand the way that (child's name) is learning, as we are definitely seeing results now in terms of verbal communication - wow!!"
- SLT colleague.
What are parents saying about the Johansson Program with Fiona Kenworthy?
Fiona has in-depth knowledge academically and practically of what helps with children with Downs’ Syndrome. I feel a weight has been taken off my shoulders in terms of researching everything myself, and also making resources.
We were made to feel welcome and Fiona’s believed in my child's overall capabilities. Out of all the specialists/doctors/surgeons that we’ve dealt with, she is the first person to recognise and be positive about the potential we believe our child has.
(We liked Fiona’s) appreciation of what our child CAN do, always putting things in a positive way (eg. when (our child) is being stubborn, she/he is being "decisive"), and offering up fantastic ideas of ways we can help (our child) to make appropriate decisions and focus her attention.
We enjoy the "work" done during the sessions. The activities are fun. Lots of them are play based and use a range of resources and things that are highly motivating to the child. Fiona is nice to talk to, understanding and kind towards my child all the time.
(My child) is highly engaged during her sessions. Fiona is able to work through (my child’s) difficult moments and re-engage her through use of toys and props. Also, the work is just the right level and amount.
I'm entirely happy. Session content is great. (Fiona is) really responsive to what works with us.
I'm so thankful that we are one of the lucky ones who get to see you Fiona. Thanks for all that you do for my child.
We are very happy with the service and my child and I thoroughly enjoy coming to the sessions, as does my child’s younger sibling. Thanks heaps.
Fiona has in-depth knowledge academically and practically of what helps with children with Downs’ Syndrome. I feel a weight has been taken off my shoulders in terms of researching everything myself, and also making resources.
We were made to feel welcome and Fiona’s believed in my child's overall capabilities. Out of all the specialists/doctors/surgeons that we’ve dealt with, she is the first person to recognise and be positive about the potential we believe our child has.
(We liked Fiona’s) appreciation of what our child CAN do, always putting things in a positive way (eg. when (our child) is being stubborn, she/he is being "decisive"), and offering up fantastic ideas of ways we can help (our child) to make appropriate decisions and focus her attention.
We enjoy the "work" done during the sessions. The activities are fun. Lots of them are play based and use a range of resources and things that are highly motivating to the child. Fiona is nice to talk to, understanding and kind towards my child all the time.
(My child) is highly engaged during her sessions. Fiona is able to work through (my child’s) difficult moments and re-engage her through use of toys and props. Also, the work is just the right level and amount.
I'm entirely happy. Session content is great. (Fiona is) really responsive to what works with us.
I'm so thankful that we are one of the lucky ones who get to see you Fiona. Thanks for all that you do for my child.
We are very happy with the service and my child and I thoroughly enjoy coming to the sessions, as does my child’s younger sibling. Thanks heaps.
Down syndrome in the Pacific
Fiona also provides voluntary services for children with disabilities in the Pacific. Her passion is supporting children with Down syndrome by promoting inclusion in school and society, and raising expectations for these children. In 2014 she visited Tonga to train field staff and work 1:1 with children and their families. In 2015 she provided a similar service for children in Vanuatu, along with donated educational resources. In 2018 Fiona visited Rarotonga with a specialist therapy team. Fiona looks forward to continuing to advocate for children with Down syndrome and their families
