OUR SERVICES
Our services are not a one size fits all approach. We will help you through the process of navigating what's best for your child and family.
Steps To Speech Therapy
Step 1
Give us a call for a quick chat to see if speech therapy is right for your child at this time
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Step 2
Book an initial appointment
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Step 3
Book an assessment appointment if required
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Step 4
Attend therapy appointments targeting your child's goals
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Step 5
Review progress and set new goals and/or
discharge from therapy (returning when needed)
SERVICES
Initial appointment
The initial appointment is a chance for all of us to get to know each other. We will spend an hour together discussing your child's background history, developmental milestones, other relevant information (eg. other services that are involved) and most of all, play!
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We understand that it might be extremely important to you that your child participates in the session to show us the difficulties they might be having. However, building connection and trust with your child is our number 1 priority during the appointment.
​It may not look like it but rest assured we are hard at work collecting important information about your child's communication needs through play. During this session, we'll be observing and gathering essential information. This may involve purely observing the child during play or using screening tools, checklists and/or formal assessment tools. This will help us to better understand your child and their needs for their therapy journey with us.
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At the end of the session we will provide you with a plan for what comes next. You may need to book more speech appointments, an assessment session/s and/or be given referrals to additional services (eg. Ear Nose Throat (ENT) Specialists, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, psychologist, etc).
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Formal/Informal Assessment
Following the initial appointment well will determine if a formal assessment is required immediately or if some more time to build a relationship is needed. Some children aren't suitable for formal assessment straight away, so we will gather information in other ways. Once we feel that your child is ready to participate in a formal assessment we will discuss this with you.
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After completing formal or informal assessments, we will provide you with a written report (unless you advise us otherwise) listing your child's strength and weaknesses, recommendations and any therapy goals that we have discussed.
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Individual Therapy Sessions
Therapy is where all the fun and magic happens. Our goal-setting process is lead by you and your child. We'll listen to what will have the biggest functional impact for your child as well as what is your priority. Then, we'll then get to work straight away. The frequency at which you and your child will attend therapy will depending on the requirement for the best outcome and your availability. We can provide therapy in various forms: weekly or fortnightly sessions or intensive block mode of therapy (eg. daily therapy for a week).
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Therapy will be provided to you during your sessions with your clinicians however we aren't able to be with your child all the time. This is where you come in. Successful therapy is backed up by home practice. We will give you and your child all the tools you'll need to continue it as soon as you walk out the clinic door. Having other caregivers attend therapy with your child will ensure that they are having the best chance of achieving their goals. We'll discuss progress from the session before and provide you with suggestions for how you can continue it at home at the end of each session.
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Group Therapy Sessions
Group therapy can be just as effective if not more effective in some therapy settings. It is your child's opportunity to meet other children who have similar goals and for you as a caregiver to meet other caregivers who might be experience similar things.
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Therapy that works well in a group settings are:
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Mealtime therapy
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Social skills
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Language skills
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Literacy skills
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If you are interested in your child attending group therapy please send us an email at: info@tinybitesspeech.com.au or phone 0461 351 714
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Intensive Block Therapy
Intensive block therapy is like regular therapy however you complete multiple treatment sessions per week for a shorter period of time. However, still getting the same dosage of therapy. You might complete a standard 45 minute therapy session twice a week for 5 weeks or every day for 2 weeks. This type of approach is still maintaining the quality of therapy provided to your child whilst still tailoring it to your child's specific needs.
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Intensive block therapy that works well in a group settings are:
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Mealtime therapy
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Social skills
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Language skills
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Literacy skills
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Upon completion of therapy is this form you are then provided with a home program to continue to practice the skills while you either wait for your next block of therapy or after you've finished with face-to-face appointments and are now on a check-in basis.
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Parent/caregiver training
Want to learn more about how best to support your child at home? You can request parent/caregiver training that can be provided to you in a 1-on-1 or in a group on a one off or a regular basis. Call us on 0461 351 714 to discuss parent/caregiver training.
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Review/discharge from therapy
Regularly reviewing your child's skills will be completed by your clinician during each therapy session. As your child is nearing mastery of a skill, we'll collaborate with you to choose our next goal.
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We understand that the prospect of no longer requiring therapy can be intimidating. however our ultimate aim is for your child to reach a stage where our intervention is no longer required. it's a profound honour and privilege to be part of your child's journey, witnessing their independent use of new skill in their daily lives is why we love what we do.
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Occasionally, circumstances beyond your control may prevent you from attending therapy sessions. In such cases, discuss this with your clinician and we will be able to provide you with a home program to facilitate continued progress towards your child's goals.
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