What is Speech Pathology?

Speech Pathologists are university trained professionals who help people with their communication and swallowing. They work with children and adults in a range of different fields including the production of speech, the use of language, voice, fluency (stuttering), and with those who communicate with methods other than speech. Speech Pathologists help people to communicate and eat and drink to the best of their ability. There are many different approaches to achieving this. Speech Pathologists will assess and provide support that help people achieve their goals.

What is the difference between Speech Therapy and Speech Pathology?

Speech Pathology is the name of the profession in Australia. This is a protected title and only registered Speech Pathologists can use this title. In other countries they may be called Speech-Language Pathologists, Speech-Language Therapists or Speech Therapists. Speech Therapy refers to the intervention that Speech Pathologists provide.

What types of goals can Speech Pathology support under the NDIS?

Speech Pathologists work with clients to identify how supporting clients with their communication and swallowing needs could improve their functional abilities, participation, and quality of life. Goals are made in conjunction with clients, and therapy may involve working directly with the client; working with their family and carers; and working within the community to achieve the goals.

What disabilities do Speech Pathologists work with?

Speech pathologists work with autistic children and adults, as well as people living with intellectual disabilities; physical disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy, neurological disabilities such as stroke, brain injury or progressive neurogenic diseases, psychosocial disabilities and many others.

What types of supports do Speech Pathologists use to help clients achieve their goals?

• Play based therapy. Through fun, engaging activities that follow the child’s interests, therapists support the development of speech, language, social interaction, and early learning. Play-based therapy is highly individualised and designed to feel natural and motivating for children. Capacity building. This approach supports and empowers the important people in a person’s life, including parents, educators, support workers, to support the person’s development of their skills in everyday situations. It’s not just about what happens during therapy sessions but also involves sharing strategies and tools, building knowledge and confidence and creating supportive environments.
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). AAC refers to different ways to support or replace spoken communication. This may include low-tech tools like visuals and Key Word Sign, or high-tech supports including communication apps or dedicated devices. AAC is valuable across the lifespan and is tailored for the individual and their unique communication needs.
• Specific Programs or Frameworks. Speech Pathologists may utilise evidence-based programs such as Hanen, SOS Feeding or Lee Silverman Voice Therapy to support clients to work towards their goals.

Bloom Healthcare offers NDIS Speech Pathology services in Sydney  and the whole New South Wales region, Brisbane and other locations in South East Queensland, Melbourne and more places in Victoria, Perth and WA, Adelaide and South Australia, Canberra and Tasmania.