Professional Speech Pathology from the Comfort of Home

Speech pathologists assess and provide therapy for a wide range of communication and swallowing difficulties. These include:

• Speech sounds – articulation difficulties, phonological delays, and childhood apraxia of speech
• Language – delays in understanding or using words, sentences, and grammar in children and adults
• Stuttering and fluency – disruptions to the flow of speech that may affect confidence and daily communication
• Voice – hoarseness, vocal strain, or changes to voice quality
• Literacy – reading, spelling, and written language difficulties linked to underlying language skills
• Social communication – challenges with conversation skills, understanding social cues, and pragmatic language
• Swallowing (dysphagia) – difficulties with safe eating and drinking across all age groups

Whether the concern is developmental or acquired, our speech pathologists tailor therapy to each individual’s goals and needs.

Speech pathology supports people of all ages, from infants through to older adults. Common referral reasons include:

• Children – late talkers, difficulty being understood, trouble following instructions, reading and spelling challenges, stuttering, or social communication difficulties
• Teenagers – literacy support, stuttering management, voice changes, and social skills development
• Adults – communication changes following stroke, brain injury, or neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease
• Older adults – swallowing difficulties, voice changes, and communication support related to cognitive decline

You do not need a formal diagnosis or GP referral to access speech pathology. If you have concerns about communication or swallowing, we encourage you to reach out for an initial discussion.

Our speech pathologists come to you. Mobile sessions take place wherever is most comfortable and convenient, including:

• Your home – ideal for young children who are most comfortable in familiar surroundings, and for adults with mobility limitations
• Schools and childcare centres – we collaborate with educators to support therapy goals within the learning environment
• Workplaces and community settings – for adults who need communication support integrated into daily routines

Each session is structured around your therapy goals. Your speech pathologist brings all necessary materials and resources. We also provide guidance and home practice activities so progress can continue between appointments.

Session length and frequency are tailored to each individual’s needs and goals:

• Initial assessment – typically 60 minutes, allowing time for a thorough evaluation and discussion of findings
• Therapy sessions – usually 30 to 60 minutes depending on age, attention span, and the areas being addressed
• Frequency – most clients attend weekly or fortnightly, though this is adjusted based on individual progress and circumstances

The total number of sessions varies. Some children make strong progress within a short block of therapy, while others with more complex needs may benefit from longer-term support. Your speech pathologist will discuss expected timeframes during the initial assessment and review progress regularly with you.

The first session is all about understanding your concerns and gathering the information needed to guide therapy. Here is what typically happens:

• Case history discussion – your speech pathologist will ask about developmental milestones, medical history, and your specific concerns
• Assessment – a combination of standardised assessments, informal observation, and play-based or conversation-based tasks depending on the client’s age
• Feedback and goal setting – we explain our findings in plain language and work with you to set meaningful, achievable therapy goals
• Therapy plan – you will receive a recommended therapy schedule and an outline of the approach we plan to take

Feel free to bring any previous reports, school assessments, or relevant documentation to help us build a complete picture.

Yes. Speech pathology is a recognised support under the NDIS. Our services are commonly funded through:

• Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living – the most common funding category for speech pathology, covering assessment and ongoing therapy
• Core Supports – in some cases, speech pathology may be funded under core supports for specific therapeutic needs

We work with all plan management types, including self-managed, plan-managed, and NDIA-managed participants. Our team can assist with service agreements, progress reporting, and coordination with your plan manager or support coordinator.

Not sure if speech pathology is in your plan? Contact us and we can help you understand your funding options.

All Astrad speech pathologists hold recognised university qualifications and maintain active registration and membership with relevant professional bodies:

• University qualified – our therapists hold a Bachelor or Master’s degree in Speech Pathology from an accredited Australian university
• Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) member – membership with the national professional body, ensuring adherence to professional standards and a code of ethics
• Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) – where applicable, our therapists maintain their Certified Practising status through ongoing professional development
• NDIS registered – Astrad Allied Health is a registered NDIS provider, meeting all quality and safeguarding requirements
• Ongoing professional development – our team regularly participates in training, workshops, and clinical supervision to stay current with evidence-based practices