If communicating is difficult for your child, start by asking what support could help. A speech pathologist can assess their needs and discuss practical goals with your family.
What can speech pathology help with?
Speech pathologists work with speech sounds, understanding and using language, literacy, voice, fluency and social communication. They also assess feeding and swallowing concerns. Speech Pathology Australia explains assessment.
Communication is more than spoken words. Some children use gestures, pictures, signs or communication devices. A speech pathologist can help assess suitable augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Read about communication services and AAC.
When to ask for advice
If you have concerns about your child’s communication, discuss them with a speech pathologist, GP or child health professional. Explain which everyday activities are difficult and what you have noticed. Ask who is best placed to assess any voice, hearing, feeding or swallowing concerns.
A checklist or comparison with another child does not establish a diagnosis. Assessment should explain your child’s communication profile and the next steps.
Prepare for an assessment
- Share your child’s communication preferences, interests and everyday goals.
- Bring relevant reports and describe what already helps at home or school.
- Ask what the assessment covers and how your child can take part comfortably.
- Confirm consent, assessment and report costs, and the expected timeframe.
SPA’s assessment guidance explains consent, fees, assessment findings and reports. Ask the practitioner to explain any recommendation in plain English.
Agree goals together
Choose goals that support your child’s communication and participation. Ask how their preferred communication methods, comfort and choices will guide sessions. For autistic children, Autism CRC’s guideline describes meaningful goals and supports that are safe, effective and desirable to the child and family.
Discuss strategies your family can use in everyday activities, what feels manageable and when to review progress. Outcomes and the amount of support needed vary; no set number of sessions can guarantee a result.
Check referrals and funding before booking
Ask the provider whether a referral is needed for your child’s appointment and funding pathway. Some Medicare speech-pathology services require a valid medical referral and other eligibility conditions. SPA explains the March 2026 Medicare changes. Confirm eligibility, practitioner recognition and any gap fee before booking.
NDIS therapy must meet the funding criteria and relate to the participant’s needs. A speech concern or therapy recommendation does not automatically approve NDIS access or payment. Check the plan and who is responsible for the support. Read the NDIA’s therapy guidance.
Your questions, answered
Does my child need a referral?
Check with the provider and funding program. Referral requirements differ, and some Medicare pathways require a medical referral. Confirm this before the appointment.
How long will speech therapy take?
Ask the speech pathologist about assessment findings, proposed goals, session frequency and review dates. Duration and progress depend on the child’s needs; a fixed result should not be promised.
Can support include communication other than speech?
Yes. Ask about gestures, pictures, signs or communication devices and whether an AAC assessment would help. The approach should fit your child’s needs and preferred communication.
Ask about Unify’s current options
Contact our team to check practitioner suitability, age ranges, delivery options, funding and fees. View the dated wait-time snapshot and confirm current appointments with intake. Guidance checked 4 October 2026.
