Overview

Why a Best Start Clinic Speech Therapist?

Best Start Clinic Speech Therapists are trained to assess and treat individuals who have a communication disability. Degree qualified, Best Start Clinic Speech Therapists are trained in all aspects of communication, including speech, language, social skills, literacy, voice, fluency and alternative means of communication. In some cases, Speech Therapists provide assistance and therapy to those experiencing difficulties swallowing food or drink.

Best Start Clinic Speech Therapist’s provide an individualised approach to speech pathology support and consultative support alongside holistic programs such as ESDM and ABA. Best Start Clinic provide a one to one ratio as well as group sessions, where appropriate.

Best Start Clinic Speech Therapist’s provide services across a range of settings, including in the Best Start Clinic, within the home, at school, and within a Kindergarten or Childcare setting. Assessments are also provided, working in conjunction with the Best Start Clinic team.

Best Start Clinic Speech Therapists work in a range of ways, including:

Goal-setting on specialised programs for children with Autism, such as ESDM and ABA

  • Developing alternative forms of communication support (eg communication boards, visuals, signs, speech generating devices)
  • Working within a child care centre with a group of children who are hard to understand
  • Working with a school child who can’t understand what his teacher says
  • Assisting children and adults who are learning to read
  • Providing communication strategies for a person with intellectual disability
  • Running specialist programs for children with language delays
  • Specialist intervention for children with childhood apraxia of speech, with PROMPT trained therapists
  • Working with a students who stutters, following the LIDCOMBE Program
  • Parent language and communication workshops, following the HANEN program
  • Coordinating the management of clients and working as part of a multi-disciplinary team
  • Rehabilitating of speech and language functions following brain injury
  • Providing education for teachers, doctors or parents
  • Treating a person who has swallowing problems

Signs to look for when your child is developing speech
At 6 months your child should be:
  • Babbling
  • Turning their head or eyes toward a sound
  • Watching your face when you speak
At 12 months your child should be:
  • Saying their first words e.g. dad, mum
  • Pointing to things that they want and bring toys to show you
  • Understanding 3-50 words
At two years your child should be:
  • Using more than 50 words
  • Beginning to combine words, such as “push car”
  • Following simple one-step instructions
  • Understood 50-75% of the time
At three years your child should be:
  • Using lots of words (approximately 300)
  • Using simple sentences of 3-4 words, such as “big car go”
  • Naming things they know well and answer simple questions
  • Understood 75-100% of the time
At four years your child should be:
  • Have excellent clarity of speech, with most speech sounds
  • Begin to comprehend and use complex sentences
  • Use and understand ‘when’ and ‘how’ questions

If your child is not using these skills, you may wish to seek help from a speech pathologist.

You may also want to seek help if your child:
  • Loses skills e.g. stops using words
  • Interacts poorly with adults or children
  • Gets stuck on words (stutters) a lot when they speak
  • Has had a hoarse/croaky voice for a long time, not from a cold or flu
  • Has difficulty swallowing or eating
  • Is experiencing academic difficulties

Steps towards help

Positive steps you can take if you are concerned about your child's development

If you are worried about your child’s speech or language development, please contact the Best Start Clinic in Brighton or Geelong directly Contact us. An initial appointment or brief screening appointment can help answer your questions or give insight into the possible need for or benefits of speech therapy.

Note that no referral from your doctor is needed to see a speech pathologist, however please speak to your GP or paediatrician for funding eligibility. Some health insurance funds also provide rebates for speech therapy.

Speech Pathologist - Anika Kirkman

Further Information

Research is a good start. You can always contact Speech Pathology Australia, the official body representing speech pathologists, the professionals who work with and advocate for people who have a communication disability.

Disclaimer

To the best of The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited’s (“the Association”) knowledge, this information is valid at the time of publication. The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content or accuracy of the material in this publication. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of the information provided. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this publication.