Speech Pathology
Paediatric speech pathology services in Perth
At iThrive Health in West Leederville, Perth, we specialise in paediatric speech pathology, focusing on assessing, diagnosing, and supporting children as young as 18 months through to young adulthood to achieve their speech, language and communication goals. We aim to ensure that no individual is held back by speech and language difficulty, to help pave the way for a happy and fulfilling life.
Supporting children’s growth with expert paediatric Speech Pathology
At iThrive Health, we specialise in helping children navigate speech, language, communication and literacy with tailored speech pathology including diagnosis and intervention.
Our experienced therapists provide personalised support to enhance speech sounds, social communication skills, language development, and literacy skills. By addressing each individual’s unique needs, we empower them to build confidence, succeed in school, and develop essential speech and language skills for a bright future.
Our paediatric speech pathology services
Early Intervention
We help children experiencing communication difficulties as early as possible to ensure they reach their full potential in life.
Speech Sounds
We help children and young adults improve the quality of speech sounds to help them connect, learn and feel confident.
Language
We help children and young adults build their language skills to help the thought expression and understanding of others.
Social Communication
We help bridge the gap for individuals experiencing difficulty with expressing feelings, and understanding social cues.
Augmentive & Alternative Communication (AAC)
Our therapists can help those unable to perform traditional spoken communication with other means to communicate and connect.
Literacy & Phonological Awareness
We focus on the importance of the ability to read and write via improving literacy skills to ensure they can learn successfully.
Meet our speech pathology team
Meet our experienced and caring speech pathology and wider team dedicated to helping children build confidence, develop essential skills, and reach their full potential in learning, play, and daily life.
Some other helpful speech pathology resources
Understanding the NDIS
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funds and supports individuals with disabilities, including eligible children. This program helps families access necessary therapies and services, ensuring children receive early intervention and long-term support.
Who is eligible?
Children may qualify for NDIS funding if they have a permanent and significant disability that affects daily activities. This includes neurodevelopment conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Global Developmental Delay, and Down Syndrome. Physical disabilities like Cerebral Palsy, sensory processing disorders, and communication difficulties may also be covered. For children under seven, support is provided through the Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) approach, which focuses on early intervention to maximise developmental outcomes.
What support does the NDIS cover?
NDIS funding is flexible, allowing families to access services tailored to their child’s needs. Occupational therapy helps children develop essential life skills, including motor coordination, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and executive functioning. Speech therapy supports children with communication challenges, including delayed speech and social interaction difficulties. Physiotherapy focuses on improving movement and function, while psychology and behavioural support help manage emotional and behavioural difficulties. The NDIS may also fund assistive technology and equipment to aid daily activities and enhance independence.
How to apply for NDIS support
Families interested in NDIS support should determine eligibility by contacting the NDIS or a Local Area Coordinator (LAC). They must submit an Access Request, providing supporting documentation from healthcare professionals such as occupational therapists, paediatricians, or psychologists if eligible. Once approved, families will attend an NDIS planning meeting to develop a personalised support plan for their child. This plan outlines therapy and intervention needs and is reviewed regularly to ensure continued effectiveness.
Getting started with NDIS services
Once a child has an approved plan, families can select registered NDIS providers to deliver therapy and support services. The NDIS allows families to choose the best professionals to meet their child’s needs, ensuring they receive high-quality, individualised care. Regular plan reviews help adjust the level of support as a child progresses, ensuring continued growth and development.
School Screening Services
Our Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology team offers tailored school screening programs to support student success. Designed mainly for Kindergarten and Pre-Primary students, the program can be adjusted to fit your school’s curriculum and timeline, whether in Term 1 or later in the year.
Why conduct an OT and speech school screen?
Early intervention is crucial for academic, social, and emotional success. Our OT and Speech screenings provide insights that help teachers engage with parents about a child’s development, identifying students who may benefit from further OT and Speech support or monitoring throughout the year
How and where are screens conducted?
Screenings are conducted onsite at the school to minimise disruption. Our team of 1-2 therapists and a dedicated assistant will transition students smoothly. Each screening lasts approximately 20 minutes, with schools of all sizes (15 to 60 students) able to participate.
Optimal screening age & timing
The screenings are ideal for Pre-Primary students (4.5-6 years old), but we also support Kindergarten screenings in the latter half of the year. Many schools prefer screenings in Term 1 to have insights before parent-teacher meetings.
Key focus areas
Our OT screen assesses fine motor, gross motor, visual motor skills, social & emotional development, attention & focus, and sensory processing. Our Speech screen assesses speech, language and communication development. Data is collected via child assessments and parent questionnaires to create a concise one-page report per child outlining findings and recommendations.
