“He was 3 years behind in his reading age and we were concerned he would continue to slip further behind. Thanks to Royal Far West and the outreach visits, Rowan has received a solid start to his therapy. He has a bright future ahead of him.”

Rowan Martin from Cobar has significant speech sound difficulties, expressive language delay and below average early literacy skills. These difficulties have impacted on his school work and ability to express himself, both of which were beginning to affect his confidence.

Then Rowan started attending speech pathology sessions through the Royal Far West Outreach Service in Cobar. He also attended sessions in Manly during which time goals were developed for him to work on at home and at school.

Speech Pathologist Amy Illidge is thrilled with Rowan’s progress and says she can already see solid improvements.

“Rowan has come so far in such a short period of time. He has acquired more sounds and is becoming much clearer with his speech. He is less frustrated and you can see his confidence growing – it will only be a matter of time before we see this transferring through to his reading,” she says.

Rowan’s father, Anthony is grateful that he was put in touch with Royal Far West. “It came at the perfect time. Rowan was clearly struggling at school and it was beginning to impact on his confidence. He was 3 years behind in his reading age and we were concerned he would continue to slip further behind. Thanks to Royal Far West and the outreach visits, Rowan has received a solid start to his therapy. He has a bright future ahead of him.”