Speech Pathology

Our Speech Pathologists work with both young children and older adults to improve their communication skills. 

You can see our expert speech pathologists for free or a low cost (based on income), or as part of your NDIS Plan, depending on the service you require.

Child speech pathology

Our Speech Pathologists work with children aged 0 to 6 years (before the child starts at school).  A Speech Pathologist may be able to offer advice if your child is:

• having difficulties following instructions
• not using words by 18 months of age
• not joining two words together by two years of age
• hard to understand by three years of age
• stuttering
• using a nasal, loud or hoarse voice

We provide the following services:

• assessment
• individual and group therapy programs
• home practice ideas and support for parents
• secondary consultation (to kinder teachers, doctors, maternal and child health nurses)
• individualised programs for kindergartens with School Readiness funding

What happens at the first appointment? 

We want to try to get to know your child as well as you do. At the first appointment we will:

• Talk with you about what your child is good at and your concerns about your child’s development, whilst your child plays.
• Assess your child’s skills (through play and activities).  
• Work with you to develop a plan.

Who can use our services?

This service is available for children who are six and under, and not yet in school. Contact us today to make an appointment. 

Children who are waiting, for or receiving supports through Early Childhood Early Intervention or National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) are not eligible for this service. 

Useful links 

• Are you unsure about what your child should be doing at their age? These communications milestones by Speech Pathology Australia may help you know what to expect.
• Tips on reading with your child
• Stuttering – information sheet
• Helping your baby to talk – information sheet
• Raising bilingual children – information sheet
• The sound of speech: 0-3 years – information sheet
• The sound of speech: Preschool and school aged children – information sheet
• Fees

Fees are assessed based on your family income. Free or low-cost services are available for many community members. Speak to us to find out more.

 

Adult speech pathology

The adult Speech Pathology service is for adults with disability who have communication and/or swallowing impairments. This includes people who:

• cannot speak or have speech that is difficult to understand
• have difficulties understanding
• have cognitive-communication difficulties
• have difficulties with eating, drinking, swallowing
• have difficulties managing saliva (drooling)

This could include adults with developmental disability (e.g. cerebral palsy, intellectual disability), acquired brain injury, stroke, traumatic brain injury, progressive neurological conditions or dementia.

At the initial appointment we meet with you (and a key support person if appropriate) to discuss the areas of communication or swallowing that are of concern to you and how we can assist.

We offer the following services:

• assessment
• consultation
• individual and group therapy
• training for carers and support workers
• community education

Our services are also available via the NDIS.

Fees

We are pleased to offer free or low cost services to many clients. Fees are assessed based on income.