Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you learn more about our speech pathology services. We've provided answers to common inquiries about the types of communication challenges we treat, what to expect during therapy sessions, how long sessions last, and how to book appointments. If you still have any questions or need more information, feel free to call or email us—we're always happy to help!

What services do you offer?

We provide a comprehensive range of services, including:

In-person sessions at our Austral clinic, teletherapy for eligible clients, and mobile visits in the Austral and Leppington suburbs.
Our offerings include educational and therapeutic sessions, assessments, targeted interventions, goal setting, communication partner training, transition support, and personalized home programs.

We see clients in areas such as speech, language, stuttering, as well as feeding and swallowing.

How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?

Determining if your child needs speech therapy can involve several indicators. Here are some signs to consider:

Communication Struggles: If your child frequently gets frustrated while trying to communicate, acts out instead of using words, or seems to be "naughty," they may be having trouble expressing themselves.
Pronunciation Issues: If they consistently mispronounce words or repeat sounds that disrupt their speech, these could be signs of a speech delay.
Listening Skills: Difficulty following directions or responding to questions may suggest challenges in understanding language.
Feeding Difficulties: If your child has trouble eating, swallowing, or is very picky about food, these can also indicate the need for support.

If you notice any of these signs, it might be helpful to reach out for a chat or schedule an observation to better assess your child's needs and we can let you know if speech therapy may be helpful.

What age groups do you serve?

At Ayes Health, we serve individuals of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. We have therapists who have additional training in the early intervention space while another therapist has extensive experience working with clients aged 7 and up.

How long do your sessions go for?

Clients can choose session durations of 30, 45, or 60 minutes, depending on their child’s needs. Additionally, clients can select whether to schedule sessions weekly fortnightly or monthly based on their preferences and availability.

What kind of funding can I use in your clinic

We have various options available to assist you in supporting your child with speech pathology services. At Ayes Health, we offer funding options for NDIS clients, whether they are plan-managed or self-managed (we do not service NDIA managed). Additionally, we can process both Medicare, iCare and Private Health funding options for assessment and therapy in our clinics.

If you would like to use Private Health Insurance for assessments or therapy, we recommend contacting your provider to understand your level of coverage.

What is your cancellation policy?

To ensure fairness to all clients, we require a minimum of 24 hours' notice for cancellations. If you do not cancel within this timeframe, a fee of 50% of the session cost will apply. In the event of a no-show without prior notification, the full session fee will be charged.

Will I need to have an initial assessment?

No, an initial assessment is not always required. Especially, if your child has previously received therapy though it can be a good indicator of your child’s specific needs and goals. For NDIS clients that have not had an assessment within the past year an assessment would be required.

What assessments do you offer, and which one do I chose for my child?

We offer two types of assessments: Initial Comprehensive Assessments and Screener Assessments.

The Initial Comprehensive Assessment is a standardised evaluation that compares your child’s scores against established averages and includes a detailed written report from our Speech Pathologist. This assessment typically lasts about an hour and you also receive a comprehensive report on completion.

The Screener Assessment is a more basic evaluation that provides a general overview of your child’s speech and language skills. This is not a standardised assessment; therefore a diagnosis cannot be made and is more of a general overview. Please note that this assessment does not include a written report. After the screener, our Speech Pathologist will provide you with feedback based on her observations during the session. This feedback will outline exercises that you can implement at home to benefit your child.

Depending on your child’s specific needs, we can help determine the most suitable option for them.

How long will my child need to do speech therapy for?

The duration of therapy is personalised and varies based on each individual’s unique needs and goals. Whether you require support for a few months or an extended period, we are here to help every step of the way! Speech therapy is not a quick fix, most sessions last for months at a time, though, personalised home programs or therapy blocks are an alternate way to use access therapy without long term in clinic sessions.

Do I sit in the session with my child?

Absolutely! We invite you to actively participate in the assessment and therapy process for your child. During Assessments and Therapy, we aim to discuss your key concerns and create a comfortable environment for your child, enabling us to gather valuable insights into their communication skills. Your involvement in the therapy process is essential, as it allows you to support your child at home, helping them to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. We understand that parents can have other commitments or may need a break and if it is not possible for you to come and sit in on the sessions we will still have an open line of communication.

Do I need a Dr's referral to see a speech pathologist?

No, a doctor’s referral is not required to see one of our Speech Pathologists. If you believe your child could benefit from speech therapy sessions, you can schedule an assessment or therapy sessions directly.

However, your child may qualify for an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan through your GP, which provides access to Medicare rebates for up to five speech pathology sessions each calendar year you do require a GP referral for this Medicare rebate.

What is the difference between an Allied Health Assistant and a Speech pathologist?

An Allied Health Assistant (AHA) works alongside a Speech Pathologist, providing valuable support in delivering therapy. While AHAs are often still in training, they can assist with therapy sessions under the guidance of a qualified Speech Pathologist.

On the other hand, a Speech Pathologist is a fully qualified professional who has completed extensive education and training. They have the expertise to assess, diagnose, and develop personalized therapy plans for your child. While an AHA may help implement these plans, it’s the Speech Pathologist who brings the clinical knowledge to ensure your child receives the best possible care.

In short, both play important roles in supporting your child’s communication journey, but the Speech Pathologist has the qualifications to lead the assessment and diagnosis process.

How much do you charge?

Our pricing varies based on the type of service provided, the duration of sessions, and any specific funding arrangements, which may incur additional fees. To get a clear understanding of the costs that align with your needs, we encourage you to give us a call.

Our team will be happy to explain the different pricing options and help you find the best fit for your situation!

If you have any other questions that may not have been answered, feel free to give us a call and our amazing administration team can help answer any and as many questions that you may have.