FAQS
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD NEEDS SPEECH THERAPY?
It can be difficult to know whether your child needs speech language therapy - the best thing to do is to give me a call so that we can discuss your concerns. Families often wonder if they should 'wait and see' - the early years of your child's life are very important in building strong language and social skills. Research shows that early intervention is very powerful and can make a big difference.
For information on general speech and language milestones, click here.
CAN I ACCESS BOTH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SLT?
Your child is able to access both private speech language therapy as well as the services provided by the Ministry of Education. It is important that both public and private SLTs work collaboratively to ensure the best outcomes for your child. If your child is receiving MoE services, I will work to ensure that any plans or programs I am implementing complement the work that you are already doing.
DO I NEED TO ATTEND THE APPOINTMENT?
Where possible, it is great for a family member to attend the appointment, to see what is happening in therapy sessions and to identify how to implement 'home' work at home. Where this is not possible, information will be provided to you about your child's session, as well as feedback on helpful strategies and activities to follow up with at home. It is important to complete follow up activities, to ensure that your child is able to generalise new skills in their every day environment. Speech Language Therapy is like learning any new skill - the more you practice, the faster you see results!
HOW OFTEN DOES MY CHILD NEED TO ATTEND SPEECH THERAPY?
In most cases, weekly or fortnightly therapy is recommended to ensure progress - this gives you the opportunity to practice new skills between therapy sessions, while also providing frequent opportunities for the speech therapist to evaluate progress and identify new skills to target.
In cases where weekly sessions are not possible, I am able to work with you to determine a program that suits your family, while still providing you with the support needed to make progress.
HOW MUCH DO SESSIONS COST?
Initial consultations are 1 hour and cost $130. Initial consults include discussion and case history, as well as observation and informal assessment. A one hour initial consultation is usually sufficient for the assessment of:
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Fluency
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Articulation (Speech)
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Straightforward expressive language delay
If no other testing is required, a one page summary of the screening consultation is provided free of charge to the family.
Comprehensive formal assessment can take 1-2 sessions and costs $150 per session. This will be discussed after the initial consult and agreed on with the family prior to the assessment taking place. A report can be provided at an additional cost of $120.
Therapy sessions are 45 minutes and cost $115.
WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL AN APPOINTMENT?
Please let me know as soon as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Where possible, 24 hours notice is appreciated, to give other families an opportunity to take the free appointment time. Cancellations require a minimum of 2 hours notice. In cases where appointments are not cancelled within 2 hours of the appointment time, or when families do not attend appointments, 100% of the session fee will be charged. A make up session is offered within two weeks of the original appointment.
A text message is sent to you on the morning of your appointment as a reminder.
HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
If you would like to make an appointment, you can contact me by phone or email.
Phone: 021 0279 9566
Email: donna@wordplay.nz