Speech pathologists study, diagnose and treat communication disorders, including difficulties with speaking, listening, understanding language, reading, writing, social skills, stuttering and using voice. They work with people who have difficulty communicating because of developmental delays, stroke, brain injuries, learning disability, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, dementia and hearing loss, as well as other problems that can affect speech and language. People who experience difficulties swallowing food and drink safely can also be helped by a speech pathologist. (Speech Pathology Australia)

There is no difference between a Speech Pathologist and Speech Therapist. In Australia, they are known as Speech Pathologists as they can diagnose and provide therapy. Speech Pathologists and Speech Therapists are often used interchangeably and refer to the same profession and the required qualification.

Children develop communication skills at different rates. Some indicators that your child may need support could include:

• Difficulty being understood by others

• Limited vocabulary for their age

• Trouble following instructions

• Difficulty interacting and playing with peers

• Any concern from a parent, educator, or health professional (e.g. Maternal Child Health Nurse, Paediatrician, ENT, audiologist, OT, physiotherapist)

You are welcome to contact us to discuss your concerns further if you are unsure.

No you do not need a referral. If you have any concerns about you, or your child’s speech and language ability, it is best to contact a speech pathologist straight away.

You will require a referral from your GP if you plan to access Medicare rebates through the Chronic Condition Management Plan.

Yes, Kirralee is a Certified Practising Member of Speech Pathology Australia (SPA). This means she has obtained the appropriate qualification to practise as a speech pathologist and participates in the SPA Certification program which demonstrates a commitment to ongoing professional development.

The frequency of speech therapy depends on many factors, but after an initial assessment you will be given a recommendation for therapy (if needed). Most clients are seen on a weekly or fortnightly basis and may reduce frequency or finish therapy once they make good progress or their goals are met.

Usually the first session involves discussing you or your child’s communication and/or swallowing difficulties. A case history is obtained and an assessment is commenced. This assessment could be a combination of observation, parent report, and testing. This is all explained to you before the assessment begins. Feedback and a summary of the appointment will be provided to you on the same day, along with any recommendations.

We work with children from three months to 18 years +. Toddlers, preschoolers, primary school-aged and secondary school students are all welcome. Support is tailored to each child’s individual needs and developmental stage.

We support children with a range of communication needs, including:

• Speech sound difficulties (pronunciation)

• Language delay or disorder

• Social communication difficulties

• Hearing-related speech and language difficulties

• Early literacy skills, including phonics

If you’re unsure whether your child’s needs fit our service, feel free to get in touch.

Sessions are 50–60 minutes.

Parents are always encouraged to attend and be involved in sessions.

Parental involvement is one of the most important factors that determines a child’s progress in therapy. During sessions, parents will have the opportunity to learn and practise speech pathology strategies and techniques. Regularly implementing practise and these strategies at home between sessions is what will make the biggest difference to your child’s outcome.

We understand that it is not always possible for parents to attend appointments at school or Day Care. Feedback and home practise instructions are provided after each session. It is important that parents attend sessions at least once per term to stay involved and up to date in their therapy.

Clients who have a ‘self-managed’ NDIS plan or a ‘plan managed’ NDIS plan are able to access our services. We are not able to accept NDIA-managed plans. When undergoing a NDIS review or initial NDIS meeting, you can request for your funds to be ‘self-managed’ or ’plan managed’ allowing you to access any providers you choose.

Depending on your preference for appointment times, there may be a waitlist to commence therapy. You are welcome to join the waitlist by completing the form on the ‘contact us’ page.

We also regularly offer last minute appointments that become available due to cancellations.

We strive to offer all clients an initial appointment within two weeks.

There are a number of reasons that a session may be more effective in a familiar environment, such as at home. A familiar environment often leads to a person feeling relaxed and able to communicate more freely, allowing us to practise strategies or techniques. Therapy at home is regarded as best practice, particularly in early intervention. Skills can be practised in everyday situations and there is less pressure and anxiety for most children. In addition, appointments at home, kinder, day care or school are much more convenient for busy families and can fit in around other commitments.

We currently visit homes, Child Care centres, kinders and schools within 25 minutes of Blackburn. This includes (but is not limited to) the suburbs of Mitcham, Ringwood, Bayswater, Surrey Hills, Doncaster, and Mount Waverley. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you are unsure if we travel to your area.

Appointments are available during weekday business hours, with the latest session starting at 4:00 pm. Evening and weekend appointments are not available.

We require 48 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations or missed appointments may incur the full appointment fee if the appointment is not able to be rebooked. All cancelled appointments are offered to our cancellation list if sufficient notice is given.