Speech Therapy Providers

What to look for in a speech therapist

Finding the right speech therapist for your child has been one of the hardest parts of our NDIS journey. Our son is seven, non-verbal, and we are still searching for the right fit. Here is what we have learned and what reputable sources recommend you ask.

Questions worth asking before you commit

1. 1

   Do you have experience with my child's specific diagnosis?

   Some speech pathologists specialise in particular areas or age groups. A therapist with general paediatric experience may have limited experience with non-verbal autism specifically.

2. 2

   What therapy approaches do you use?

   Ask about specific approaches relevant to your child's needs. For non-verbal children, ask about AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), PECS, or Hanen More Than Words.

3. 3

   Are you a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP)?

   This means they are a member of Speech Pathology Australia and actively pursue ongoing professional development.

4. 4

   Is therapy family-centred?

   The best speech therapy involves parents as active participants, not just observers. Ask how they involve families between sessions.

5. 5

   How will you measure and report progress?

   Ask how they track progress and what reporting they provide for NDIS plan reviews.

6. 6

   What are your fees and are you NDIS registered?

   If your plan is NDIA-managed you must use a registered provider. Self-managed and plan-managed participants can use unregistered providers.