Paediatric
speech pathology
The BillyLids Therapy paediatric speech pathology team helps children under 10 overcome a variety of communication challenges, using play-based therapy filled with fun and games.
How speech therapy can help
Speech Pathology
Every voice deserves to be heard. But for many children, making themselves heard and understood can be challenging. We support children to overcome communication challenges and learn new techniques, including:
- Speech difficulties, including articulation, stuttering, volume and fluency
- Expressive Language challenges, including the ability to express themselves verbally or non-verbally and communicate their needs clearly
- Receptive Language, including understanding speech, such as the ability to comprehend spoken words, sentences, and instructions; the comprehension of non-verbal cues like gestures, facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. Non-verbal cues play an important role in understanding communication. Receptive language also involves following directions and comprehension of vocabulary and concepts.
- Multimodal communication, including gestures, key word signing and AAC (augmentative and alternative communication), such as communication devices
- Literacy, including written and spoken comprehension and reading difficulties
Everyone is welcome
Who we work with
As a paediatric clinic, we work with children under 10 years of age. Whether your child has a disability, you’re working towards a diagnosis or they simply need additional support or early intervention to address speech-related difficulties, our team is here to support you.
We often work with children who have been diagnosed with:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder [levels 1,2, 3]
- ADHD
- Cerebral Palsy
- Down’s Syndrome
- Dyslexia
- Anxiety
- Global Developmental Delay (GDD)
- School readiness concerns
Your child doesn’t need to have a diagnosis, or be working towards one, to see us at BillyLids Therapy.
book a discovery callOur approach to therapy
Play-based Therapy
Play-based therapy is at the heart of what we do at BillyLids. Our speech pathologists specialise in working with children using engaging activities to help your child learn new words, improve their articulation, and understand different aspects of language. By using engaging games, toys, books, and other interactive resources, we implement evidence-based therapeutic techniques that support your child’s development.
Your child’s speech therapist will assess and diagnose your child’s level of ability and design a program to support them. Depending on your child’s needs, this might include communication aids and methods, such as signs, symbols, gestures and other forms of assisted communication.
We work in your world
Community visits
It’s important to see your child in their own environment, which is why our speech pathologists love to get out and see children away from the clinic. Your therapist can visit you in your home or conduct sessions at childcare, kindy or school.
We love working with teachers and educators to help support your billylid in their own space. In fact, we find that many of the resources we provide for the children we work with in an education environment, such as key word signing, ultimately create a more inclusive and welcoming space for everyone.
Frequently asked questions
How do I pay for speech therapy? Is there funding available?
Privately paying and funded clients are welcome at BillyLids Therapy. Our speech pathologists all have Medicare numbers, and we provide therapy for NDIS clients. You may be able to claim under your private health insurance. See our Fees & Funding page for more information.
What is the process to start at BillyLids Therapy?
While it can differ from child to child, our process generally looks like this:
1. A discovery call. We’ll arrange a 15 minute complimentary discovery call to discuss your child’s needs, match them with the right therapist and book in your appointment times. Most of the children we see benefit from routine, and visit us at the same time each week or each fortnight.
2. Parent/carer initial appointment. The first formal appointment will be between you, the parent or carer, and your child’s therapist. This is an opportunity to discuss your child’s needs in detail, review their development, reflect on any previous therapy and to set goals together. You’re welcome to visit us at the clinic or we can meet over Zoom.
3. Your child’s initial appointment. Our first appointment is all about building rapport and making your child feel comfortable in the clinic. We’ll observe and make non-formal assessments to guide our next appointments. The main goal here is for them to have fun with us and look forward to their next appointment!
4. Formal assessment. During appointments 3 to 5, we typically make our formal assessments. While there’s structure to these appointments, we still focus on making them fun for your child.
5. Intervention. Generally from appointment 5, we start our language interventions. While it sometimes looks like it’s all play, there’s always a well-planned therapeutic goal at the heart of everything we do. Our speech pathologists are experienced working with kids, so they’re constantly mixing it up, finding new ways to play and keeping them engaged.
Can I see a speech pathologist and occupational therapist at BillyLids Therapy?
Absolutely – many of our clients do! One of our goals was to create a multidisciplinary clinic exclusively for kids. As mums and healthcare professionals, we know the challenges that can come with accessing care for children. We wanted to make it easier, and to create a safe, familiar and welcoming environment for children. We can discuss your needs during our initial discovery call.
Does my child need to have a diagnosis to see a speech pathologist?
No – many of our clients don’t have a formal diagnosis. Some may be working towards receiving a diagnosis and require formal reports, while others just need some additional support for speech-related difficulties.
Do I need a referral to see a speech pathologist?
A referral isn’t required to see a speech pathologist. However, if your child is eligible for a Medicare rebate, you will need to get a referral from your GP. Speech pathology can also be accessed as part of a NDIS plan.
Can my child receive bulk billed Speech Pathology?
Your child may be eligible for an Enhanced Primary Care plan [EPC] which gives them access to up to five subsidised visits to allied health practitioners, such as Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists, per calendar year. Please see your doctor or GP who will assess your child’s eligibility. For further information please see our blog post: Navigating Funding Options for Children’s Allied Health Services
Funding and Fees
BillyLids Therapy welcomes all clients, including privately paying, NDIS-funded and Medicare-eligible children. Your child is able to access therapy in our clinic with or without a diagnosis or referral.
Book a Discovery Call
Let’s organise a time to chat through how our allied health specialists can support your child to shine.
Please note we only work with children under 10 years old.
contact
Chat to us
gday@billylidstherapy.com.auPhone
1300 424 559
Resources and Insights
We love sharing what we know. Our team of therapists regularly contribute articles, research and resources to help you support your child at home.
Play Matters: Occupational Therapy Insights
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One Toy – 10 [or more] Ways: Pikler Climbing Frame
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Language Development in Early Childhood
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