FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the questions we hear most often.
While these answers may help, the quickest way to get guidance tailored to your situation is to reach out to us directly.

Q: Why has speech pathology been recommended for my child?

A: Speech pathology helps children build strong communication skills, which are essential for learning, friendships, and confidence. An assessment helps identify your child’s strengths and needs so therapy can be tailored to support their development.

Q: Will an initial assessment be necessary?

A: A speech pathology assessment helps identify your child’s communication strengths and areas that may need support. It allows the therapist to understand how your child listens, understands, talks, and interacts. The results guide an individualised therapy plan to help your child build confidence and reach their full communication potential. We will also provide a clear report with our recommendations.

Q: Do I need a referral to see a speech pathologist?

A: You don’t need a referral to book an assessment or therapy sessions. However, if you have a Chronic Condition Management Plan from your GP or a letter from your paediatrician, please bring it along.

Q: How long will I need to wait for an appointment?

A: You shouldn’t have to wait too long for an assessment. We aim to schedule assessments within about two weeks for families, especially if you have some flexibility with appointment times.

Q: How Long Are Therapy Sessions?

A: We typically recommend 45-minute sessions to allow enough time to address all therapy goals, provide feedback, and assign activities to work on between sessions.

Q: Do You Provide Off-Site Therapy Sessions?

A: We aim to make therapy as convenient and effective as possible for your child and family. Usually, we start with the first session in our clinic so we can get to know your child. After that, we can arrange sessions in the clinic, at your child’s preschool/school, or online.

Q: How Frequently Will My Child Attend Therapy?

A: The frequency of therapy sessions depends on your child’s individual needs and goals. In most cases, sessions are recommended once a week. Weekly speech pathology sessions help children make steady progress by providing regular practice and reinforcement of new skills. Consistent sessions allow the therapist to build momentum, adjust goals as your child improves, and support carryover of skills into daily life. Regular attendance also helps children feel more comfortable and confident in therapy, leading to stronger long-term outcomes.

Q: How long will my child need therapy?

A: Every child is different. The length of therapy depends on your child’s goals, their rate of progress, and how often they attend sessions and practise skills at home.

Q: What Funding Options Are Available at Your Clinic?

A: We are able to see self-managed and plan-managed NDIS clients. If you have a subsidised plan from your GP or paediatrician, we can assist you with claiming Medicare rebates. If you have private health insurance, you may be able to claim a rebate for speech pathology sessions depending on your level of cover.

Q: How can I help my child at home?

A: The best way to help is through play, reading, and everyday conversations. Your speech pathologist will give you specific strategies to use at home to build on what your child is learning in sessions.

Q: Do you offer telehealth sessions?

A: Yes! We provide therapy online for families who prefer the convenience of telehealth. Many children enjoy online sessions and make excellent progress from the comfort of their own home.

Q: Why Isn’t My Child Talking?

A: It’s natural to be concerned if your child hasn’t started talking as expected. There are many reasons why a child might experience a speech delay. If you have concerns, it’s always best to seek professional advice.

Every child develops at their own pace, but if your child isn’t using words by around 18 months or short phrases by age 2–3, it’s a good idea to check in with a speech pathologist. There can be many reasons for late talking, such as hearing issues, developmental differences, or needing more language exposure. A speech pathologist can assess your child’s skills and help you support their communication so they can reach their full potential.

At Mosman Language and Learning Centre, we can help identify areas where your child may benefit from therapy. Research shows that early intervention can make a significant difference in supporting speech and language development.

Q: At What Age Should I Be Concerned About My Child’s Speech?

A: Every child develops speech and language skills at their own pace, but there are general milestones that can guide when to seek support. You may want to consult a speech pathologist if your child is:

• Not using words by around 18 months
• Not combining words into short sentences by age 2
• Difficult for others to understand by age 3–4
• Making limited progress with speech sounds or language over time

If you’re unsure, it’s always best to have your child assessed early. Early support can make a big difference in helping them build clear and confident communication skills.