Whilst we've listed answers to some
frequently asked questions, we understand
your concerns and anxieties over your
children and any assistance they may need.
As such we invite you to contact us if you
require any additional information.
(Click the +
signs to display/hide answers)
- Who is Speech4Kids?
- Answer:
Speech4Kids represents the amalgamation
of two well known speech pathology
practices (Felicia Schmaman and Lara
Lasnitzki's Brainstorm Speech Pathology)
delivering specialist speech pathology
services to children through to
adolescence.
Situated
at 561 North Road Ormond, Speech4Kids
provides speech pathology services to
schools, kinders and private patients
across Melbourne's South Eastern
suburbs.
Speech4Kids is an ASD approved provider
with particular expertise in learning
and communication difficulties including
comprehensive treatment for:
Our
practice beliefs are based on best
practice recommendations by our
professional industry body, Speech
Pathology Australia, and include:
-
Being
child-focused, always acting in
their best interests.
-
Delivering quality therapy by
qualified speech pathologists.
-
Providing motivational and age
appropriate therapy.
-
Providing a comfortable and safe
therapy environment.
-
Clearly explaining therapy goals,
services and outcomes.
-
A
professional, ethical and
compassionate approach.
- Concerned with your child's speech?
-
Answer:
Many children experience difficulties developing their speech and more
broadly their ability to communicate effectively. As parents and
teachers we have the difficult task of monitoring development, and where
necessary seeking assistance. Whilst many issues are age appropriate and
resolve over time, research shows more serious matters benefit from
early detection and treatment.
We suggest you look out for some early warning signs listed below and
where concerned discuss them with your school/kinder/crèche or contact a
qualified speech pathologist:
-
limited vocabulary when compared with
peers
-
a repeated need for directions on
tasks
-
difficulty understanding written
materials
-
a reluctance to speak, especially to
new people
-
aggression or signs of frustration
-
difficulty with story-telling or
written language
- What
can I expect?
- Answer:
Although different for each client, traditionally the process is as
follows:
Initial Contact: The clinician will discuss reasons for your
concern, record a brief case history and schedule an appointment.
Assessment: A detailed history is recorded, in addition to
assessment measures and observation.
Intervention: Regular individual / group sessions are common.
Involvement from other team members including parents is encouraged.
Home practice is often suggested to encourage generalisation and faster
progress. Regular feedback is provided.
- Where
is therapy conducted?
- Answer:
Therapy sessions are available at a variety of locations including our
clinic (see details and map in the 'Contact Us' section), schools /
crèches and in homes across Melbourne's South East.
- What
about fees, private insurance & govt
funding?
- Answer:
Our fees reflect a balance between affordable access to quality services
and fair remuneration. We periodically review our fee structure ensuring
they remain inline with other speech pathology practices and reflect the
professional qualifications and service levels we deliver. Speech
pathology services are GST free.
You may be able to claim some of the costs of our services from your
private health insurance. We recommend you contact your fund for further
details.
In certain circumstances there is local and / or Commonwealth funding
available for speech pathology services. Speech4Kids is an approved Speech Pathology provider under the ‘Early Intervention Service Provider Panel’, for Helping Children with Autism and Better Start packages administered by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA). Children who are diagnosed before age 6 years with either Autism, Fragile X Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy or Hearing Impairment including children with a cochlear implant, can register with FaHCSIA to access these packages (up to $12,000 per child over 2 years, eligibility criteria apply).Please contact us
to discuss your circumstances and assist in investigating this and other
funding options.
- How do
I contact Speech4Kids?
- Answer:
Contact one of the practice principals Felicia Schmaman or Lara
Lasnitzki on 1300 701 737 during office
hours. Alternatively complete our inquiry email on the 'Contact Us'
section of this website.
- Any career opportunities at Speech4Kids?
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