We work collaboratively with families, children, and young adults who want to improve their ability to interact with others around them.
Phone us on 0478 429 789 today to make an appointment, or scroll down to find out more about what we offer.
What we offer
We’re passionate about working with all our clients to communicate more effectively. We work with clients with a broad range of difficulties including developmental delays and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
You can discuss your individual needs with us, and we will work with everyone involved (you, your family, schools, community organisations, and other professionals) to identify goals, and strive for them.
We have a particular interest in assisting children, adolescents, and young adults to:
- Learn new words and speak in longer and more complex sentences
- Communicate more frequently and effectively
- Understand and follow directions
- Pronounce words and sentences clearly
- Use appropriate grammar
- Understand basic concepts
- Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) (including speech generating devices such as iPads, Key Word Sign, and low-tech communication aids)
- Understand others’ communication
Prue Westland
Speech Pathologist
BPsych (hons), MSpPath, CPSP
Prue is the founder and director of Utterance Speech Pathology. She graduated from the University of Tasmania with a Bachelor of Psychology (honours) in 2012, and completed her Master of Speech Pathology at La Trobe University in 2014. Prue maintains membership with Speech Pathology Australia as a Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist.
Prue has particular interest working with children who have limited or no verbal language. She frequently works with people on the Autism spectrum, or who have other developmental delays. Prue is passionate about using assistive strategies (such as speech generating devices, Key Word Sign, and low-tech options) with her clients to help them communicate.
Prue comes from a work background of multidisciplinary care which assists her in being able to work with clients who have multiple health-care providers and complex needs. She also works in educational settings as a Speech Pathologist and this positions her well to assist clients in these settings, or as they transition.
Call Utterance Speech Pathology today on 0478 429 789 to find out how Prue can help you.
FAQs
What do I need to bring to a first appointment?
It’s important that if you have a referral or funding plan (e.g., Medicare or NDIS) that you bring this along. If you have any other relevant paperwork to do with medical history, hearing tests, prior assessments etc. then this can be helpful too.
Most importantly, make sure you come ready to talk about what your concerns are and what you would like to see change. If you are supporting your child or another person as the client, they are encouraged to be involved in this initial meeting and goal-setting process.
Most importantly, make sure you come ready to talk about what your concerns are and what you would like to see change. If you are supporting your child or another person as the client, they are encouraged to be involved in this initial meeting and goal-setting process.
What can I expect at a first appointment?
A first appointment will typically be for 60 minutes and will be at our offices. We will meet to gather information in the following areas about our client (whether that is you or your child):
- Your main concerns regarding speech, language and communication
- How they communicate and interact with others (speech, gestures etc.)
- Medical and developmental history
- What goals they have for therapy and what they want to achieve
- Your main concerns regarding speech, language and communication
- How they communicate and interact with others (speech, gestures etc.)
- Medical and developmental history
- What goals they have for therapy and what they want to achieve
What do Speech Pathology appointments involve?
After our first appointment we should have a broad understanding of your goals, and some initial ideas about a treatment plan. We will continue to develop this plan together and make sure it: follows evidence-based practice, addresses your goals, and is tailored to your needs.
Appointments will involve clients working directly with their Speech Pathologist on their goals and reviewing them as necessary. We also work closely with caregivers and other communication partners. By upskilling these people, progress can be continued outside of appointments through more practice and repetition.
Appointments will involve clients working directly with their Speech Pathologist on their goals and reviewing them as necessary. We also work closely with caregivers and other communication partners. By upskilling these people, progress can be continued outside of appointments through more practice and repetition.
How long will I or my child, need to attend Speech Pathology appointments for?
This will depend very much on individual needs, frequency of appointments, and practice of concepts discussed in between appointments. You can discuss therapy planning, goal-setting, and progress with your Speech Pathologist at your appointments.
Can you see clients outside of your offices?
Once we’ve had our first appointment at our rooms in Bellerive to meet and identify goals, we can have our sessions wherever is most appropriate and beneficial for our clients (including home/school/childcare/community setting). This facilitates generalisation of skills to a range of settings.
Do I need a referral?
No. You don’t need a referral and can attend as a private fee-paying client. There are some funding options below where a referral or funding plan is needed.
What rebates are available? What are your fees?
We can see clients under NDIS funding if they are self-managed or plan-managed. We are also registered to provide services under Medicare.
You may also be able to claim for services through your private health fund. The rebate and number of sessions available will depend on your policy and extras cover - you may wish to check this with your insurer.
Your GP or Paediatrician may refer you under a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP). This provides Medicare rebates which would reduce your out-of-pocket cost. Please speak with your doctor for more information.
Utterance Speech Pathology’s current fee schedule.
Private (including Medicare referrals)
• $180/hour
• Travel at $180/hour
NDIS self-managed and plan-managed
• In accordance with the NDIS Price Guide
You may also be able to claim for services through your private health fund. The rebate and number of sessions available will depend on your policy and extras cover - you may wish to check this with your insurer.
Your GP or Paediatrician may refer you under a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP). This provides Medicare rebates which would reduce your out-of-pocket cost. Please speak with your doctor for more information.
Utterance Speech Pathology’s current fee schedule.
Private (including Medicare referrals)
• $180/hour
• Travel at $180/hour
NDIS self-managed and plan-managed
• In accordance with the NDIS Price Guide
What payment methods are accepted?
If a payment is required from you, it must be made on the day via EFTPOS.
Where are you located?
Our offices are in Bellerive, at 9 Clarence Street. We're in the building between the green apartments and Pace Financial. Free parking is available in the Percy Street carpark. By agreement, we also offer off-site visits to your home, school, childcare, or community setting.
How do I get this process started?
If you are interested in an initial appointment or have any questions, please contact us today. We will work out a plan and take it from there.