What is speech pathology?

Speech pathology helps people who have communication and swallowing difficulties. Speech pathology uses a range of techniques to improve a person’s ability to communicate with family and friends, participate in social, academic and workplace settings and be able to enjoy mealtimes if they find this difficult.

LiveBig offers a range of flexible, NDIS funded speech pathology support tailored to our individual clients’ needs.

What does a speech pathologist do?

Speech pathologists diagnose and treat people having trouble communicating their needs, helping them express themselves and be understood. This can be through improving the quality and sound of their words, using hand and body gestures or other forms of assisted communication including picture cards or visual cues.

Speech pathologists also help people who have trouble swallowing food and drink through monitoring food consistency, developing different oral movements of the lips and tongue and using eating and drinking modification devices.

Speech pathologists work with children and adults and help them with their personal communication goals to participate in life and in their relationships.

LiveBig speech pathologists spend a lot of time face to face with clients and are passionate about making a difference for people with disabilities both within the NDIS and privately. They often work alongside other professionals in the allied health industry including occupational therapists, psychologists and physiotherapists.

Did you know?

Speech pathologists are often referred to as “speechies” in the health industry.

What does speech pathology help with?

Speech pathology assists people who are having problems with:

  • Voice
  • Speech (including stuttering)
  • Reading and writing
  • Understanding and using language
  • Difficulty eating, drinking and swallowing

Why do people get speech pathology therapy services?

Speech pathology therapy services can help people achieve their personal communication goals associated with:

  • disabilities (like cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities and developmental delays)
  • diseases (like dementia and stroke)
  • injuries (like brain injuries)
  • and hearing loss

Did you know?

Speech pathology can also assist professional voice users (e.g. teachers and singers) with their vocal tone and range.

Where do speech pathologists work?

Speech pathologists can work in a variety of different settings. These can include schools, hospitals, community health centres and in privately owned practices. LiveBig speech pathologists come to you! They visit their clients at home and in community settings. This has many benefits including helping people feel comfortable in their home environment. It’s also helpful for the speech pathologist who may need to monitor a client at mealtimes who has difficulty eating or swallowing.

Is speech pathology covered under the NDIS?

Yes. The NDIS funds a variety of therapy and allied health services for people living with disability, including speech pathology.

Learn more on the NDIS website.

How does LiveBig provide speech pathology services?

LiveBig provides speech pathology services through the NDIS and privately if required. Click here to learn more about our process.

At LiveBig we’re about transparency and responsiveness. We work with you to achieve your individual goals within your NDIS plan, whether that includes speech pathology or other therapy and assessment services. When you contact us, we will let you know when we can be there for you.