Children's Service
Screenings
The purpose of a screening is to determine whether a child’s performance in a particular skill area is significantly different from same-age peers and serious enough to justify the cost of further assessment. We use a variety of screenings to help us identify the nature of a child's difficulties. Children are complex beings and when they are having difficulty with talking, understanding listening, riding writing, spelling, learning or making friends, there may be several things going on. You can read about the screenings we use here.
Assessments
We have a wide range of world-class language and literacy tests and conduct bespoke assessments that are tailored to a child's individual needs. In addition, we currently offer 3 fixed-price assessment packages:
Literacy (Dyslexia) Assessment $199
Ages 4 and up (yes, adults too)
This package includes:
Integrated Language and Literacy Assessment $399
Comprehensive Oral Language Assessment $399
Ages 6 to 18
These packages consist of bespoke assessments as needed to get to the bottom of what is going on for a child and include:
Literacy (Dyslexia) Assessment $199
Ages 4 and up (yes, adults too)
This package includes:
- Evaluation of critical phonological awareness, rapid naming and working memory skills for reading and spelling development using an internationally regarded, gold-standard test of phonological processing
- Evaluation of current reading, writing and spelling skills using the internationally recommended multi sensory structured language approach (MSL / Orton Gillingham) as is recommended by the Australian Dyslexia Association
- Appointments as needed to complete all assessment activities
- A written report of assessment findings and recommendations
Integrated Language and Literacy Assessment $399
Comprehensive Oral Language Assessment $399
Ages 6 to 18
These packages consist of bespoke assessments as needed to get to the bottom of what is going on for a child and include:
- Appointments as needed to complete all assessment activities
- A written report of assessment findings and recommendations
Treatment / Therapy
We put you in control
Following the assessment, our Speech-Language Therapist will discuss treatment / therapy recommendations and options with you, and together you will decide on a treatment / therapy session plan that is best for your child and suits your family schedule and budget. There is no minimum number of sessions required, and we will not ask you to sign up to any kind of service contract.
We deliver evidence-based interventions
Our treatment / therapy is based on up-to-date research evidence that promises the best outcomes. Treatment activities are 100% individualised, and our commitment is to work in partnership with you on your priorities for your child and in the way that best suits your child's needs and the needs of your family.
We give homework
Daily home practice is recommended to support your child's consolidation and transfer of newly learned skills. We may provide you with take-home activities from time to time on a free-of-charge, loan basis.
Following the assessment, our Speech-Language Therapist will discuss treatment / therapy recommendations and options with you, and together you will decide on a treatment / therapy session plan that is best for your child and suits your family schedule and budget. There is no minimum number of sessions required, and we will not ask you to sign up to any kind of service contract.
We deliver evidence-based interventions
Our treatment / therapy is based on up-to-date research evidence that promises the best outcomes. Treatment activities are 100% individualised, and our commitment is to work in partnership with you on your priorities for your child and in the way that best suits your child's needs and the needs of your family.
We give homework
Daily home practice is recommended to support your child's consolidation and transfer of newly learned skills. We may provide you with take-home activities from time to time on a free-of-charge, loan basis.
Where do I start?
- Call us on 0508 SPEECHIE to speak directly with one of our Speech-Language Therapists and discuss your questions or concerns about a child's language, literacy or learning. Should we not answer the phone when you ring, please leave a message and we will reach out to you as soon as we can. (Our aim is to get back to you the same day. If you ring us in the evening, during the weekend or on a holiday we will get in touch with you the next business day.)
- Bring your child in for an evaluation. We offer families a 30+% discount on initial appointments for children, so you pay $99 instead of $138. This initial appointment will take up to 1 hour, and for children ages 18 months to 16 years includes a comprehensive screening of speech, language and communication skills, regardless of the reason for referral.
- Start with our maximum discount Language & Learning Screening Package. This screening package will identify whether or not your child has clinically significant communication, attention or cognitive difficulties that warrant further assessment ($199).
- If you are concerned about cost, please know that we accept payment plans and will ask you to tell us the payment frequency and amount that suits your family budget. We will not charge account fees or interest. Please also be aware that when children have clinically significant communication difficulties warranting intervention, they may be eligible for the WINZ Child Disability Allowance. (This allowance is approximately $45 per week; it is not means tested and is potentially available for all families.) We help families apply for this allowance.