Frequently Asked Questions
Getting
started
Q: How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?
A: Common signs include limited vocabulary for their age, difficulty being understood by people outside the family, trouble following instructions, or frustration when trying to communicate. There's no harm in a free phone consult to talk through what you're noticing — many parents find it reassuring even when it turns out to be typical development.
Q: Do I need a referral to see a speech pathologist?
A: No referral is needed to book privately. A referral is only required if you want to access a Medicare rebate (from your GP, or a specialist for the M10 pathway) — you can always book first and sort funding afterwards.
Q: Do you see adults, or only children?
A: Both. AllSALT works across the lifespan — paediatric communication difficulties, and adult/older-adult communication and swallowing difficulties, including neurogenic conditions like stroke and Parkinson's disease.
Paediatric speech & language
Q: My toddler only says a few words — is that normal?
A: It depends on age and the broader pattern of communication (gesture use, understanding, sound range). Some variation is typical, but a phone consult can help you understand whether what you're seeing fits typical development or warrants a closer look.
Q: What's childhood apraxia of speech?
A: A motor speech disorder where a child knows what they want to say but has difficulty coordinating the precise movements needed to say it — it's one of the conditions now covered under the expanded Medicare M10 pathway.
Q: Can speech therapy help with reading and spelling?
A: Yes — literate language (reading, spelling, and written expression) is a core part of paediatric speech pathology, since spoken and written language skills are closely linked.
Q: My child stutters — can that be treated?
A: Yes, stuttering is a recognised area of speech pathology practice, and — as of March 2026 — is also covered under the expanded Medicare M10 pathway for people under 25.
Adults &
aged care
Q: Can speech therapy help after a stroke?
A: Yes — stroke can affect speech clarity (dysarthria), language (aphasia), and swallowing, all areas within AllSALT's adult scope of practice.
Q: Does speech pathology help with Parkinson's disease?
A: Yes — Parkinson's commonly affects speech volume and clarity (hypokinetic dysarthria), an area AllSALT specifically works in.
Q: What is dysphagia and can you help with swallowing difficulties?
A: Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing safely and comfortably. AllSALT assesses and manages dysphagia for adults, including residents in aged care settings.
Telehealth
Where clinically appropriate — telehealth is a legitimate delivery mode for many services, though very young children, dysphagia assessments, and some complex needs are often better served in person or with a blended approach.