Question 1

What is speech pathology?

Accepted Answer

Speech pathology (also known as speech therapy) is a specialised area of healthcare focused on assessing, diagnosing, and treating communication and swallowing difficulties. This includes helping children with speech clarity, language development, social communication skills, stuttering, literacy challenges, voice quality, and safe swallowing. A speech pathologist works with families to create personalised plans to support a child’s communication growth. T(https://www.thespeechspot.com.au/speechpathologyfaq)he Speech Spot(https://www.thespeechspot.com.au/speechpathologyfaq)

Question 2

What does a Speech Pathologist do?

Accepted Answer

A Speech Pathologist is a qualified health professional trained to work with children and adults who have challenges with communication and swallowing. They use evidence‑based assessments and therapy strategies to help children articulate sounds clearly, build vocabulary and grammar, improve social communication, develop literacy skills, manage stuttering, and support safe eating and drinking. T(https://www.thespeechspot.com.au/speechpathologyfaq)he Speech Spot(https://www.thespeechspot.com.au/speechpathologyfaq)

Question 3

How can I tell if my child needs a Speech Pathologist?

Accepted Answer

You might notice issues such as:
 • Your child is hard to understand compared with peers
 • They have limited or delayed talking
 • Difficulty following simple instructions
 • Frequent frustration when trying to communicate
 • Challenges with social interaction or play
 • Trouble learning to read or write
If you’re unsure, it’s always best to book an initial assessment — early support often leads to better outcomes. T(https://www.thespeechspot.com.au/speechpathologyfaq)he Speech Spot(https://www.thespeechspot.com.au/speechpathologyfaq)

Question 4

At what age should a child see a speech pathologist?

Accepted Answer

Children can benefit from speech pathology at any age, even as early as the infant years. If you’re noticing delays or concerns about your child’s communication, don’t wait—early intervention can make a meaningful difference in progress and confidence. (https://ashaspeech.com.au/faqs/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Question 5

What happens during the first speech therapy appointment?

Accepted Answer

During an initial assessment, the therapist will:

• Talk with you about your concerns
 • Observe your child’s communication skills
 • Use assessment tools to evaluate speech, language or social communication
 • Identify strengths and areas needing support
 • Develop a personalised therapy plan
At the end, the therapist will explain their findings and recommendations for therapy frequency and goals. (https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/services/Choose-a-speech-pathologist/What-to-ask.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Question 6

Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a speech pathologist?

Accepted Answer

No, you can self‑refer and book directly with The Speech Spot. However, if you want Medicare rebates, you will need a doctor’s referral with a Care Plan. T(https://www.thespeechspot.com.au/speechpathologyfaq)he Speech Spot(https://www.thespeechspot.com.au/speechpathologyfaq)

Question 7

Can we use Medicare or private health insurance?

Accepted Answer

• Medicare: You may be eligible for a rebate if you have a GP‑prepared chronic disease management plan (formerly EPC).
• Private Health: Rebates vary by fund and level of cover. We’ll provide a receipt for you to claim from your insurer. T(https://www.thespeechspot.com.au/speechpathologyfaq)he Speech Spot(https://www.thespeechspot.com.au/speechpathologyfaq)

Question 8

Can I use my NDIS funding for speech therapy with The Speech Spot?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if your child’s plan is self‑managed or plan‑managed, they can access our services. (We do not take clients with NDIA‑managed plans unless paid privately.) We can help you plan therapy around your goals and get the most from your NDIS funding. T(https://www.thespeechspot.com.au/speechpathologyfaq)he Speech Spot(https://www.thespeechspot.com.au/speechpathologyfaq)

Question 9

How often will my child need therapy?

Accepted Answer

This varies greatly based on:

• Your child’s specific needs
 • Age and attention span
 • Therapy goals
 • Consistency of sessions
 • At‑home practice
Your therapist will work with you to recommend a schedule that supports progress while fitting your routine. T(https://www.thespeechspot.com.au/speechpathologyfaq)he Speech Spot(https://www.thespeechspot.com.au/speechpathologyfaq)

Question 10

Is there a waitlist for services?

Accepted Answer

We aim to provide an initial assessment as soon as possible, depending on availability and your scheduling flexibility. Following the assessment, therapy may start right away, or there could be a short wait for a suitable session time. T(https://www.thespeechspot.com.au/speechpathologyfaq)he Speech Spot(https://www.thespeechspot.com.au/speechpathologyfaq)

Question 11

What types of speech and communication challenges do you treat?

Accepted Answer

We support children with:

• Speech sound disorders (e.g., articulation errors)
 • Language delays and disorders (understanding and use of language)
 • Social communication challenges
 • Stuttering and fluency issues
 • Literacy delays
Each child’s program is tailored to their individual strengths and goals.The Speech Spot(https://www.thespeechspot.com.au/speech-pathology-services?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Question 12

Do you offer in-clinic, mobile, or telehealth therapy?

Accepted Answer

The Speech Spot offers in-clinic appointments at our Bella Vista, Sydney office, as well as mobile therapy in homes, schools, and childcare settings across parts of Sydney, NSW. We also offer telehealth sessions for flexible, remote support, allowing your child to access therapy in a way that works best for your family.

Question 13

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Bring anything that helps your child feel comfortable (snacks, favourite toys) and any relevant reports (paediatric assessments, school input). Most importantly, bring questions! We encourage families to be involved.

Question 14

How long does a typical therapy session last?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are usually 45-60 minutes, depending on your child’s needs and age. Your therapist will recommend the best length for effective engagement and learning. (https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/services/Choose-a-speech-pathologist/What-to-ask.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Question 15

How will I know if speech therapy is working?

Accepted Answer

You’ll notice changes over time in your child’s communication, clearer speech, better understanding, easier interactions, and confidence. Therapists provide regular feedback and will review goals with you as progress is made. (https://kidsspeech.com.au/faq/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Question 16

What can I do at home to support my child’s progress?

Accepted Answer

Home practice is one of the biggest contributors to success. Your therapist will suggest fun, practical strategies you can use daily, such as reading together, modelling speech sounds, play-based communication games, and conversation routines.

Question 17

What are the signs of a language delay vs a late talker?

Accepted Answer

Late talkers may simply need time, whereas a language delay often indicates persistent difficulty with understanding or using language compared to their peers. If you’re unsure, an assessment can clarify and guide next steps, earlier support often helps.

Question 18

Do you work with children who have autism or additional needs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide inclusive support tailored to the unique communication needs of children with autism, developmental delays, and other additional needs, always adapting therapy to their strengths and goals. T(https://www.thespeechspot.com.au/speech-pathology-services?utm_source=chatgpt.com)he Speech Spot(https://www.thespeechspot.com.au/speech-pathology-services?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Question 19

Can speech therapy help with reading and writing?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, many language skills that support reading and writing (like sound awareness, vocabulary, and sentence structure) are part of what speech pathologists assess and treat. T(https://www.thespeechspot.com.au/speech-pathology-services?utm_source=chatgpt.com)he Speech Spot(https://www.thespeechspot.com.au/speech-pathology-services?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Question 20

How do I book a speech therapy appointment?

Accepted Answer

You can call us on 0412 623 263, email info@thespeechspot.com.au, or complete our online enquiry form to get started. Our friendly team will help you schedule an assessment and answer any questions you have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Call us - 0412 623 263