Frequently Asked Questions
Fees and Private Health Fund Rebates
Please phone Reception on (03) 9499 8911 to enquire about our fees.
We have HICAPS for private health claiming on the day of your appointment.
Payments can be made by EFTPOS, direct transfer and Medipass.
SPA Code of Ethics
Our Speech Pathologists adhere to the Speech Pathology Australia Code of Ethics. We are committed to high standards of ethical practice and professional conduct at all times.
Privacy
Click here to read our full Privacy Policy.
Feedback
We strive to provide a high-quality Speech Pathology service at all times. If you have concerns about any aspect of our service, please discuss this directly with the Practice Manager. Your feedback is always appreciated and helps us to continually improve and maintain our high quality service.
Cancellation Policy
Please read this policy carefully. Booking an appointment at Speech Results means that you accept the terms of this policy.
If you have any questions about our cancellation policy, please chat to us. We are appreciative that most of our clients attend their scheduled appointments and adhere to this policy without any issues.
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If for some reason you need to cancel or reschedule your child’s appointment, we require at least 2 business days’ notice for private clients and 2 days’ notice for NDIS clients, or you will incur a fee (listed below).. We prefer a phone call within business hours, but you may also contact us by SMS and email. We do not have reception staff on the weekend, so any messages on the weekend are received on the Monday morning.
With short notice, it is unlikely that your therapist will re-fill your cancelled appointment. We do appreciate as much notice as possible, as this might allow your therapist to offer the appointment to another client on the waiting list. -
Most of our clients hold a regular appointment time slot, either weekly or fortnightly. For this reason, we also have a policy around the number of appointments you can reasonably ask to cancel or reschedule without incurring a fee.
If you cancel frequently, (that is, you attend less than 80% of your scheduled appointments, even though you have provided notice) you may incur a fee.
Alternatively, we may advise that we unable to hold the regular / preferred appointment time for your child and offer this time slot to another family.
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We do understand that all children get sick sometimes, and that this might occur on the day of your appointment. We ask that you don’t bring sick or infectious children into the clinic to protect our staff and other children from illness. If your child has a runny nose but is otherwise well, we may be able to offer a Telehealth session instead. Our therapists generally need some notice in order to plan an online session; we will let you know if this is possible.
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We send text message and email reminders, but these should not be relied upon. We ask you to keep track of any appointments you have made and to cross-check these with your child’s other activities such as school excursions.
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Our short notice cancellation / non-attendance fees are as follows:
‣ Short notice (or frequent) cancellation fee: Full session fee
‣ Non-attendance fee: Full session fee
‣ NDIS Clients: Full session fee
Please note:
‣ Medicare and Private Health funds cannot be used to cover cancellation fees.
‣ The NDIS scheme does cover late notice cancellation fees. -
We understand that life gets busy. However, a missed appointment without notice is considered a non-attendance, and the full session fee will apply. This is because your therapist has set aside that time just for your child, and it’s unlikely we’ll be able to re-fill the spot at short notice.
If you realise you've missed an appointment, please contact our reception team on (03) 9499 8911 as soon as possible.
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Yes. While we prefer a phone call during business hours, you’re welcome to notify us by email or SMS. We check these messages regularly during the week. Please note that our reception team is unavailable on weekends, so cancellations sent on Saturday or Sunday are received on Monday morning.
To avoid cancellation fees, please allow at least 2 business days’ notice for private clients and 2 days’ notice for NDIS clients.
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Yes - our cancellation policy applies to both in-clinic and Telehealth appointments. Your therapist prepares for each session regardless of format, so short notice cancellations or non-attendance for Telehealth are charged the same fee.
If your child is unwell on the day but still able to participate online, we may be able to switch to Telehealth. Please contact us early so we can advise if this is possible.
General FAQs
Helpful information for families new to speech therapy.
Please phone Reception on (03) 9499 8911 if your question is not answered here.
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Stuttering is a common issue in young children. Many children experience a brief period of stuttering, which then resolves on its own. The onset of stuttering is usually between age 2 and 4 years. If your child has been stuttering for just a few weeks don’t worry. It is safe to wait for a few months to see if the stuttering resolves naturally.
You should make an appointment for a Speech Pathology assessment if:
There is a family history of stuttering
The stuttering seems to be severe
The child is distressed by the stuttering, or avoiding speaking situations
One or both parents feel concerned about the stuttering
The child has been stuttering for six months or longer
The child is stuttering and will soon be going to school
Young children (up to the age of 6 years) respond well to a stuttering treatment program known as the Lidcombe Program. The staff at Speech Results are highly experienced in the assessment and treatment of stuttering. First we assess the child by taking a detailed case history and taking a number of measurements of the child’s level of stuttering. The parents are also trained to measure the severity of stuttering.
The first phase of the treatment program normally involves 3-4 months of weekly appointments in the clinic, with daily home practice provided by the parents. The second phase involves less frequent visits to the clinic to ensure that a high level of fluency is maintained.
If you have more questions about your child stuttering, please contact us. -
We are often asked to help manage stuttering in children who are aged 7-12 years.
