u/Street-Weakness7506

Hi there! I'm curious about how SLPs in australia are finding their clients are developing literacy-wise with the new roll out of the school phonics programs over the last 2 years.

Particularly in Victoria as that's where I'm based. The teachers I've spoken to are supplementing the program with their own soundswrite programs, and these are daily lessons.

Are you having to provide the same or less phonics intervention in your own sessions?

I've definitely noticed more of an interest by my clients in phonics and reading.

For a long time now I've worked with a lot of complex cases (rare genetics, coocurring conditions etc.) and for the few that have research behind them, most studies end in the classic 'needs further research'.

Clinical mentorship and case discussions with peers tends to amount to 'see whatever sticks'.

We've lost so many colleagues to small private practices who have a more narrow scope and cant attract newgrads or keep them longer than 12-24 months once their caseloads are full (we have a gradual caseload buildup at the pace they prefer because of the complexity of clients). Which is fair enough but also exasperating for our cohort and caseloads. We have a lot of PD, expertise and mentorship provided but I admit it can be a lot to work through. We can keep the OTs and physios but for the SLPs there's so much missing in this space it feels.

Surely it can't just be me. At the moment my nemesis is pain communication in children. I am glad at least there is more info for us about trauma informed care now. What are the most frustrating research gaps you've come across​ or did you have a hallelujah moment when something was finally published/given attention to?