Alanna O'Connor Speech and Language Therapist

Alanna O'Connor Speech and Language Therapist Speech and Language Therapist
North Kerry
Specialisms: AAC/Assistive Technology, Neurodiversity I am a passionate, creative therapist from Co.

Kerry in the Republic of Ireland. I graduated as a Speech and Language Therapist from Manchester Metropolitan University (UK). My UK-based training gave me access to innovative, up-to-date education and skills. Combining this with my experience working in the Republic of Ireland, I bring a unique blend of knowledge and experience when working with a broad spectrum of individuals. My aim is to provide person-centred, diverse therapy. I understand the importance of supporting an individual in all aspects of their life including at home and school, accessing employment or engaging in their community. I am experienced in working with children and young people with complex communication needs. I thrive when working collaboratively with a wider team of professionals to provide the best therapy possible.

The one thing I don’t like about webinars is not being able to gauge the response of the participants! I live for the fe...
19/01/2024

The one thing I don’t like about webinars is not being able to gauge the response of the participants! I live for the feedback the next day ☺️

Sharing a great myth buster about communication aids (tech or paper based or sign) from
26/10/2023

Sharing a great myth buster about communication aids (tech or paper based or sign) from

27/08/2023

Everyone using social media is using a form of

[Image description: Dark purple text on a lighter purple background says: “Social media, texting and tweeting are basically large scale socially accepted AAC systems” Beneath this it says Saoirse Tilton, AAC user. Further below this quote is a horizontal purple line broken with an illustration of a tablet with a bubble over it. Within the bubble are two chat boxes, one with a heart on it and a second heart and send icon. At the bottom on the left, small, in black, is text reading www dot assistiveware dot com above a row of social media app symbols, followed by text reading "".In the bottom right is the Assistiveware logo]

Reading aloud to your child is a simple yet powerful way to build their language and literacy skills. Make it a daily ha...
15/06/2023

Reading aloud to your child is a simple yet powerful way to build their language and literacy skills. Make it a daily habit!

Learning multiple languages at once may cause a slight delay in language development, but it's worth it! Multilingual ch...
31/05/2023

Learning multiple languages at once may cause a slight delay in language development, but it's worth it! Multilingual children can ultimately have better language skills.

Rhyming and wordplay are fun ways to help children develop phonological awareness, a key skill for literacy!
20/05/2023

Rhyming and wordplay are fun ways to help children develop phonological awareness, a key skill for literacy!

✨ Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia!!⁣⁣ ⁣⁣Some people may think... "What's this go...
17/05/2023

✨ Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia!!⁣⁣
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Some people may think... "What's this got to do with speech therapy, Alanna? Stay in your lane!"⁣⁣
⁣⁣
But actually, as Speech and Language Therapists, we should see Pride and inclusivity as integral to our therapy. 🏳️‍🌈⁣
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We should be a safe space!⁣⁣
- We always talk about culturally appropriate topics/materials etc. but never consider the culture, interaction and dynamics within q***r spaces.⁣⁣
- Speech therapy is a vulnerable space. We work with people to be their authentic selves - this should include their gender and sexual identities. ⁣⁣
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Lots of Neurodivergent people are also LGBTQ+⁣⁣
- Did you know that in the LGBTQ+ community, there are higher rates of neurodiversities like autism, ADHD, dyslexia (and more!) compared to their cis-heterosexual counterparts?⁣⁣
- All of those things are also differences that mean you might need speech therapy at some stage in your life.⁣
- So chances are, we'll work with lots of LGBTQ+ people in our careers!⁣⁣
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Communication in romantic relationships is communication! ⁣⁣
- And it's VERY important!⁣⁣
- Some of our most frequent communication partners are our immediate family and romantic partners! ⁣⁣
- So maybe functional goals include asking someone to go on a date! Or navigating arguments with a partner! Or online dating!⁣⁣
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Language is about IDENTITY and CONNECTION⁣⁣
- I can't stress enough, how much this guides me. ⁣⁣
- We don't create our identities on or own, we create them with those around us. I may be the scatty daughter, but the reliable best friend. Both are true!⁣⁣
- So what about someone's gender and sexual orientation? How do we support someone to express embody, and communicate their identity best?⁣⁣
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Voice therapy is a key gender-affirming service!⁣⁣
- Our voices say a lot about us. They can give so much information before we ever meet a person. Where we're from! Our gender! Our age!⁣⁣
- For trans and non-binary people, voice therapy allows them to have their voice reflect who they are!⁣⁣
⁣⁣
I know in college/uni most of us were taught to steer clear of 'sensitive' topics. But sensitive topics are where we find our authentic selves. So let's not be afraid to have these discussions, work on those goals, or advocate for that young person! 🏳️‍🌈

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Language is the foundation of literacy! The more children hear and engage with language, the better their reading and wr...
17/05/2023

Language is the foundation of literacy! The more children hear and engage with language, the better their reading and writing skills will be.

If your child is struggling with literacy skills, it could be a sign of underlying language difficulties. Early interven...
06/05/2023

If your child is struggling with literacy skills, it could be a sign of underlying language difficulties. Early intervention is key!

Webinar 5/5 completed with our Autism Series 🤩 Visual supports is one of my favourite topics - the staff tonight brought...
10/01/2023

Webinar 5/5 completed with our Autism Series 🤩 Visual supports is one of my favourite topics - the staff tonight brought their A-game and shared so much of their own knowledge in the chat 😍

10/11/2022

Can't wait to tell you all about something that's been brewing for the last 6 months or so 📖 📚 👀

Address

Shannow Resource Centre
Abbeydorney

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 5pm
Thursday 4:30pm - 6pm
Friday 4pm - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

+353876232420

Website

https://www.edcentretralee.ie/cpd-courses-tralee-kerry/online-primary.html

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Who am I?

I’m Alanna, a Speech and Language Therapist from Kerry.

I have a broad range of experience in speech, language, and social communication disorders. I provide home-based speech and language therapy for families in Tralee and North Kerry.

I am registered with the Independent Speech-Language Therapists of Ireland and the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists. I’m registered with CORU, Ireland’s regulatory body.