Do I need a referral?

No, you don't need a referral to see a Speech Pathologist. However, your GP can refer you through Medicare if needed.

Do you conduct formal, standardised assessments in the initial consultation?

Unless specifically requested prior, the initial consultation typically involves observing your child’s development in specific areas.

Based on this observation, the Speech Pathologist may recommend further assessment if necessary following the initial consultation and prior to therapy sessions. For example, if language difficulties are noted during the initial consultation, a formal assessment such as CELF-P3 or CELF-5 may be recommended.

I don’t want ongoing therapy sessions, just an initial consultation. Is this an option?

Yes. Super Speech Pathology offers just an initial consultation. However, if your child has never seen a Speech Pathologist before it is likely the Speech Pathologist would recommend more sessions after the initial consultation to complete screeners and / or formal assessments with your child, even if they aren’t going to complete therapy sessions. This is important for the Speech Pathologist to provide a comprehensive report of your child’s current communication skills before they are discharged.

How long do therapy sessions go for?

Therapy sessions are billed hourly and generally last approximately 45 minutes. The remaining time is used for writing session notes and providing work for home practice when required. Session notes are emailed to parents and can also be shared with your child’s teacher with consent.

Occasionally, Super Speech Pathology could offer shorter or longer session times depending on your child’s needs.

How do you measure progress?

During each session, the Speech Pathologist records data and notes any progress related to the child’s goals. This is included in your child’s session note.

Therapy blocks typically run on a term basis (e.g. 10-12 sessions). Speech Pathology goals are reviewed in detail and updated following each block of therapy. This usually occurs in the school holidays.

How do sessions at my child’s school or kindergarten work? Do I need to arrange these myself?

When you fill out our Enquiry Form for kindergarten or school sessions, please include the name and address of your child’s current kindergarten or school.

This helps us reach out to them to check if they allow specialists, such as Speech Pathologists, to visit for appointments and to estimate travel time from our base.

Alternatively, you can check with the school yourself and write on the Enquiry Form that you’ve confirmed the sessions can take place there.