Kirrie J. Ballard is a Speech-Language Pathologist who looks after people with speech, language, and swallowing needs. The practice is at 75 East Street, Lidcombe, NSW 2141, Australia.
Speech and language can be affected by many different health issues. Some people find it hard to talk clearly, get words out, or keep sentences going. Others may have trouble understanding language. In many cases, therapy focuses on everyday communication, so it fits with school, home, and work life.
Kirrie works with people who have conditions that can change how the mouth, tongue, and throat work. This includes swallowing difficulty. Swallowing issues can show up after a stroke, with tongue cancer, or alongside long-term neurological conditions. Support may include strategies to help keep eating safer and more comfortable.
There are also people who experience trouble with planning speech movements, such as apraxia. At times, this can make speaking feel frustrating or tiring. Therapy can break tasks into smaller steps, using practical practice that supports real-life talking.
Some patients come in with problems that affect language as the brain changes over time. Primary Progressive Aphasia and Frontotemporal Dementia are examples. Others may have memory and thinking changes, including Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. In these situations, sessions often help people keep communication going for as long as possible, and help families and carers understand what to expect.
Neurological conditions can also affect speech and movement. This can include dysarthria, where speech may sound slurred or weak. It can also happen with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease), Primary Lateral Sclerosis, and Corticobasal Degeneration. Parkinson’s-like symptoms can also be part of care for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, including Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Atypical, and at times Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.
Not all communication issues are only about speaking. Spasmodic Dysphonia is one example, where voice can feel tight or break. Kirrie also sees people with changes linked to Spasmodic Dysphonia and other movement-related speech challenges.
Stroke is another common reason people seek help. After stroke, recovery can involve rebuilding speech, understanding, and safe swallowing. Tongue Cancer and other mouth-area concerns may also need speech and swallowing support, depending on what’s happening and how the person is coping day to day.
