FAQ’s

Speech & Language Pathologists (SLPs, some times called speech therapists or “Speechies”) study, diagnose and treat communication disorders, including difficulties with speaking, listening, understanding language, reading, writing, social skills, stuttering and using voice. People who experience difficulties swallowing food and drink safely can also be helped by a speech pathologist. For more information about what SLP’s do, click here.

A bachelors or masters degree is a minimum requirement to practice in this field.

Some schools are happy for external therapists to consult and visit in the school setting, particularly using telehealth. Others do not permit this. This will be a discussion you will need to have with your school.

We will provide you with strategies that are able to assist with communication outside of the therapy session. We are happy to provide homework activities for you to work on. The best outcomes are achieved when we are working on things outside of therapy sessions – not just the limited time we get to see you!

Unfortunately, no. At this time, Speak for Yourself Speech & Language Pathology is not an NDIS registered provider. We can only see clients self-managing or plan-managing their NDIS funds for Speech & Language Pathology. You may wish to change your plan management method for that component of your plan.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to communication methods that used to their augment (add to) spoken communication, or serve as an alternative (instead of) verbal communication. These methods include; unaided methods (methods requiring no equipment, such as key word sign and better understanding communicative behaviours)- low-tech methods (using non-electronic equipment, such as communication boards, PODD books, chat books) and high tech methods (electronic, such as speech generating devices and AAC apps on tablet devices).

For some, speech difficulties will be significant enough that they need additional help to build their language and expressive communication. Research evidence shows that AAC does not limit spoken communication – rather, it provides more opportunities for it to develop.

Usually the answer is yes! For many, telehealth offers added convenience by being able to access services in your own home without worrying about travel. For some very young children, or those with more complex needs, we are happy to discuss this with you. We offer a free initial telehealth consult so you can see how this can work for you.

Click here to learn more about our telehealth services.

Speech & Language Pathology is a field with many different specialty areas. Our number 1 goal is to ensure that people receive the highest quality services for their needs. As such, if we feel another Speech & Language Pathologist may be better suited to your needs, we will discuss this with you.

This depends on many factors including your goals and your particular difficulties. We use a ‘block’ based approach where we will provide services for a set amount of time, then review (rather than booking appointments for you indefinitely). This ensures you have breaks when needed (which research shows is more beneficial doing therapy non-stop), progress can be reviewed and we are not providing more therapy to you than needed.

Yes. In many instances, you may be eligible for a Chronic Disease Management plan from your GP via Medicare, where you will receive a subsidy for services.

You may also be able to receive services through your private health insurance, depending on your cover.

We also help in getting people access to the NDIS funding.

Get in touch and we can discuss these options with you.

Generally no, however sometimes exceptions may occur. Additional fees apply for services delivered outside of our listed hours.

For all appointments, we allocate a small amount of extra time for preparing the appointment and our minimum required documentation at no extra cost. This is included in your hourly rate. However, if there is additional follow up beyond these requirements, we do charge for this time. This may include reading and writing reports, liaising with yourself and external professionals and the development of customised resources just for your needs.

Check out our services to see what our fee-for-service offerings are outside of our appointments.

We do work with literacy disorders, and can provide targeted therapy to support this. A diagnosis of dyslexia needs to be a team based approach, and we will need to work with other professionals including educational psychologists or opthalmologists.