Speech Pathology Assessment & Therapy
Many families who reach out to us are seeking an assessment or ongoing therapy for their child. This page provides an overview of the steps involved and how to get started.
Where Do We Start?
When you first reach out for support, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about what your child needs or what the next step should be.
At Speak Listen Learn, the first step is usually to gather some background information and book either a Parent Planning Meeting or an Initial Assessment, depending on your child’s needs and your situation.
Parent Planning Meeting
This is often the best starting point for children with more complex needs, or when there is a lot to discuss.
It’s a dedicated session between you and the speech pathologist (without your child present), either in person or via Telehealth.
We take the time to understand your child’s history, any previous supports, your goals, and any questions or concerns you may have. This helps us plan the best next steps together.
Initial Assessment
Initial assessments typically involve a combination of:
- Parent and therapist discussion
- Informal observations
- Formal assessments (chosen based on your child’s presentation)
You’ll receive feedback on the day, along with a clear plan for the next steps.
Before this appointment, you’ll be asked to complete a comprehensive online questionnaire about your child. This allows your therapist to understand your child’s background in advance, so we can use our session time more effectively and avoid discussing sensitive topics in front of your child.
What Assessments Do You Use?
The type of assessments we use depends on your child’s age, developmental history, current needs, and any previous assessments they’ve had. Your speech pathologist will use their clinical judgement to choose the most helpful tools to understand your child’s strengths, challenges, and how best to support them.
We often begin with informal assessment through play, conversation, games, and observation. These approaches can provide powerful insights into how your child communicates, where they may be experiencing difficulties, and what areas to focus on in therapy.
In some cases, we also use formal, standardised assessments, or a combination of both informal and formal tools, to get a clearer picture of your child’s speech, language, social communication, or literacy needs.
Whatever the approach, your speech pathologist will always take the time to explain the results and discuss any recommended next steps.
How Long Do Speech & Language Assessments Take?
Most speech and language assessments are completed over one to two sessions, depending on your child’s needs and the areas being assessed.
For children with straightforward speech sound concerns, the assessment is often completed in a single session. However, for children with more complex speech, language, or developmental needs, the assessment may take place over multiple sessions to ensure we get a complete and accurate picture.
In many cases, it becomes clear early on that a child will benefit from therapy. When this happens, we may begin therapy while continuing to complete assessments. This approach is especially helpful for children who need time to build rapport and feel comfortable before engaging in more structured or formal assessment activities.
What Happens After The Assessment?
If the assessment shows that your child would benefit from speech therapy, your speech pathologist will discuss this with you and work together to set clear, individualised goals.
We’ll then recommend a therapy plan tailored to your child’s needs. Most therapy sessions are scheduled at the same time each week or fortnight, depending on therapist and family availability.
Some children are best supported through:
- Ongoing weekly or fortnightly therapy
- Intensive blocks (often scheduled during school holidays)
- Parent Training
- Home Programs
- Group programs focused on specific goals
- Sessions with an Allied Health Assistant under the guidance of your speech pathologist
If there is not an immediate therapy space available that suits your child’s needs, we may place your child on our waiting list and keep you informed as spots become available.
How Long Will My Child Need Speech Therapy?
This is one of the most common questions we’re asked, and one of the hardest to answer! Every child is different, and each child responds to therapy in their own way.
We usually book therapy in blocks of one to two school term to begin with. Many children will benefit from a few terms of consistent therapy to work on specific speech sounds, language skills, or other targeted goals.
For children with more complex needs, or those with difficulties across multiple areas (speech, language, social communication, etc.), support may be needed over a longer period, sometimes with breaks in between.
It’s also common for children to move in and out of therapy, depending on what supports they’re accessing (e.g., occupational therapy, psychology, physiotherapy) or to prevent burnout. In some cases, we may recommend:
- A block of parent coaching
- A home practice program
- Participation in a group program
as an alternative or break from one-on-one sessions.
Your therapist will regularly review progress with you and help decide what’s working best and when it might be time to pause, continue, or shift focus.
What Does Speech Therapy Look Like?
Speech therapy can look a little different for every child, and that’s exactly how it should be.
At Speak Listen Learn, therapy is always tailored to your child’s:
- Age and developmental stage
- Individual goals
- Temperament and sensory or attention needs
- Strengths, interests, and preferences
For Younger Children
Therapy is typically play-based, using toys, games, movement, and engaging activities. We focus on creating a positive, fun experience that helps your child feel safe, motivated, and ready to learn. Goals are targeted purposefully through everyday activities, routines and play.
For Older Children
Older children are often able to participate in more structured, focused tasks to work towards their goals, but we still weave in fun, choice, and creativity to keep them engaged.
Therapy Approaches
Some approaches, such as those used for stuttering or speech sound disorders, may follow a more structured format, but these are always adapted to suit your child’s pace and preferences. Many therapists use themes to bring variety and target multiple goals within a session or block of sessions.
Working Together
Speech therapy often includes parent coaching and support, especially for younger children. Equipping families to build language and communication into everyday life is one of the most powerful parts of what we do.
We may also work alongside your child’s teachers, early childhood educators, support workers, or other allied health professionals to provide a holistic and coordinated approach.
At Speak Listen Learn, therapy is always:
- Goal-focused
- Evidence-based
- Collaborative
We’ll make sure you understand the goals we’re working on, how we’re targeting them, and how you can support your child between sessions.
Next Steps
We know that seeking support can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Whether you’re concerned about your child’s speech, language, or social communication, or just want some guidance on what to do next, we’re here to help.
At Speak Listen Learn, we’ll work with you to understand your child, set meaningful goals, and create a therapy plan that’s realistic, engaging, and tailored to their needs.
Ready to get started?
Contact us to speak with one of our friendly team members. You can use the form below, email us at admin@speaklistenlearn.com.au or reach out via phone on (02) 9402 0894.
We’re here for you and your child, every step of the way.
