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What Do We Mean by “Communication Difficulties”?
Struggling to communicate can show up in lots of different ways. The term communication difficulties gets used often, but it doesn’t always mean the same thing to everyone. For some people, it brings to mind speech that is hard to understand. For others, it might mean struggling to find the right words, follow conversations, or express thoughts clearly. Sometimes it’s used to describe children, sometimes adults, and sometimes situations rather than people. So what do we actua
ashleighhillyer
Jul 172 min read


5 Things That Can Make Conversations Feel Easier
Conversations aren't perfect. Little adjustments and some patience go a long way. Conversations don’t always go the way we expect them to. They move faster or slower than we’d like, or they even stall. Sometimes they feel smooth and natural, and other times they feel effortful, even when nothing obvious has gone wrong. There’s no single way to make every conversation work. But there are small things that can make them feel a little easier to move within. Here are five of them
ashleighhillyer
Jun 242 min read


Why Conversations Don’t Always Go the Way You Planned
Conversations don't always go the way you intended Most conversations begin with an expectation. You have a plan of what you want to say, how it might come across, and what the other person might say back. Sometimes you even rehearse it - not word for word, but enough to feel prepared. Then the conversation starts, and the other person responds in a way you didn’t expect. The tone feels different and the timing is off. Something small changes the direction, and suddenly you’r
ashleighhillyer
Jun 222 min read


I Thought I Understood Early Communication
I thought I understood early communication as a speech pathologist. Becoming a parent has changed how I see communication before words.
ashleighhillyer
Jun 162 min read


Is My Child a Late Talker? What Parents Should Know
It can be tough to know if your child is developing at an appropriate rate If you’ve ever wondered, “Should my child be talking more by now?” you’re not alone. As a speech pathologist, I speak with many parents who feel unsure or even guilty when their toddler isn’t talking as much as other kids their age. This post will walk you through: What “late talking” actually means Signs to look out for When to seek support Why early help isn’t about labelling; it’s about empowerment
ashleighhillyer
Feb 272 min read


Speech vs Language: What's the Difference?
Speech and language are related, but different If you've ever wondered whether your child needs help with speech or language, you're not alone, and you're not silly for asking! These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different aspects of how we communicate. As a Speech Pathologist, I get this question often, and it’s a great one to ask. In this post, I’ll explain the difference between speech and language , how they work together, and when
ashleighhillyer
Feb 192 min read


Top 10 Toys I Recommend for Toddlers (Fun + Educational!)
There is a huge choice in toys, so how do you know what is worth it? If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably wondered: Which toys are actually worth it for toddlers? There are so many options out there, but not all of them are engaging, safe, or developmentally helpful. Over time (and after a lot of trial and error), I’ve noticed some toddler toys that my little clients keep coming back to again and again. The best toys for toddlers are the ones that spark their imaginat
ashleighhillyer
Feb 113 min read


When You Know What You Want to Say But Can’t Find the Words
Sometimes it can be difficult to articulate your thoughts Sometimes the hardest part of communication isn’t not knowing what you think. The problem is not being able to get it out. The idea feels clear in your head. It's fully formed, sensible and reasonable. However, somewhere between thought and mouth, it tangles. You pause. You try to restart and simply the idea, and eventually you abandon the whole thing, saying, “Never mind,” even though you very much mind. From the outs
ashleighhillyer
Feb 22 min read


Why Communication Feels Hard Sometimes
A gentle reflection on why communication can feel harder at times, and how fatigue, emotion, and context affect our capacity to connect.
ashleighhillyer
Jan 262 min read


When Progress Doesn’t Look Like Progress
A gentle reflection on communication progress, why it isn’t always linear, and how small, quiet changes can still matter.
ashleighhillyer
Jan 193 min read


Being Heard and Being Understood
A gentle reflection on the difference between being heard and being understood, and why feeling understood matters for communication and connection.
ashleighhillyer
Jan 122 min read


A Year That Makes Room for Understanding
A calm New Year reflection on patience, listening, and understanding, and the importance of feeling seen and supported as the year begins.
ashleighhillyer
Jan 52 min read


Expert Speech Pathology Services for Children: Mobile & Family-Focused
When it comes to helping children with communication difficulties, finding the right support and services can be a game-changer. That's...
ashleighhillyer
May 28, 20251 min read


Neurodiversity in Speech Pathology: A Parent's Guide
As parents, we always want what is best for our children, especially when it comes to their development and well-being. When a child is...
ashleighhillyer
May 28, 20252 min read


Enhancing Child Communication: Creative Understanding Speech Pathology
Do you have a child struggling with communication difficulties? If so, you may want to consider exploring the services of a mobile speech...
ashleighhillyer
May 28, 20251 min read
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