Resources
Information to help you understand speech pathology and how to access our services
When to Refer
To be a "good communicator" children need to have well-developed skills in speech sounds, language, fluency, voice and pragmatics. If the following difficulties are observed, a referral for speech pathology should be considered:
- Inability to use speech sounds clearly
- Frustration when communicating
- Speech that is not understood
- Inability to follow directions
- Incorrect grammatical structures
- Difficulty making age-appropriate sentences
- Chronic hoarseness
- Stuttering (repetition of sounds or words)
- Limited vocabulary compared to peers
- Difficulty answering questions
- Sudden change in ability to communicate
- Difficulty with swallowing and/or eating
- Poor socialisation
- Not coping with school work (reading, writing, spelling)
Developmental Milestones
If a child's speech and language skills deviate from these milestones, a Speech Pathologist should be consulted.
By Age 2
- Says b, d, p, h, m, n, w and vowel sounds in simple words
- Makes appropriate eye contact
- Vocabulary of 150-300 words
- Follows simple commands
- Uses noun+verb 2-word sentences
- Speech 50-75% intelligible
By Age 3
- Says ng, f, m, w, b, n, t, k in words
- Matches colours, follows 2-step instructions
- Vocabulary of ~900 words
- Uses 3-4 word sentences
- Asks questions
- Speech 75-100% intelligible
By Age 4
- Uses s, g, j, ch, sh, l sounds
- Understands shapes, colours, time concepts
- Vocabulary of 1000+ words
- Uses many grammatical forms
- Uses 4-5 word sentences
- Asks how, why, when questions
By Age 5
- Masters r, z, v sounds
- Follows 3-stage commands
- Uses 5+ word sentences
- Uses adjectives and adverbs
- Knows opposites, counts to ten
- Th sound mastered after 7 years
School Age (8+) Referral Signs
A school age child should be referred if they:
- Is stuttering
- Has difficulty with speech sounds
- Has difficulty with grammar
- Has limited vocabulary
- Difficulty asking/answering questions
- Cannot participate in detailed conversations
- Reluctant to answer in class
- Trouble finding words
- Not following 3-4 step instructions
- Difficulty with problem solving
- Poor social interactions
- Cannot read aloud fluently
- Has trouble spelling
- Difficulty with writing
- Reading comprehension difficulties
- Difficulty understanding jokes/figurative language
Funding Options
As we are aware that private therapy can be costly, we strive to keep our prices as low as possible. The following funding options may be available:
Private Health Cover
Speech pathology services can be rebated under certain ancillary tables. Contact your provider to check your level of cover.
Medicare (GPCCMP)
You may be eligible for up to 5 rebated sessions per 12 months through the GP Chronic Condition Management Plan from your GP.
Centrelink Carer Allowance
Fortnightly payment for carers of children with significant communication disability or medical conditions requiring daily care.
Funding options and rebates are subject to change. Please contact us for the most current information.
NDIS
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) may provide funding for speech pathology services for eligible participants. We provide services to plan-managed and self-managed NDIS participants.