What is speech pathology?

Speech pathology, or speech therapy, is a field dedicated to diagnosing and treating communication and speech disorders. Speech pathologists work with individuals of all ages to improve their communication skills.

What types of issues can a speech pathologist address?

Speech pathologists can help with a range of issues, including speech sound disorders, language delays, stuttering, voice disorders, and social communication difficulties.

How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?

If you notice delays in your child’s speech and language development, difficulty being understood, or challenges with social communication.

What happens during a speech therapy session?

Speech therapy sessions are tailored to individual needs but typically involve a combination of exercises, activities, and discussions to address specific communication goals. The therapist will use various tools and techniques to enhance communication skills.

How long does a speech therapy session last?

Session durations can vary, but they typically last between 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the individual’s needs and the goals of the therapy.

Do you offer online speech therapy sessions?

Yes, we do. We provide online speech therapy sessions through a secure and user-friendly platform, allowing clients to receive professional support from the comfort of their homes.

Do you offer mobile sessions (e.g., preschool, school, home)?

Yes, we do. We understand the importance of flexibility in accessing speech therapy services. Our team is available to provide mobile sessions at locations such as child care centres, homes, and schools, ensuring convenience and personalised support for our clients. Please contact us to discuss and arrange mobile sessions based on your specific needs.

How frequently should one attend speech therapy sessions?

The frequency of sessions depends on the nature and severity of the communication issue. Your speech pathologist will discuss a personalised plan, including the recommended frequency of sessions during the initial assessment.

Is speech therapy only for children?

No, speech therapy is not limited to children. Speech pathologists work with individuals of all ages, including adults, addressing various communication and swallowing disorders.

How can I make an appointment?

To schedule an appointment, please contact us via phone: 0420 345 531 or email: admin@nashspeechpathology.com

Where are you located?

We have a custom-fit clinic located in the heart of Drummoyne – Level 2, 224 Victoria Road. We are in the big grey building opposite Drummoyne McDonald’s & just down the road from the Post Office.

Is there on-site parking?

We do not have allocated parking spaces. However, there are timed and untimed parking on the surrounding streets and in the council carpark across the road (entry located on Marlborough Street).

Is your clinic accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, there is a lift to reach Level 2 of the building.

Is speech therapy covered by health insurance?

Coverage varies among health insurance providers. We recommend checking with your health insurance company to determine the extent of coverage for speech therapy services. Our team can also assist you in understanding and navigating insurance-related queries.

Can I use the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for speech therapy services?

Yes, many of our clients access speech therapy services through their NDIS plans. If you are an NDIS participant, our team can work with you to develop a plan that aligns with your specific goals and needs

Do I need a referral to access speech therapy?

No, a referral is not mandatory to access our speech therapy services. You can contact our clinic directly to schedule an appointment. However, having a referral from your General Practitioner (GP) can be beneficial. It provides a direct connection and communication pathway between healthcare providers and may enable you to access rebates through Medicare, depending on your individual circumstances.

What happens if I need to cancel my appointment?

We understand that circumstances may arise requiring changes to your appointment. If you need to reschedule, please call us at 0420 345 531. Please be aware that a cancellation fee will apply in certain situations.

If you cancel your appointment within 24 hours of your booking, a 50% cancellation fee will be applied. If the cancellation occurs within 4 hours of your booking, a 75% cancellation fee will be incurred. To avoid a cancellation fee, you have the option to reschedule your appointment to Telehealth or another day within 7 days of your original appointment.

If you fail to attend your appointment without prior notification, a 100% cancellation fee will apply.

What are some signs that I should contact a Speech Pathologist for my child?

You should contact a Speech Pathologist if:

• You or others have difficulty understanding your child
• Your child is getting frustrated because people don’t understand him/her
• Your child is talking less than other children his/her age
• Your child stutters
• Your child has a consistently hoarse/husky sounding voice
• Your child has trouble playing with others
• Your child is struggling with reading, writing, and learning new concepts
• Your child has a diagnosis that could affect their speech and language development, including: Developmental Delay, Hearing Impairment, Central Auditory Processing Disorder, Dyslexia, Autism Spectrum Disorder, or Cleft Lip/Palate

Use the checklist below to determine if your child’s communication is developing appropriately for their age. If you have any concerns, speak to your teacher or GP, or contact us to discuss booking a speech and language assessment.

 2 years

• Points to some body parts and clothing items when named
• Combines 2 words together (e.g. “more juice”)
• Answers ‘what’ questions (e.g. “What’s that?”)
• Follows simple instructions (e.g. “Get your hat”)
• Sings simple songs or nursery rhymes
• Says at least 50 words
• You can understand approximately 50% of what they say

3 years

• Combines 3 or more words together in a sentence
• Asks “why” questions
• Answers “where” questions
• Follows two-part instructions (e.g. “Get the book and put it on the table”)
• Talks about something that happened yesterday or last week
• Uses basic grammar
• You can understand approximately 75% of what they say

4 years

• Uses longer sentences
• Describes events and tells stories
• Uses adult-like grammar
• Answers “who” and “why” questions
• Pronounces all sounds accurately, with the exception of ‘r’, ‘v’, and ‘th’ and long multisyllabic words (e.g. caterpillar, spaghetti)
• Follows 1-2 part sequential (e.g. put your shoes on then get your bag) and spatial (e.g. point to the apple next to the tree) instructions.
• Developing pre-literacy skills including rhyme (e.g. cat/mat), syllabification (e.g. mo-tor-bike), and letter/sound knowledge (e.g. apple starts with ‘a’)

5 years +

• Describes past and future events using a combination of sentences
• You can easily understand what they say
• May still have trouble with the “th” sound
• Asks and answers ‘when’ and ‘how’ questions
• Understands and uses time concepts such as ‘yesterday’, ‘tomorrow’, ‘next week’
• Follows 2-3 part temporal instructions (e.g. point to the ball before the house and the car) and conditional instructions (e.g. If the train is on the track, then put the car in the garage)
• Identifies sounds and letters in words (e.g. p-l-ay makes play)