Speech Pathology, sometimes referred to as speech therapy, is an allied health profession that focuses on the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of communication and swallowing difficulties in individuals of all ages. Speech Pathologist’ are University qualified health professionals.

​​

Speech Pathologists can help you when you are having trouble understanding and talking with others. They can help with reading, spelling and using technology and other ways to communicate. They can also help win you are having trouble swallowing, which can make eating and drinking difficult.  Speech pathologists have a collaborative approach and can work with other healthcare professionals, families and caregivers to support individuals’ communication and swallowing needs.

​

Anyone can see a Speech Pathologist for an assessment. The Speech Pathologist will work with you to find treatment and services that are right for you. You do not need a referral to see a speech pathologist, however, you will need a referral from your GP if you wish to access medicare rebates.

​

Some of the people accessing speech pathology include:

• preschoolers who are having trouble communicating, or have speech that is difficult to understand

• people who have a developmental language disorder that affects their ability to talk and understand others

• people who have difficulties with their speech, including childhood apraxia of speech (CAS)

• neurodivergent people, such as those who are autistic

• people who find it hard to learn to read and spell

• people who stutter

• people with acquired brain injury, for example due to a car accident or stroke

• people at risk of choking or who have difficulty eating and drinking safely

• people with physical, cognitive, and/or sensory disabilities

• people who find it hard, or are unable, to communicate through speech and use alternative or augmentative communication (AAC) methods, for example, an electronic communication device or communication board

• people with neurological conditions that increase over time such as motor neurons disease, Parkinson’s or dementia

• people with communication or swallowing difficulties related to a mental illness or related to medication taken to treat mental illness

• children and young people with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties who have underlying communication needs that may be masked by concerning behaviours.

​

Vital Health & Wellbeing Centre offers speech pathology via Telehealth virtual sessions or home visits, where required