Speech Pathology

ATUNE Speech Pathologists treat each client as an individual. We work hard to provide each of our clients with an individual plan to target the areas identified for development. We strive to provide research-based therapies and ‘best practice’ services. We recognise that our client is part of a much wider network of family, friends and peers. We aim to provide services, which consider the needs of the family and are adapted to suit each client’s situation.

No, you do not need a referral to see a Speech Pathologist. You can simply contact us directly to make an appointment.

In most instances, an assessment or initial consult is recommended. An assessment allows the speech pathologist to identify your child’s strengths, understand their difficulties and determine whether your child’s communication is typical for their age. Based on this information, the speech pathologist can use evidence-based research to decide if therapy is needed and plan these goals with you.

If you have a recent speech pathology report (e.g., within the last year) or feel that your child might not require an assessment for a specific reason, then please get in touch with the ATUNE team so that we can answer your enquiries.

Your child, of course! If you have reports, letters or documents from other health professionals, please feel free to bring these to the appointment. Our role is to get the best understanding of your child so that we can address your concerns.

A speech sound assessment is for children who have difficulties saying their sounds correctly so that they are understood.

On your first visit the speech pathologist may:

• Discuss what your concerns are and identify what is going on for your child
• Go over a brief background history of your child’s development, interests and any other medical information
• Choose appropriate assessments that will give the therapist information about your child’s speech and communication

The assessment may include:

• Listening to your child speak naturally (e.g. in play)
• Looking inside their mouth
• Asking them to look at pictures and say a series of words
• Copying specific sounds

After the assessment we:

• Discuss our observations and answer any questions
• Identify what some of the reasons for their communication difficulties might be
• Create a therapy plan that fits in with your child’s needs and your family schedule.

 Report

The therapist will write a summary report so that you have a written copy of your child’s speech pathology assessment for you to share with your GP, teachers and other professionals who work with your child.

A social and/or language assessment is for children and teenagers who have difficulties understanding the ‘social world’ and want to develop their social skills and thinking. This can be associated with but is not limited to those who have a diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorders Levels 1 & 2, Social Communication Disorder, PDD-NOS, ADHD, Mixed Receptive-Expressive Language Disorder, twice exceptional and social anxiety.

On your first visit the speech pathologist may:

• Discuss what your concerns are and identify what is going on for your child
• Go over a brief background history of your child’s development, interests and any other medical information
• Choose appropriate assessments that will give the therapist information about your child’s social thinking and communication

The assessment may include:

• A formal language test in which your child has to look at pictures and answer questions
• A parent questionnaire/checklist to identify what you see as your child’s main social challenges
• A series of short, interactive tasks to identify your child’s social learning ability and understand how they interpret and respond to social interaction.
• Questions for a classroom teacher to complete

After the assessment we:

• Score and analyse the language assessment, parent and teacher questionnaire
• Discuss our observations and answer any questions
• Identify what some of the reasons for their social communication difficulties might be
• Create a therapy plan that fits in with your child’s needs and your family schedule.

Report

The therapist will write a summary report so that you have a written copy of your child’s social and language strengths and identified challenges for you to share with your GP, teachers and other professionals who work with your child.

Yes. You are the expert on your child and we want to be able to talk to you and address your main concerns. Your child will be much more comfortable with you in the room and we want to see them at their best. We also want you to be involved in the therapy process so that you feel confident in being able to continue the work with your child outside of the therapy room. We also understand if there are siblings or other family members that may need or want to be in the room and that is welcomed.

Yes. There are 3 ways that you may be able to claim all or part of your session:

• An Enhanced Primary Care Plan (EPC) is a Medicare Scheme for clients with chronic medical conditions and complex care needs. Your GP may refer you to speech pathology for treatment
• Many health fund plans cover private speech pathology. If you have private health care, we would recommend contacting your health fund to check that your specific level of cover entitles you to a rebate.
• The NDIS is a funding scheme for children who have been diagnosed with a disability. We currently see children who have a self-managed plan only.

For your convenience ATUNE provides electronic facilities enabling you to claim your HICAPS and Medicare rebates at the time of your consultation.

Initial Consult

Initial Assessment (60 minutes) - $350

Therapy

45 minutes - $160

60 minutes - $213