Speech Pathology
What do Paediatric Speech Pathologists do?
Paediatric Speech Pathologists work with children with difficulties in the areas of articulation (speech), language, stuttering, voice and social skills. For example, children:
- Who are 2 years of age and not yet talking
- Who have difficulty following instructions
- Who have difficulty joining words together to make sentences or tend to use the wrong words
- Whose speech is difficult to understand (for example, mixing up or leaving out sounds in words)
- Who have a husky or strained voice
- Who present with a stutter which interrupts their flow of words.
Some paediatric Speech Pathologists also work with children who are presenting with feeding difficulties. For example, children who:
- Cough and splutter when eating or drinking
- Frequently refuse food or drink
- Have difficulty managing a range of textures
- Have difficulty chewing
After a comprehensive assessment, paediatric Speech Pathologists will work with children and their families on areas of identified need. Therapy may be provided on an individual basis or in a group setting.
Who can use Paediatric Speech Pathology services?
These services are for children aged 0-6 years with feeding or mild-moderate communication difficulties who live in the local government areas of Frankston, Mornington Peninsula and some parts of Kingston. Those not eligible for these services include: children attending school or children eligible for services provided by Early Childhood Intervention Services (e.g. children with significant developmental needs).
Where are Children’s Speech Pathology services available?
Children’s Speech Pathology services are provided by the Community Health Children’s Services Team.
How can I access services for my child?
Contact our Central Access line on 1300 665 781 to book your first initial assessment.
Our service covers infant to preschool children aged 0 to school entry with feeding or mild-moderate communication difficulties who live in the local government areas of Frankston and Mornington Peninsula.
Those not eligible for these services include children already at school or receiving services through Early Childhood Intervention Services (e.g. children with significant developmental needs).
What will my child’s treatment cost?
Community Health Services charge a fee. Fees at Peninsula Health – Community Health are consistent with all other community health services across the state and include a tiered fee approach, based on income and a person’s ability to pay.
The tiered approach includes two tiers: a low fee for low and middle income earners and a high fee for high income earners. It also includes two rates, one for individual treatments and one for group sessions. Fees are determined at the point of entry and charged when clients attend the service.
Community Health Children’s Services Team (located across four sites)
- Frankston Community Health, 2 Hastings Road, Frankston, 3199
- Hastings Community Health, 185 High Street, Hastings, 3195
- Rosebud Community Health, 38 Braidwood Avenue, Rosebud, 3939
- Mornington Community Health, 62 Tanti Avenue, Mornington, 3931
How can I refer?
All Speech Pathology referrals should be directed to Central Access on PH: 1300 665 781.
Where can I find more information?
For more information about Speech Pathology, refer to any of the following organisations:
- Speech Pathology Australia
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Australian Stuttering Research Centre
- Early Childhood Intervention Services
- Raising Children
- The Hanen Centre
Audiology Services
About Audiology
The Audiology service offers hearing assessments for children and adolescents. Each appointment involves a hearing assessment and a test of how the middle ear is working.
Who can use the service?
Children from seven (7) months of age and above can use this service.
Where is the service available?
The Peninsula Health Audiology service is available at the Frankston site only.
Level 2 Frankston Integrated Health Centre
Hastings Rd
Frankston, 3199
How can I refer to this service?
All audiology referrals should be directed to Central Access on PH: 1300 665 781.
Cost
There is no charge for children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
Where can I find more information?
For more information about Audiology, visit the Audiology Australia website