Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a speech pathologist?
Speech pathologists (sometimes referred to as a “Speechie”) are allied health professionals specialising in communication and feeding disorders. They assess and treat individuals experiencing difficulties with:
- Language production and comprehension
- Speech sound production (articulation)
- Social communication and play skills
- Literacy (reading, spelling, writing)
- Stuttering
- Feeding and swallowing
- Voice quality
For more details, visit the Speech Pathology Australia website.
What is the difference between a speech therapist, speech pathologist and speech-language pathologist (SLP)?
There is actually no difference between a speech therapist, speech pathologist, and a speech-language pathologist! These terms are all interchangeable.
The profession focuses on communication and feeding disorders, and all three titles refer to qualified professionals who can assess and treat these issues.
While “speech pathologist” is the most widely used term in Australia, you might hear any of the three depending on location or personal preference.
Do I need a referral to see a speech pathologist?
No, a formal referral is not required to see a speech pathologist at our clinic. You can self-refer or be referred by a healthcare professional.
Is my child too young to see a speech pathologist?
It’s never too early to see a speech pathologist! Early intervention is crucial for maximising a child’s communication potential. If you have any concerns about your child’s speech or language development, it’s important to have an assessment completed as soon as possible. A speech pathologist can evaluate your child’s skills and determine if any intervention is needed. Remember, early intervention can significantly improve a child’s communication abilities and overall development.
Do you accept NDIS clients?
We are pleased to announce that we accept NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) clients. To be eligible for services, you must be self-managed or plan-managed under the NDIS. NDIA-managed clients are not currently accepted.
Do you see children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Yes, we do. We have extensive experience working with children with autism, providing both comprehensive assessments and tailored therapy programs. Our approach focuses on understanding each child’s individual communication strengths and needs, and developing goals that are meaningful and relevant to them and their families. We work collaboratively with parents and other professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for every child.
How long do people need to attend therapy for?
The duration of speech therapy varies greatly depending on individual needs. Factors include developmental progress, background, disability, response to therapy, family support, and the specific communication issue. Some people require a short block of sessions to address specific concerns, while others may have broader, long-term needs. Consistent home practice, guided by the therapist, significantly improves outcomes. Our speech pathologists typically consider discharge or review once agreed-upon goals are achieved.
Where do you provide services?
We offer a range of service delivery options to best suit your needs. Our primary service area is Traralgon (Central Gippsland) and the wider Gippsland region. We can provide therapy sessions at our clinic, in the comfort of your home, or at your child’s preschool or school. For clients who are unable to attend in-person sessions, we also offer telehealth therapy as a convenient alternative.
How does your clinic prioritise appointments?
At our clinic, we prioritise individuals needing assessments and clients requiring ongoing literacy intervention.
Why is MSL the only approach accredited by Dyslexia Australia, and why do you use it?
The Australian Dyslexia Association (ADA) accredits the Multisensory Structured Language (MSL) approach due to its strong research base and its systematic, explicit, and multisensory way of directly teaching the foundational language skills crucial for supporting dyslexia-related literacy challenges.
We use MSL at Peachy Speech because its evidence-based principles ensure the most effective and supportive literacy intervention. Its structured, multisensory nature caters to different learning styles and thoroughly develops essential reading and spelling skills. Being the only ADA-accredited approach assures our clients they are receiving a recognised gold-standard intervention for literacy development.
Why is it important to access literacy intervention early if I suspect an issue?
Early intervention is crucial for literacy development because it can significantly impact a child’s long-term academic success and self-esteem. When literacy difficulties are identified and addressed early, before patterns of struggle become deeply ingrained, intervention is often more effective. Waiting can lead to a widening gap in skills, increased frustration, and potential negative impacts on a child’s confidence and motivation towards learning. Early intervention allows for targeted support to build foundational skills, prevent further difficulties, and set the child on a positive trajectory for literacy achievement. Don’t wait – addressing potential issues early can make a world of difference.
How do I gain access to MyPeachySpeech?
We want to make sure MyPeachySpeech is the perfect fit for your learning journey! To access our online learning platform, please join our waitlist. We’ll ask you a few questions about your goals so we can get to know you better. This personalised approach allows us to determine if our current courses will be beneficial. If they are, we’ll be in touch with a special invitation to become a member.