What are the opening hours?

Monday 09:00 - 18:00 Tuesday 09:00 - 18:00 Saturday 08:00 - 14:00

http://www.gydientherapy.co.za/

Thaaniyah Gydien Speech Therapy, 85 Tiverton Road, Plumstead (2025)

07/11/2025

Interactive Training for Teachers — Supporting Neurodiverse Learners

Teaching a neurodiverse classroom can feel overwhelming without the right tools — but with knowledge and practical strategies, teachers can create spaces where every child feels understood and can thrive.

Our interactive training is designed to equip teachers with confidence, understanding, and practical techniques to support neurodiverse children, including those with ADHD, autism, speech and language delays, and sensory differences.

💻 Flexible delivery:

In-person at your school or centre

Online for easy access anywhere

🎯 What teachers will learn:

Understanding neurodiversity and common classroom challenges

Practical strategies to adapt routines, instructions, and learning activities

Supporting attention, emotional regulation, and social connection

Building an inclusive, strength-focused classroom

Tools for early identification and when to refer for professional support

💡 Why it matters:
With the right knowledge, teachers can reduce frustration, prevent behavioural challenges, and empower every child to participate and succeed.

This is hands-on, practical training — not just theory. We use real examples, role-play, and case studies so teachers can confidently apply what they learn the very next day.

📞 Contact us to bring this training to your school or book an online session.

06/11/2025

When Talking Feels Hard

Sometimes talking isn’t easy for little ones — and when it’s hard, emotions can run high.
You might see tears, frustration, or even anger when your child tries to share something but can’t find the words. It’s heartbreaking to watch, and it’s normal to wonder how to help.

✨ Stay calm and patient — slow down your own speech and show them it’s okay to take their time.
✨ Validate their feelings — “I know it’s tricky to say that word. I’m listening.”
✨ Celebrate effort — even if the word isn’t perfect, notice the courage: “You tried so hard to tell me!”
✨ Reach out for support — if frustration is frequent or speech isn’t improving, a speech-language therapist can help guide both you and your child.

Children learn best when they feel safe, loved, and understood. By staying patient and encouraging, you’re already helping them build the confidence to keep trying — and that confidence is just as important as the words themselves. 💛

04/11/2025

Everyday Conversations Grow Language

You don’t need fancy toys or flashcards to build your child’s language — simple, natural talk is one of the most powerful tools you have.

💛 Narrate what you’re doing
Talk about what’s happening in the moment:

“We’re washing your hands — splash, splash!”
“Let’s put your shoes on. One shoe, two shoes!”

💛 Follow your child’s lead
If they’re looking at a bird, talk about the bird. If they’re playing with blocks, describe what they’re building. Join their world instead of redirecting it.

💛 Pause and wait
Give your child time to process and respond. Silence can feel uncomfortable for adults, but it’s a golden moment for a child to think and try new words.

💛 Use rich but simple language
You can model slightly longer phrases than your child uses — if they say “car,” you say “big red car.”

These small, everyday interactions help your child:
✨ Learn new words naturally
✨ Build understanding of conversation flow
✨ Develop confidence to speak up and share

Language isn’t just taught in therapy — it’s built moment by moment at home, in the car, in the bath, and at bedtime. Your everyday talk matters more than you know.

03/11/2025

Officially on maternity leave🐣

Don’t forget I’m still here, still involved, still doing case discussion with the team. I’m just a little way in the background for now 🌸

Please send queries to my amazing practice manager Kaylin at kaylins@gydientherapy.co.za or admin queries to Mea at admin@gydientherapy.co.za
📸:

29/10/2025

World Stroke Day — Act FAST, Save Lives

Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Today, we highlight the importance of early recognition, treatment, and support for recovery.

⚠️ Know the signs — Act F.A.S.T.

