Frequently Answered Questions (FAQ)
What is a Speech Pathologist?
"Speech pathologists study, diagnose and treat communication disorders, including difficulties with speaking, listening, understanding language, reading, writing, social skills, stuttering and using voice. They work with people who have difficulty communicating because of developmental delays, stroke, brain injuries, learning disability, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, dementia and hearing loss, as well as other problems that can affect speech and language. People who experience difficulties swallowing food and drink safely can also be helped by a speech pathologist." - Speech Pathology Australia
What is your cancellation policy?
We have a cancellation policy to protect and value the time of the clinician. However, we apply this policy with care and compassion for our clients.
Cancellation with 48 hours notice: No fee applies.
Cancellation on day of appointment (more than 2 hours of appointment): 50% session fee.
Cancellation within 2 hours of appointment: 100% of the fee.
Do not attend (no notice): 100% of fee.
Do I need a referral to book an appointment?
No you do not need a referral to book an appointment. You can request an appointment through the website or give us a call to book in.
Do you offer home visits?
Yes, we offer appointments in the Adelaide Metropolitan area, please call us for more details. Note that travel fees may apply.
Do you offer tele-therapy?
Yes, we do offer remote therapy via Zoom and or Google Meet.
Do you offer Food Therapy?
Yes, Sophie's special interests include feeding. She has done training with the SOS approach to feeding and through Babble & Munch Feeding therapy.
Sophie keep herself up-to-date with training and mentoring sessions with other professionals in this area as this is something she is aiming to specialise in.
What is the SOS Approach to feeding?
In the SOS Approach, the feeding problem is conceptualized as the tip of an iceberg. The child’s difficulties with eating and gaining weight is what everybody sees, but similar to an iceberg, it is what is under the water that crashes the boat. The SOS Approach to Feeding stands for Sequential-Oral-Sensory because these are the major components of the program. However, SOS also stands for Save Our Ship! In the SOS Approach to Feeding, we assess and address all of the underlying (“under the water”) causes of the feeding difficulties. SOS uses a transdisciplinary team (Pediatricians, Occupational Therapists, Registered Dietitians, and Speech Pathologists/Therapists) to evaluate and treat the “whole child” including:
Organ systems.
Muscles (including oral motor).
Sensory processing.
Learning, behavior, and cognition.
Development.
Nutrition.
Environment.
*Source: Official website of the SOS Approach to Feeding https://sosapproachtofeeding.com/why-sos-approach-feeding/
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, we accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express. We additionally support mobile wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. Note that 1.9% commission applies to card payments.
Do you see adults?
Yes, we see both adults and kids.
What is your area of coverage?
We cover most of the Adelaide metropolitan area. As a reference we would travel up to a maximum of 25 km radius from our clinic located in Croydon. If you are unsure about what this means, please call us on 1300 270 928 and we will help you determine if you are within our coverage area.
Do you do Assessments?
Yes, we offer assessments for speech, language and literacy.
We also conduct Feeding Assessments a part of our feeding Therapy.
Do you offer training sessions for businesses?
Yes, our training sessions for businesses include, (but not restricted to):
Staff education on communication impairments.
Developing resources for your company (i.e. easy read).
Accessibility auditing.
Creating employment opportunities.
Do you offer training sessions for parents?
Yes, our training sessions for parents include, (but not restricted to):
Speech & Language introduction.
Fussy Feeding.
Language Stimulation in the home.
Do you offer training sessions for professionals?
Yes, we enjoy collaborating with other professions and providing education services. We can provide individualised presentations and education to the following:
Education Services.
Allied Health Services.
Health Professionals.
Can I book an appointment online?
Yes, you can book online using our trusted booking system Halaxy by clicking HERE.
Are home visits more expensive?
Yes, they are more expensive as there is an extra cost of the practitioner driving to your home.
At what age should my child start talking?
There is no specific age that children at which children should be talking. Some children start earlier and some children start later. As long as your child is within the range of typical development. It is advised not to wait and watch, but instead act now and ensure you child is meeting their developmental milestones. You can find more information about children's expected language development through the Speech Pathology Australia "Resources for the Public" page.
How do I know if my child needs therapy?
We always say, the parent knows best! If you are concerned about your child's communication, please get in contact with Sophie and have a chat!
How many sessions will I need?
Every client is different. Each therapy journey is individualised to meet that client's needs. I keep up to date and informed with evidence based practice and ensure that I am equipped to provide high quality services.
Do you assist parents of children with speech difficulties?
Yes, our training sessions for parents include, (but not restricted to):
Speech & Language introduction.
Fussy Feeding.
Language Stimulation in the home.
How much does it cost per session?
You can find our Fees Schedule here.
What does the fee include?
Your therapy fee pays for the face to face time with the clinician, but also, it also covers some of the work required when you leave. This includes session planning, writing session notes, follow up emails/phone calls, therapy planning, home program creation, and toy cleaning.
*Note that specific reports and large resource creation are paid separately.
What does the fee include?
You can find our Fees Schedule here.
Can you see patients on the NDIS?
Yes, but restricted to Self and plan managed only. For more details about the funding options please visit this page.
Are you NDIS Registered?
We are not NDIS registered. We are able to support self and plan managed NDIS clients. If you are Agency managed, and would like to see Sophie at Talk & Tinker, please call us for further information. For more details about the funding options please visit this page.
Can you assist to apply for the NDIS?
I can support you to apply for the NDIS if it is indicated for your child or yourself. I provide supporting evidence based on our therapy sessions and assessments completed.
What are the funding options?
We are able to see clients via
Medicare EPC.
Private Health Insurance (provided you have speech pathology extras).
NDIS Self Managed + Plan Managed.
For more details about the funding options please visit this page. We are not able to see clients under DVA or Work Cover.