Olivia Langdon - Speech Therapist

Early Language Development
The most intensive period of learning how to communicate happens in the first three years of life. A toddler not meeting their communication milestones might be called a "late talker".
Speech Sounds
Most children develop speech sounds within specific age milestones. Children who do not say their sounds clearly by expected ages may have a speech sound disorder.
Social Communication
How children use language and interact with those around them, recognise and understand other people's feelings, and manage their own feelings in social settings.
Language Disorders
Ongoing challenges using and understanding spoken language that may result in children having difficulty understanding what people say to them, or struggling to find the words to express themselves, share ideas, and write stories.
Stuttering
Bumps or interruptions in the smooth flow of speech. These can show up as repeating sounds or words, holding onto sounds for a bit too long, or moments when the speech stops altogether.
Swallowing and Feeding
Challenges with oral motor skills (sucking, swallowing, chewing), coughing or gagging on food, adequate nutrition, meal-time behaviours, interactions with food or sensory processing.
Literacy
The foundations of literacy include phonological awareness, vocabulary development, comprehension, and the ability to decode and encode written words. These skills are essential for reading, writing, and understanding written language.

Autism

About Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition where social skills, communication and behaviour can be affected. It is a spectrum, with varying levels of complexity and severity. At Lula Speech we are involved in helping families through the diagnostic process of Autism. Olivia, the director of Lula Speech, has specialised experience in conducting comprehensive autism assessments in a multidisciplinary clinic alongside child psychologists.
Assessment
Our assessments are approached with sensitivity and care, working in close collaboration with referring paediatricians and psychologists, and actively involve parents/caregivers. Assessments include the Autism Diagnostic Observational Schedule (ADOS-II), Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS-II), and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), as well as informal evaluations through play and conversation, and occasional observations in settings like home, childcare, or school.
Report
A comprehensive report will be written promptly after the final assessment and a feedback appointment will be scheduled with the parent/guardian.

Gentle & Calm
Lula Speech believes in creating a warm and supportive environment to ensure that every child feels heard and valued, while delivering high quality evidence-based assessment, intervention and holistic collaboration. We prioritize a gentle and calm approach to create a reassuring atmosphere for children during therapy sessions. Our goal is to build trust and comfort, ensuring that the learning process is both effective and enjoyable. We empower children to express themselves confidently and develop their communication skills at their own pace.
Neuro-Inclusive
We acknowledge and celebrate the unique communication styles, preferences, and interaction patterns of each child. Our services are designed to be neuro-inclusive, recognizing and respecting diverse ways of thinking and communicating. We create an environment that supports every child's individuality and promotes a positive attitude towards communication differences.
Evidenced-Based
Our speech pathology services are grounded in thorough evidence-based practices, ensuring that interventions are based on the latest research and professional standards. We employ validated assessment tools and evidence-backed strategies to address speech and language challenges. Lula Speech participates in professional development workshops, meetings, clinical supervision, and podcasts to support continual learning in the Speech Pathology field.

Olivia Langdon
Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist / MSPA
Olivia, the Director of Lula, is committed to delivering individualized, evidence-based interventions to support every child's unique communication journey. Being a devoted mother to a young child, she brings a unique sensitivity to Lula, recognizing and addressing the specific needs of children while fostering a welcoming and supportive environment. Olivia has a wealth of paediatric experience from working in the NDIS Early Intervention program, community-based private practice, Alfred Hospital, clinical supervision of university students, consulting in multidisciplinary autism assessments, and managing literacy programs for the Department of Education.