✅ F – Face: One side droops when smiling
✅ A – Arms: One arm drifts downward
✅ S – Speech: Slurred, confused, or hard to understand
✅ T – Time: Call emergency services immediately — every second counts

Other warning signs: sudden dizziness, vision changes, confusion, numbness, or a severe headache that comes out of nowhere.

🩺 What happens after a stroke?

Depending on the area of the brain affected, survivors may experience:

Speech and language problems (aphasia, slurred speech, difficulty planning speech)

Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia, choking, coughing when eating)

Memory or thinking changes

Weakness or paralysis on one side

Emotional changes, including frustration, low mood, or withdrawal

🗣️ How speech therapy supports recovery

Speech-language therapists play a crucial role in rehabilitation by helping survivors:

Rebuild communication and express themselves clearly

Improve speech clarity and confidence

Understand conversations more easily

Treat swallowing difficulties and support safe eating

Learn alternative communication methods (gestures, writing, communication boards)

Support families with practical strategies at home

Re-engage socially and regain independence

📌 When to seek speech therapy

Look out for:

Slurred or unclear speech

Difficulty finding words

Trouble understanding others

Changes in reading or writing

Choking, coughing, or wet/gurgly voice after eating

Avoiding conversations or social situations

💙 This World Stroke Day

Let’s raise awareness, act FAST in emergencies, and support stroke survivors on their journey. With therapy, patience, and family involvement, communication and quality of life can be rebuilt.

22/10/2025

🌍💬 October 22 – International Stuttering Awareness Day 💬🌍
Today we raise awareness, share education, and show support for everyone who stutters — children and adults. 💙

🗣️ What is stuttering?
Stuttering (also called stammering) affects the flow of speech. A person who stutters knows what they want to say but may:
🔁 repeat sounds (“c-c-can I go?”)
〰️ prolong sounds (“ssssun”)
⛔ block — when no sound comes out.

It isn’t caused by nerves, low confidence, or intelligence. Stuttering is a neurodevelopmental condition that varies from person to person and can change in severity.

📌 Types of stuttering
👶 Developmental – appears in early childhood (2–6 years).
🧠 Neurogenic – after brain injury or neurological change.
💬 Psychogenic – linked to emotional stress (rare).

🤝 How to support someone who stutters
✅ Be patient and let them finish.
✅ Keep eye contact.
✅ Don’t finish their sentences.
✅ Focus on what they say, not how.
✅ Give time – don’t rush.

👧 For children
Early support makes a big difference.
Model slow, relaxed speech, listen to ideas (not fluency), and praise effort.
Create calm, unrushed conversations at home and in class.

👩‍🏫 For teachers
Allow extra time for oral tasks, avoid correcting speech, and educate peers about kindness and respect.

🧑 For adults who stutter
Speech therapy can help with confidence, managing moments of stuttering, and finding strategies that make everyday communication easier — at work, in relationships, and beyond.

💡 Remember: Stuttering is only one part of who someone is. With understanding, support, and access to therapy, people who stutter can thrive at home, school, work, and in their communities.

21/10/2025

Mental Health Day for the GT team 🌸🌸

People don’t always understand how draining it can be to be in a people’s profession. All of us absolutely love our job and care so much for each of our patients. Our goal is to be the support system, sounding bored, friend to all our families. Which ends up with us essentially carrying the load for 30+ families at a time. It’s very easy to forget about our own needs and the needs of our families.

Usually this is the time of year where our cups feel empty, patience seems less and exhaustion is really taking hold. It’s so important for us to close up shop, reflect on how we actually feel and put in strategies to take care of ourselves so we can better take care of our families 🌻

We had such a wonderful day out in the sun getting lots of Vitamin D, bonding, reflecting and filling our cups! We are all refreshed and ready to tackle the last bit of this year.

I’m so grateful for this amazing team that will be stepping up when I go on maternity leave in 2 weeks (😳). I know families will be in fantastic hands

Xx
Thaaniyah

20/10/2025

✨ Speech therapy isn’t just for “speech” ✨

When people hear “speech therapy,” they often think it’s only about helping children say sounds more clearly — but our work is so much bigger than that.