Class-wide insights & reporting
Along with individual reports, we provide class-wide developmental insights, including graphs and tables, to help teachers spot trends and focus areas. We also offer practical strategies for supporting students.
How to book a school screening
To organise an OT or Speech screening at your school, email or call us for pricing and availability.
Fees & Rebates
At iThrive Health, we are committed to making therapy accessible and affordable for all families. We provide guidance on Medicare rebates and NDIS funding to help cover therapy costs, ensuring financial concerns don’t interfere with quality care.
Therapy enrolment fees
Therapy enrollment fees depend on the goals of the assessment and therapy, which are scheduled weekly or fortnightly. Each session includes 45 minutes of therapy and 15 minutes for administrative tasks, with our OT and Speech services priced at $193.99 per hour. Initial assessments typically last 2-3 hours.
Follow-up therapy blocks
Therapy enrollment fees depend on the goals of the assessment and therapy, which are scheduled weekly or fortnightly. Each session includes 45 minutes of therapy and 15 minutes for administrative tasks, with our OT and Speech services priced at $193.99 per hour. Initial assessments typically last 2-3 hours.
Private health insurance
All private insurers cover our services, but coverage depends on your specific plan. Rebates vary, so we recommend contacting your insurer and quoting the code ‘200’ for a standard follow-up therapy session longer than 30 minutes or ‘250’ for HBF members. This will give you an idea of your rebate eligibility for one hour of therapy.
Medicare rebates
Therapy enrollment fees depend on the goals of the assessment and therapy, which are scheduled weekly or fortnightly. Each session includes 45 minutes of therapy and 15 minutes for administrative tasks, with our OT and Speech services priced at $193.99 per hour. Initial assessments typically last 2-3 hours.
NDIS – ECEI Funding
If your child is under 6, they may be eligible for Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) funding under the NDIS, which can cover therapy fees until age 7. We encourage applying as soon as possible, as approval can take time, and funding is not guaranteed.
Questions?
Therapy enrollment fees depend on the goals of the assessment and therapy, which are scheduled weekly or fortnightly. Each session includes 45 minutes of therapy and 15 minutes for administrative tasks, with our OT and Speech services priced at $193.99 per hour. Initial assessments typically last 2-3 hours.
Answers to the most commonly asked speech pathology questions
What is Speech Pathology?
Speech Pathology supports children with communication challenges, including difficulties with speech sounds, language development, social communication, and literacy. Our therapists work with children to enhance their ability to express themselves clearly and confidently.
What age should I seek speech therapy for my child?
Early intervention is key. If you notice your child is not meeting typical speech or language milestones, it’s best to seek an assessment as soon as possible. We work with children from infancy through adolescence.
How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?
Some common signs include difficulty pronouncing words, limited vocabulary for their age, trouble following instructions, or frustration when trying to communicate. If you’re unsure, our team can perform a comprehensive assessment to identify any areas of concern.
What happens during the initial assessment?
During the initial assessment, our Speech Pathologist will observe your child’s communication skills, play-based interactions, and complete standardized assessments. This helps us understand your child’s strengths and areas for development, so we can create a tailored therapy plan.
How long are therapy sessions, and how often are they needed?
Typically, sessions last 45 minutes and are held weekly. The frequency and duration of therapy depend on your child’s individual needs, which will be discussed during your initial consultation.
Will speech therapy help with reading and literacy?
Yes, speech therapy can support literacy development. Our therapists work on phonological awareness, decoding skills, and language comprehension, which are crucial for reading and writing.
Do you work with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Absolutely. Our Speech Pathologists are experienced in supporting children with ASD, focusing on social communication, expressive language, and understanding spoken language in everyday settings.
Can parents be involved in the therapy process?
We strongly encourage parent involvement. We provide strategies and resources to continue learning at home, ensuring skills learned in therapy are reinforced daily.
Is speech therapy covered under NDIS?
Yes, if your child is an NDIS participant, speech therapy may be funded under the ‘Improved Daily Living’ category. We can assist you in navigating this process if needed.
Do I need a referral to access speech therapy?
No referral is necessary to book an assessment. However, if you are seeking rebates through Medicare or other funding options, a referral from your GP may be required.
Where are sessions held?
Sessions are conducted at our clinic in West Leederville, Perth, WA. We also offer school-based therapy and telehealth options for added convenience.
How do I make an appointment?
To make an appointment, we encourage clients to use our online booking software or simply call us at (08) 9381 2614, email info@ithrivegroup.com.au, or visit our Contact Page.
Our friendly team will guide you through the booking process.
