Over the decade of working as a speech pathologist, Praveena has gained extensive local and international experience working with children and adults.

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She received her Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) at the University of Sydney and is a certified member of Speech Pathology Australia and previously the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists in the UK.

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Praveena has worked in several different settings across both Australia and the UK including hospitals, special needs schools, multidisciplinary outpatient clinics, non-for-profit organisations, and private practice. After pursuing specialised skills at Speech Pathology Services (with Sarah Starr), Cerebral Palsy Alliance and overseas, Praveena has developed a special interest in the areas listed below. 

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Specialised Areas of Practice:

- Assessment, prescription, and intervention using AAC including use of high technology (eye gaze devices, switch accessing, Grid 3 language program, environmental control units), low technology (E-tran frames, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), objects of reference system) and sign language.

-Assessment and management of mealtime skills including carrying out standardised assessments on infants, children, and adults with swallowing difficulties/disorder, modifying food and drink consistencies, supporting transitions from tube to oral feeding, working with fussy eaters.

- Functional assessment and intervention for clients with autism spectrum disorder including supporting development of behaviour support plans, targeting social-pragmatic language, implementing frameworks for effective communication development and access to curriculum, supporting sensory difficulties.  

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Qualifications/Accreditation:

• The Nuffield Dyspraxia Programme (intervention approach for dyspraxia – oral motor disorders)

• The Dysphagia Disorders Survey (DDS), The Dysphagia Management Staging Scale, ‘The Choking Risk Assessment’ and ‘The Pneumonia Risk Assessment’ (assessment tools for swallowing)

• The Picture Exchange Communication System (intervention approach for language delays or disorders, form of AAC)

• Hanen It Takes Two to Talk (parent training and intervention approach to delayed language in children)

• Key Word Sign (intervention approach, form of AAC)

• AUSLAN Sign Language (intervention approach, form of AAC)

• The Lidcombe Program (intervention approach for paediatric stutterers)

• The Cumberland Program (intervention approach for adult stutterers)

• Voicecraft (intervention approach for functional voice disorders)

• Look2Talk (assessment and intervention for eye gaze users)

• Switch Access Measure (assessment tool for switch device users)

• SCERTS approach (intervention approach focusing on the Social Communication, Emotional Regulation and Transactional Support of children with ASD or related difficulties).

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Praveena has had experience working in a multidisciplinary team setting alongside paediatricians, neurologists, psychologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, dietitians, nurses, educators and social workers. She feels strongly about how crucial it is to work alongside her clients' team of professionals and is committed to referring and/or liaising with them when necessary.