💛 Understanding & using language
We help children make sense of what they hear, build vocabulary, and express their own ideas clearly and confidently.

💛 Social skills & conversation
Communication is about connection. We support turn-taking, making eye contact, understanding social cues, and building friendships.

💛 Feeding & swallowing
For some children, safe eating and drinking takes extra support. We work on oral motor skills, swallowing safety, and making mealtimes less stressful.

💛 Reading & writing readiness
Strong speech and language skills form the foundation for literacy. We build phonological awareness, sound-letter connections, and comprehension.

💛 Confidence in communication
Most importantly, we help kids feel safe, capable, and proud to use their voice — in their own unique way.

Speech therapy is about helping every child connect, participate, and thrive in the world around them. 🌈

17/10/2025

A peek into a therapy session with Thaaniyah.

So much of what we do in therapy looks like play — but every activity has purpose. On the mat, exploring games and visuals on the iPad, we’re helping little ones build confidence, communication, and connection.

Thaaniyah has a special gift for making therapy feel fun and safe while targeting real skills that help children thrive.

💛 These small moments — laughing, learning, and trying new things — are where big progress begins.

13/10/2025

Say hello to Mea Hendricks, the bright, welcoming face you’ll meet when you visit Gydien Therapy.

As our cheerful and dedicated receptionist, Mea brings warmth and positive energy to every interaction — whether she’s answering your call, scheduling an appointment, or greeting you with her warm smile when you walk through the door.

Known for her friendly demeanour and can-do attitude, Mea takes pride in helping clients and team members feel comfortable and cared for. She’s passionate about making sure every visit is smooth, stress-free, and starts with kindness.

✨ “I love helping people feel at home here — it’s so rewarding to be the first smile they see.” — Mea

When you connect with Gydien Therapy, chances are Mea will be the one making you feel right at home and ready for your therapy journey.

09/10/2025

Meet Caylene — Speech-Language Therapist

Say hello to Caylene, one of our compassionate and dedicated speech-language therapists at Gydien Speech Therapy.

Caylene graduated from the University of Cape Town in 2021 with a BSc (Hons) in Speech-Language Pathology and completed her community service year at Aliwal North Hospital, where she worked with a wide range of patients — from little ones taking their first steps in communication to adults navigating complex speech and language needs. It was during this time that her passion for working with children truly grew, alongside her belief in the power of connection and compassionate care.

Since returning to Cape Town, Caylene has worked across hospital and private practice settings, supporting children with:
✨ Speech & language delays
✨ Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
✨ ADHD and other developmental differences
✨ Intellectual disabilities
✨ Literacy and learning challenges

Caylene is deeply committed to creating a safe, nurturing space where children feel supported and empowered to express themselves confidently. Families often describe her as gentle, patient, and thoughtful, with a natural ability to connect and build trust.

✨ “For me, speech therapy is about more than words — it’s about helping children feel seen, heard, and capable of sharing who they are with the world.” — Caylene

We’re proud to have Caylene’s warmth and expertise on our team, helping children and families thrive.

08/10/2025

With our little baba due date around the corner, I am in the thick of prepping for my maternity leave. I will be on maternity leave from the beginning of November. It has become increasingly difficult for me to give my all to my kiddies at the practice and they deserve all the energy and movement they need!

I leave my practice in the very capable hands of my practice manager, Kaylin Smith. She is fantastic and will make sure everything is running smoothly and your families are optimally supported.

Let’s not forget the entire amazing team behind Gydien Therapy. I am so blessed to have amazing therapists and administration. It really allows me to step-back on focus on this new journey for my family.

My husband and I are so excited about this new journey for us. But I know I will miss all the hustle and bustle at the practice.

Xx
Thaaniyah

Thaaniyah Gydien Speech Therapy

07/11/2025

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Monday	09:00 - 18:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 18:00
Saturday	08:00 - 14:00