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In January 2021, we opened the doors to our community therapy clinic at Caras’ & Co by BallyCara in Wooloowin. From our new clinic, our team of allied health clinicians are supporting children and young people with disability through occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech therapy.

In this article we explore the role that speech therapy plays in supporting children with disability. We spoke to our Wooloowin speech pathologists to understand exactly what speech therapy is, how it supports children with a disability, and what to expect from your child’s first speech therapy appointment.

What is speech therapy?

Speech therapy or speech pathology is delivered by university qualified speech pathologists. They are clinicians who are trained to study, diagnose and treat both communication and swallowing disorders.

Why see a speech pathologist?

Children, young people (and adults) with disability may see a speech pathologist to provide support with any of the following:

• difficulty with verbal speech
• challenges being understood
• difficulty understanding others
• support for social interactions
• AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)
• difficulty swallowing food and/or drink
• other problems with eating/feeding
• literacy, reading and writing

Before your child’s first appointment

If your child is referred to a speech pathologist, for example by your GP or other health professional, you may want to ask the following questions so that you know what to expect:

• What is the reason for referral?
• Is there a waitlist for an appointment and if so how long?
• What is the cost per appointment?
• Is there a cost for assessment / diagnosis?
• Where will speech therapy be provided (eg. at home or in a clinic)?
• Is the speech pathologist a member of Speech Pathology Australia?

Find out more

If you live in the Wooloowin area and would like further information on speech therapy at Caras’ & Co by BallyCara, simply email intake@xavier.org.au or call us on 1800 XAVIER to chat to one of our friendly team.