Frequently asked questions

WHEN SHOULD I CONTACT MY SPEECH PATHOLOGIST?

Parents are the experts when it comes to their own children. It is never too early to seek advice or support. You may want to reach out to a speech pathologist if:

  • your child's speech is difficult to understand

  • your child has difficulty following instructions

  • you need to repeat information and instructions

  • your child does not have the same vocabulary or ability to form sentences and tell stories as other children their age

  • your child has a stutter

  • your child struggles with reading and spelling

  • your child has difficulty with social communication

If you have any concerns about your child's development, you should contact your doctor to discuss your concerns, or contact a speech pathologist directly.

HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?

You can contact Katelin directly to discuss your concerns and organise a session. You do not need a referral to attend speech pathology.

WHERE CAN MY SESSION TAKE PLACE?

Katelin Dix Speech Pathology offers a wide range of service delivery options, including centre, school and home based sessions. This flexibility ensures that sessions can be conducted in a familiar and comfortable environment for your child.

HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?

Speech pathology is not a quick fix. The number of appointments required will vary depending on the nature and severity of the communication difficulties, and the amount of practice completed at home between therapy appointments. It usually takes a number of months or even years to make significant progress.

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN MY INITIAL ASSESSMENT?

Your initial assessment will involve a case history being taken where questions may be asked about your child's birth, health and development. Your initial assessment will also have opportunities for you to discuss your specific concerns.

Based on this, a formal assessment may be conducted to gather further information that will be used to support treatment.

You may be asked if your child has had their hearing tested recently to rule out hearing loss potentially impacting communication development.

WILL MY CHILD'S SPEECH GET BETTER OVER TIME?

Some children's speech sounds will improve over time without intervention, however this may not be the case for others. Early assessment and intervention can help to support acquisition of speech sounds.

Communication difficulties can impact emotional wellbeing and children can experience frustration. It can also lead to literacy and learning difficulties at school.

IS STUTTERING NORMAL IN CHILDREN?

Many children may have disfluencies (stutters) between the ages of 2-4 when they are developing new language skills. These disfluencies will likely be repetitions of sounds or words, and will not be produced with any great effort. Some stutters will resolve naturally, however this cannot be predicted.

Stuttering can be hereditary. Boys are more likely to develop stutters than girls. Stuttering can impact a child's ability to speak, and can lead to frustration and feelings of anxiety. There is high level of evidence to support early intervention. If you have concerns, contact a speech pathologist to discuss further.

HOW WILL SPEECH PATHOLOGY HELP MY CHILD WITH READING AND SPELLING?

Speech pathology can support foundation literacy skills such as rhyming, identifying consonant and vowel sounds, syllables and blending sounds. Children experiencing difficulties in early primary school may benefit from support with their classroom learning.

DO DELAYED SPEECH AND LANGUAGE SKILLS MEAN MY CHILD WILL HAVE DIFFICULTY READING?

There is a link between delayed speech and language skills and reading and spelling difficulties. Addressing any difficulties in these areas will help to develop foundation literacy skills in order to improve reading and spelling outcomes.

MY QUESTION ISN’T ON HERE…

If you have a question that is not listed here, please reach out to Katelin.