Frequently Asked Questions
General
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed! You can get in touch with us directly to book an appointment or discuss how we can best support you.
How long are sessions?
Sessions run for 45 minutes face-to-face, plus 15 minutes of non-contact time. This additional time is used for planning therapy, preparing resources, liaising with teachers, writing detailed notes and providing homework tasks.
Do you have a waitlist?
Wait times vary depending on the service. Please get in touch with us for the most up-to-date availability.
Where does therapy happen?
Therapy takes place in your child’s natural environment: at home, school, or childcare within the Adelaide Hills region.
What funding options do you accept?
We accept:
- NDIS (Plan-managed and Self-managed participants)
- Privately funded clients
- Medicare and private health rebates (please note gap payments apply)
What ages do you work with?
We primarily see children aged 2–10 years. As your child approaches their 10th birthday, we’ll begin conversations about next steps. We can provide recommendations for trusted local service providers who support older children and help with a smooth transition.
Getting Started
How do we begin?
- Complete a background form and have a free phone call with us to go over details.
- Some children start with a rapport-building session to help them feel comfortable.
- If no recent assessment has been completed (within 12 months), we’ll begin with one.
How are assessments done?
- We use a combination of tools, observation, and input from parents and teachers to build a full picture of your child’s strengths and areas of need.
- Assessments may be completed in one longer appointment or across multiple shorter sessions, depending on your child.
What happens after the assessment?
- A written report is provided within 2 weeks, which you can share with teachers or other professionals.
- Therapy then begins, usually weekly or fortnightly (45 minutes face-to-face + 15 minutes non-contact time for planning and collaboration).
Therapy Process
What happens if my child doesn’t “cooperate” in a session?
That’s okay - therapy is play-based and flexible. If your child is having an off day, we adapt the session to meet them where they’re at. Building trust and enjoyment is just as important as targeting skills.
What do you mean by terms like 'child-led', 'play-based', and 'neurodiversity-affirming'?
We use a few key terms to describe how we work with children and families:
- Child-led: We follow your child's interests and cues during sessions, rather than forcing rigid activities. This helps them feel safe, empowered, and motivated to communicate.
- Play-based: Play is how children learn best. We build skills through meaningful play, so therapy feels natural, fun, and connected to real life.
- Neurodiversity-affirming: We respect and celebrate all brains and ways of communicating. We don't aim to "fix" a child, but to support them in being their authentic selves, building communication in ways that work for them.
These approaches help children feel understood, valued, and confident, which is exactly what helps their communication blossom.
How long will my child need therapy?
Every child is different. Some may only need a short block of therapy, while others benefit from ongoing support. After the assessment, we’ll discuss what’s recommended for your child and review progress regularly.
Parent Involvement
Do you communicate with my child’s teacher or childcare educator?
Yes - with your consent, we collaborate with educators to support your child consistently across environments. When services are provided at schools or childcare centres, the school and teachers/educators also get a copy of the session notes.
Will I get activities to do at home?
Yes. Home practice is an important part of therapy. We’ll provide practical, easy-to-use ideas that fit into your daily routines.
Do parents need to attend sessions?
Parent and family involvement is always encouraged for the best outcomes, but it’s not required. At schools, for example, parents are often not present for sessions.
Practical Details
What are the costs of sessions?
Our fees align with the current NDIS rate ($193.99 per hour) plus travel.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations made after 3pm the business day prior to your appointment incur a 50% fee. Failure to attend without notice incurs a 100% fee (plus travel, if applicable).
Do you offer online/telehealth sessions?
Yes. For some children, telehealth can be an effective option, particularly for parent coaching.
How far do you travel?
We service most of the Adelaide Hills region and Strathalbyn. A small travel fee applies to each session to fairly cover our travel time. Travel fees are set using average travel times and follow NDIS travel guidelines. We’ll always let you know about any applicable travel fees before your first session.
Do parents need to notify the clinician of pupil-free days, excursions, etc. for school sessions?
Yes, please. While clinicians do their best to keep track, schools don’t always provide updates. To avoid cancellation fees, we ask families to let us know of any changes.
Do sessions run during the school holidays?
Our regular sessions usually follow the school term. Before each holiday break, your clinician will check whether you’d like to book sessions during the holidays. These can be held at home or at OSHC (with OSHC approval). Holidays are also an excellent time for reassessments, parent involvement, and tailoring therapy resources to your home environment.
Reassurance
My child’s speech/language seems “a little behind” - should I wait and see?
Early support makes a big difference. If you have concerns, it’s better to check in sooner rather than later. We can help you decide whether therapy is needed or if simple monitoring is enough.
Get in Touch
Whether you’re ready to get started or simply want to learn more, we’d love to hear from you. We’re here to make speech therapy simple, fun and relaxed — wherever your child learns best.
