Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is speech pathology?
- Where do you provide your services?
- Do I need a referral to make an initial appointment?
- Does my child need a diagnosis to receive an assessment?
- Is there any funding available?
- What is involved in an initial assessment?
- Do I need to prepare anything for an initial assessment?
- My child is quite shy and doesn’t get along well with strangers. Is it still worth having an assessment?
- What will the therapy sessions entail?
If you have any additional questions or simply wish to discuss anything further, please contact us via email or phone 0431 590 216. We are more than happy to answer any other questions you may have.
If you have any additional questions or simply wish to discuss anything further, please contact us via email or phone 0431 590 216. We are more than happy to answer any other questions you may have.
What is Speech Pathology?
Speech pathology is a profession concerned with helping people to communicate. Speech pathology encompasses all areas of communication including speech, language, signs, symbols and gestures, reading and writing. Speech pathologists are professionals who are trained to assess, diagnose and treat people who have difficulties with communication and/or swallowing and feeding. For more information visit the Speech Pathology Australia website.
Where do you provide your services?
Beyond Words Therapy offers a clinic-based and mobile service. Our spacious and fully equipped office is located at 15A Lawyer Street, Maleny. Our new clinic offers a friendly waiting area and a large therapy room. It provides easy access for families and ample street parking. Our mobile service is also available to those that need and this simply means that we come to you! We can visit yourself and/or your child at home or at school, for both an initial assessment and/or therapy sessions. There are many benefits of providing a mobile service, for example, we get to provide therapy at the centre of an individual’s world, be it at home or at school, where an individual feels most comfortable amongst their familiar surroundings.
Do I need a referral to make an initial appointment?
No. Any concerned parent can refer their own child to Beyond Words Therapy. However, if your child is under the care of more than one health professional, it is often beneficial for their primary health carer to provide us with a formal referral as this can provide additional information on your child’s development which can then be used to help support your child’s speech and language needs. We accept referrals from Teachers, Pediatrician’s, GPs, Psychologists, Audiologists, Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists, and other Allied Health professionals such as Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, and Dietitians.
If you or your child have a Medicare Team Care Arrangement Plan (formerly known as an Enhanced Primary Care Plan) and you wish to use this for your initial appointment, please let us know when making an appointment and ensure you bring the paperwork along to your initial appointment.
Does my child need a diagnosis to receive an assessment?
No. Any child can be referred to Beyond Words Therapy, with or without a formal diagnosis. If your child does have a diagnosis, please provide previous reports and documentation upon referral. These reports help to provide information about your child’s development and aid the initial assessment process.
Is there any funding available?
There are a range of funding options available through the Government and Private Health. For more information visit our Funding and Rebates page or feel free to contact us directly on 0431 590 216.
What is involved in an initial assessment?
An initial assessment typically involves talking to a parent/caregiver to gather background information about the child, observing the child in his/her natural environment, completing a range of formal/informal assessments, and enjoying some play based activities. The activities and assessments conducted will vary depending on the child’s needs.
Do I need to prepare anything for an initial assessment?
We ask that you complete a Client Questionnaire prior to the initial assessment - you will receive a copy of this attached to your initial confirmation email. Your therapist will go through the questionnaire with you at your initial assessment and happily assist you in completing any questions you’re unsure about. If you are unable to complete the Client Questionnaire prior to your initial appointment, your therapist will have a copy available for you to fill out at the initial appointment. If you have any previous documents/reports from other professionals/ teachers these are handy to have available too.
My child is quite shy and doesn’t get along well with strangers. Is it still worth having an assessment?
Yes. Our therapists are very experienced in working with children of all ages and character. Our sessions are fun and educational, so we are almost always able to entice even the most reluctant child to participate. Please contact us if you are concerned as we are more than happy to talk you through this process.
What will the therapy sessions entail?
Therapy sessions are unique and individualised to each child, depending on the child’s needs. Generally therapy sessions comprise of a range of different activities to motivate and interest your child whilst helping them to achieve their individual goals. Therapy sessions typically run for 30-60 minutes. At each session, we also allow time for discussion with parents/carers/teachers to review goals, strategies, progress and homework activities.