Speech Pathology
Speech Pathology
The Helping Hands speech pathology team has expertise in supporting paediatric, youth and adult clients with a broad range of communication and eating difficulties. Our speech pathologists are passionate about providing client and family centred services. They set collaborative goals with clients and their families, striving to help clients develop communication and eating skills that will strengthen independence, support wellbeing and uphold individuality.
Therapy sessions are conducted in a range of settings, enhancing engagement and development of meaningful functional skills. These settings include but are not limited to: 1:1 private sessions, group social sessions, sessions in the local community including shops, cafés and public transport, sessions in our specialised spaces such as the gross motor gym, sensory room and life skill areas.
Our speech pathologists are committed to evidence-based therapy and continued education. They have combined additional training in:
- Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC)
- Neurodiversity Affirming Practice with Speech Pathology Australia
- Gestalt Language Development with Marge Blanc
- Feeding Therapy – SOS, Responsive Feeding and more
- Hanen
- Dyslexia
- Sounds Write
- Literacy and Complex
- Communication Needs with Jane Farrall
- Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing
- Key Word Sign
- Colourful Semantics
- PROMPT – Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets
- Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
- Pathological Demand Avoidance
- Sensory Regulation in Speech Pathology
Speech Pathology Services
The Helping Hands speech pathology team provides assessment and therapy support in the following areas of practice:
- Speech and articulation
- Receptive and expressive language
- AAC – Including evaluations and funding applications
- Feeding, eating and oral motor skills
- Phonological awareness and literacy
- Fluency (Stuttering)
- Pragmatic Communication – Taking a neuro-affirming approach to assist clients in achieving their social communication and participation goals
Our Kinder/School Therapy and Consultation service is designed to provide comprehensive support for disabled children in educational settings. Through individualized therapy sessions and expert consultations, we work closely with schools and families to create an inclusive and nurturing environment. Our goal is to ensure that every child receives the tailored care and attention they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. By fostering collaboration between educators, parents, and therapists, we help children overcome challenges and unlock their full potential.
How we can help you
Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC)
Our speech pathologists specialise in AAC, providing neurodiversity-affirming strategies to support individuals who use high-tech or low-tech communication systems. We ensure clients can communicate effectively and autonomously in daily life.
Feeding Therapy
We offer specialised feeding therapy using approaches like SOS and Responsive Feeding. Our therapists help clients with eating challenges, fostering safe and enjoyable eating experiences that promote health and independence.
Speech and Language Development
Helping Hands speech pathologists support individuals with speech clarity, language development, and literacy difficulties, using evidence-based methods like PROMPT, Sounds Write, and Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing to improve communication skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Speech pathology may be partly or fully covered by Medicare, NDIS and other funding sources
There is no difference between someone who calls themselves a Speech Therapist, or a Speech Pathologist. In Australia, the term ‘Speech Pathologist’ seems to be the most popular when referring to someone in this profession.
There are several reasons a child might see a speech pathologist. Some common ones include:
- Augmentative and alternative communication
- Articulation Disorders
- Language Delays
- Speech Fluency Issues
- Social Communication Difficulties
- Auditory Processing Issues
- Cognitive-Communication Disorders
- Swallowing Difficulties
Yes, Speech Pathology can be covered by NDIS