Who am I?
My name is Nikki Heyman. I have been practicing as a speech language therapist since 1989.
My goal is to share information and tips with parents and educators to keep you informed in the best interests of parenting and education. I also love the iPad and the way that it engages children. The iPad can be a useful resource to facilitate learning.
From early on, my passion has been working with children. I admire their resilience, passion, plasticity and their ability to learn. It doesn’t matter how bad my day is at home, working with children has the ability to put a smile on my face and change my mood.
EDUCATION
I graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand with a B.A. (Speech & Hearing Therapy). After my son was born, I completed a post graduate Diploma in Remedial Education at Rand Afrikaans University (RAU) (cum laude), now called the University of Johannesburg (UJ).
I completed my Masters in Speech Pathology (with distinction), through Wits University. My research examined how to use apps effectively to support evidence based practice.
You can read my published research over here
I began my career in a hospital setting where I practised a speech-language therapist and audiologist. I then worked in a number of remedial school settings before deciding to venture into full time private practice. I now work in a mainstream private school, and run a practice from the school.
I am PROMPT (bridging) trained. You can find out more here
I am trained to administer the ADOS-2 which is the s the gold standard for diagnosing autism.
During lockdown 2020 I completed a course Teaching English Foreign Language through the TEFL Academy UK
I hope that you will find some information on this site that you will be able to use and share with others. I also hope that I am able to assist you in answering questions that you may have.
Nikki22
Language therapy may involve using games, play, and direct teaching with children.
Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) involves the use of low-tech (pictures)and/or high-tech (apps) to facilitate communication where verbal communication is not possible. AAC is not a one size fits all. An in-depth evaluation is needed so that the needs of the individual are considered. It is important to have a robust communication system with enough words so that communication is not restricted. I have the following AAC programmes which can be trialed.
