FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Neurodiversity refers to the unique neurological differences within the human mind, encompassing identities like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more.

A neurodiversity-affirming approach means we believe in a strengths-based perspective on developmental differences, embracing the fact that not all children follow the same developmental pathway. We look at children holistically, supporting their neurodivergent identities rather than molding them to fit societal expectations set for neurotypical individuals.

At The Speech & OT Co., we’re passionate about understanding each child’s unique development, highlighting their strengths, interests, and differences, and identifying areas where they may need support.

Our speech therapists support your child’s communication skills through early intervention, speech sound correction, and language development strategies. We work on building clear speech, understanding words, and using language to connect with others. For children not using spoken words, we can explore options like visuals, key word signs, and augmentative communication (AAC).

We use a neurodiversity-affirming approach, helping your child understand their unique communication style and advocating for their needs at school or in social settings. Our goal is to empower your child to communicate confidently across home, school, and community environments.

Occupational therapists help children build independence and confidence in daily tasks like dressing, eating, handwriting, and playing. We work with families and teachers to create supportive environments—whether that’s making a classroom more sensory-friendly or providing routines for home.

Our approach values neurodiversity, meaning we work with your child’s natural ways of thinking and processing rather than trying to change them. We’re here to support skills that matter to your child and family, from fine motor tasks (like tying shoelaces) to managing emotions and transitions.

We work with children from 0-12 years old, addressing each stage of their development and focusing on early intervention when it can be most effective. 

We offer sessions at our clinics in Glenroy and Chelsea Heights, as well as outreach services in homes, schools, kindergartens, childcares, and community spaces. You can check to see if you fall within our catchment area for mobile sessions through our Service Area Map.

To start the booking process, please fill out our Intake Form. Once we have a spot that suits you, our admin team will reach out to arrange your first session. 

We currently have a waitlist of approximately 3 to 12 months, depending on your location, availability, and support needs. If you’d like more information on current wait times, please feel free to contact us.

Your child is unique and every child is different! Some children may benefit from short-term support, while others might continue for a longer period. We'll keep you updated regularly and adjust the plan as needed. 

Absolutely! We encourage parental involvement, as it can help reinforce progress at home. Our team will guide you on activities you can do with your child to support their growth and development.

No referral is necessary to book an appointment with us. However, if you’re seeking Medicare rebates, a referral is required to access that funding stream. For more information about funding options and how they work, please visit our Funding page. 

Yes! Our therapists are experienced in working with children diagnosed with autism, ADHD, developmental delays, and other conditions. We tailor our approach to meet the unique needs of every child.