Suze Leitao

I am a speech pathologist, academic and researcher employed within the Speech Pathology team 2 days per week in the Curtin School of Allied Health. I also hold the role of Director of Graduate Research for the School another 2 days per week.

I am particularly interested in research that informs our understanding of language and literacy disorders, and links to mental health. A linked programme of research focuses on treatment effectiveness across a range of areas across the lifespan, with a strong focus on translation to clinical practice.

I lead a clinical paediatric research team: Language and Literacy in Young People, a thriving group of cross-disciplinary researchers and HDR students. Our research aims to inform our understanding of language development and disorders, as well as the domains of reading and spelling (literacy), and the impact of these difficulties on mental health and wellbeing. We also carry out a number of treatment efficacy and effectiveness studies to add to the evidence base in developmental language disorder (DLD), speech, language and communication needs (SLCN), health related quality of life, dyslexia and disorders of reading and spelling. Our work has a strong focus on the impact of living with developmental language disorder and dyslexia and mental health for children and young people.

Read more about the work of Language and Literacy in Young People at: https://www.languageandliteracyinyoungpeople.com/

I am also an active member of Speech Pathology Australia, a Life Member and Fellow of the Association and immediate past Chair, and current Senior member of the SPA Ethics Board.