Working with primary school children who stutter is a little more challenging than working with preschoolers and children up to age 6. The Lidcombe program works best with children up until age 6 or 7 years.
Some reasons that children are still stuttering after age 7 include:
Parents were unable to access therapy for the child when he /she was a preschooler
Parents were given advice to wait and see (this is definitely not our advice, please seek an assessment from a trained stuttering therapist when your child is young)
The child commenced therapy but did not complete both Stage 1 and 2 of the Lidcombe Program
The child completed treatment successfully but relapsed
The child had an unusually late onset of stuttering
At Speech Results we are happy to offer assessments and second opinions to determine the best options for your school-aged child if you are concerned about stuttering.
For older primary school children, the Lidcombe program may need to be modified, or other strategies to reduce stuttering trialled.
Success is not guaranteed in this age group, as there are many factors involved, including the child's own motivation and ability to self-monitor their fluency.
If you are seeking a second opinion we will discuss your child’s current treatment program, rate of progress, the outlook for improved fluency outcomes and other treatment options.
The parent who has had primary involvement in running the Lidcombe Program with the child should attend the second opinion appointment. Any other Speech Pathology reports would also be helpful.
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At Speech Results we frequently assess and provide advice for children who have problems articulating the consonant sounds /s/ and /z/. There are two common problems with /s/ sounds: Inter-dental /s/ and Lateral /s/.
Interdental /s/
Speech Pathologists refer to this pattern as inter-dental /s/ because it involves placement of the tongue between the teeth. The effect is a distorted sound which can be similar to the /th/ sound. The problem can be acoustic (inaccurate sound), cosmetic (the child’s tongue is very prominent during speech) or both. Usually only the /s/ and /z/ sounds are affected, but some children may also have inter-dental productions of the sounds /t, d, n, sh, ch, and j/.
This pattern is quite common in young children, and may resolve without therapy by about 5 years of age. Use of a dummy, or finger / thumb sucking tend to promote a forward tongue pattern, and we recommend that these issues are addressed as soon as possible. Any medical issues such as large tonsils or adenoids also need to be investigated, so that the child is able to breathe through the nose and keep the lips and jaw closed.
If the inter-dental /s/ does not resolve naturally, therapy will be required. Treatment is very effective in children aged 8 to 10 years, when at least the first 8 adult teeth have appeared. These children often have an associated problem, known as a tongue thrust swallow, or forward swallow which also needs to be treated.
Lateral /s/
The lateral /s/ has a different quality to the inter-dental /s/. It is a slushy and distorted sound which gives the child’s speech an unusual quality. The lateral /s/ is produced when the child directs air down the sides of the mouth instead of centrally along the tongue. Some children respond quickly and easily to treatment, while others may find it more difficult to change this pattern.
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How should my child be communicating at 12 months?
‣ 12 Month Milestones
How many gestures should my child be making at 16 months?
‣ 16 Gestures by 16 Months
My child is 18 months. What should I expect?
‣ 18 Month Milestones
How many words should my child have at 2 years?
‣ 2 Year Milestones
I'm not sure if I should be worried about my 3 year old or not.
‣ 3 Year Milestones
What should my 4 year old be able to say and understand?
‣ 4 Year Milestones
My child is 5 years old. Should I be worried about his/her speech?
‣ 5 Year Milestones -
The diagnostic features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be easy to miss in young children. Looking for possible red flags or early signs may help to find children at risk for ASD, and in need of a diagnostic evaluation.
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No referral is needed to book an appointment at Speech Results. You can contact our reception team directly to arrange an initial consultation.
If you’re seeking Medicare rebates, you’ll need a referral from a GP or Paediatrician - we can guide you through this process if needed.
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If your child is difficult to understand, not meeting communication milestones, or avoiding speaking situations, it’s worth seeking an assessment.
You don’t need to wait for a referral - we’re happy to offer advice and help you decide whether therapy is needed.
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Yes. We encourage parents to attend and participate in sessions, especially for younger children. Your involvement helps us understand your child’s communication in everyday settings and supports therapy outcomes.
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Some children are late talkers, but early support can make a big difference. If your child is 18 months or older and not using words, or if you’re concerned about their communication, we recommend booking an assessment. We’ll help you understand what’s typical and what might need support.
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Difficulty following instructions may be a sign of receptive language delay. We can assess how well your child understands and processes spoken language, and provide strategies to support their development at home and in educational settings.
Assessment and Treatment FAQs
Common queries about our Assessment and Treatment process.
Please phone Reception on (03) 9499 8911 if your question is not answered here.
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Your first appointment includes a case history and observation of your child. To help us understand their background, please bring:
Your child’s Child Health Record book
Any referral letters, reports or paperwork from doctors, specialists or educators
A list of any concerns or questions you’d like to discuss
A favourite toy or snack to help your child feel comfortable
If your child has a complex birth or medical history, having details on hand will make it easier for your clinician to build an accurate picture. No need to prepare your child in any special way - we keep the session relaxed and play-based.
