LJ’s Story
Louis (also known as LJ) first accessed audiology services via our Chevron Ear Health Team in Karratha in February of 2023.
Not long after this appointment, LJ was screened by both a speech pathologist and occupational therapist from TSH when they were visiting Onslow Primary School as part of the Onslow Speech, Language and Occupational Therapy Support Program.
At this time, LJ had just started Kindergarten. He was very unsure of the audiology equipment and reluctant to engage in testing. LJ also had very few words and communicated mostly using gestures. For the next two years, LJ was offered weekly individual speech pathology sessions and fortnightly individual sessions with an occupational therapist via the Onslow Primary School Speech, Language and Occupational Therapy Support Program, a program made possible thanks to the ongoing support of Chevron Australia.
LJ regularly attended therapy sessions and has made significant progress with his communication skills, social skills and fine motor skills, such as those used for drawing and cutting.
He now talks in phrases of 3-5 words and is independently communicating with his peers both in the classroom and outside on the playground. Therapy sessions also included activities aimed at training LJ for audiology testing in the booth and he is now able to independently participate in an audiology assessment so that we can continue to monitor his ear health.
“Louis has made amazing progress throughout his journey with TSH. He has developed and gained confidence within himself. Growing and understanding skills that boost his independence around family and friends.”
Jasmine – LJ’s Mum.
“LJ is a self-assured and fearless little dude. His superpower and strength are his ability to bring laughter and joy to any room he is in and this reflects the confidence he now feels to communicate.”
– LJ’s Speech Pathologist.
“LJ is a kind-hearted, fun and energetic student whose smile brightens our classroom every day. He actively engages with all members of his class cohort, and his kind and gentle nature makes him well liked among his peers. LJ shows increased self-assurance to lead play experiences with others and knows his school routine well. LJ shows a strong willingness and determination to complete his class work independently and benefits from a structured program modified to his needs. He has displayed impressive growth in his confidence to ask and answer questions and his vibrant presence not only enhances his own learning experiences but uplifts those around him.”
Sally – LJ’s Year 1 Teacher.