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This varies depending on your child’s age, needs and developmental profile.
Assessments may take one to three sessions. You’ll receive clear feedback and next steps after each visit.
Therapy can be weekly or fortnightly, based on your goals and availability. Some children need short-term support, while others benefit from longer-term therapy.
We’ll help you decide what’s most appropriate after the assessment. If you’re unsure, feel free to chat with our reception team or your clinician.
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Yes, we provide speech pathology assessments as part of broader autism diagnostic pathways.
Our autism assessments usually include:
Two clinic-based sessions
One observation at your child’s school, kinder or childcare
Collaboration with other professionals where needed
These assessments focus on your child’s communication, social interaction and developmental profile. We’ll give you clear written feedback and support you through next steps.
Please contact us for a cost estimate or if you're working with an NDIS plan.
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Yes - we offer play-based speech and language support for children under 4.
Toddler sessions focus on:
Early communication, including gestures, sounds and first words
Parent-child interaction, including tips to support language growth at home
Gentle observation and informal speech/language samples
If you’re not sure whether your child is on track, we’re happy to offer an initial consultation. Early support can make a big difference.
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Yes, we support families using:
NDIS plans (Self-Managed and Plan-Managed only)
Private Health Insurance (check with your provider for rebates)
Medicare Chronic Disease Management Plans (ask your GP)
We’ll provide item codes and invoices so you can claim funding directly. For NDIS participants, make sure your plan includes capacity building or allied health services.
If you're unsure, contact us and we’ll help you explore your options.
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Your speech pathologist will ask questions about your child’s development, medical history and communication concerns. They’ll observe your child during play or conversation, and may use formal or informal tests to assess speech, language, comprehension and social interaction. The goal is to build a clear picture of your child’s strengths and needs.
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Most sessions run for 45–60 minutes, depending on your child’s age, goals and attention span. Shorter sessions may be recommended for younger children or specific therapy types.
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It depends on your child’s needs and goals. Some children attend weekly, others fortnightly. Your therapist will recommend a schedule that balances progress with family routines.
Telehealth FAQs
Key questions about accessing speech pathology services via Telehealth.
Please phone Reception on (03) 9499 8911 if your question is not answered here.
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Yes. Most children can be supported effectively online. We tailor each session to suit your child’s age, attention span and communication needs. If Telehealth isn’t suitable, we’ll recommend an in-clinic visit.
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We use interactive games, screen-sharing and child-led activities to keep children involved. For younger children, we coach parents to use toys and play at home to support therapy goals.
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Yes. Telehealth is an approved delivery method under NDIS. We’ll help ensure your plan goals are supported and provide documentation as needed.
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You’ll need a stable internet connection and a laptop, desktop or tablet. A smartphone is suitable for history sessions only. Headphones and a microphone are optional but recommended, especially for children with hearing concerns.
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Yes. Many parents prefer to discuss background information privately before the child joins. We’ll arrange the session to suit your family’s needs.
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You’ll need a device with a camera and microphone (like a laptop, tablet or smartphone), a stable internet connection, and a quiet, well-lit space. Headphones can help reduce background noise.
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Yes - many assessments can be done via Telehealth, especially for speech, language and literacy. Your therapist will let you know if any parts need to be done in person.
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It can be! Sessions are play-based and engaging, and a parent or caregiver is usually involved to support the child. Some children thrive with Telehealth, while others may need in-person support - your therapist will guide you.
Funding FAQs
Important questions about Funding options for Speech Therapy, including NDIS, Medicare and private health rebates.
Please phone Reception on (03) 9499 8911 if your question is not answered here.
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Children with Self-Managed or Plan-Managed NDIS plans can use their funding for speech pathology services at Speech Results.
We’re not able to support NDIA-managed plans, as this requires providers to be registered with the NDIS.
If you're unsure how your plan is managed, feel free to contact our team - we’re happy to help clarify your options.
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In some cases, yes. Medicare rebates may be available through a Chronic Condition Management (CCM) plan, which is assessed and prepared by your GP.
This plan is designed for children with complex care needs involving two or more health providers. If eligible, it offers up to 5 subsidised sessions per calendar year, with a current rebate of $61.80 per session.
Your GP will determine eligibility and provide the appropriate referral. Please note, most providers charge above the rebate amount, so there may be an out-of-pocket cost.
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Possibly. Most private health funds offer rebates for speech pathology under extras cover, but the amount and eligibility vary. We recommend contacting your provider directly. We’ll provide itemised invoices to support your claim.
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Medicare rebates for speech pathology are available under the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, which is assessed and prepared by your GP.
As of July 2025, the rebate amount for eligible sessions is:
$72.65 per session, with a Medicare benefit of $61.80 (85% of the scheduled fee)
This rebate applies to up to 5 sessions per calendar year, and is subject to change. Most providers charge above the rebate amount, so there may be an out-of-pocket cost.
For the latest details, visit:
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Our Reception team is happy to help.
You can call us on (03) 9499 8911 to discuss your child’s situation and funding eligibility.