Blog – Talking Fish Therapies

As we step into 2026, many of us are thinking about New Year’s resolutions. Whether it’s to exercise more, learn a new skill, or spend more time with loved ones, the start of a new year feels like a fresh slate for setting intentions. This universal impulse to set goals resonates deeply with our philosophy at Talking Fish Speech Pathology, especially when it comes to the highly effective practice of collaborative goal setting in speech therapy.

Beyond “Fixing” – Partnering for Progress

In the past, speech therapy might have been seen as a clinician “fixing” a problem. The therapist would assess, identify deficits, and then prescribe goals. While professional expertise is undoubtedly essential, we’ve learned that the most powerful and sustainable progress comes when clients and their families are active participants in the goal-setting process.

This is the essence of collaborative goal setting: it’s a partnership where the client (or their family, for children) and the speech pathologist work together to identify meaningful, functional, and achievable communication goals. It’s about shifting from a “doing to” approach to a “doing with” approach.

Why Collaboration Makes All the Difference

You might wonder why taking the time for this collaborative process is so vital. Here’s why it’s a cornerstone of effective therapy at Talking Fish Speech Pathology:

Increased Motivation and Buy-In: Just like a New Year’s resolution you choose yourself is more likely to stick than one imposed upon you, goals that clients and families help create are inherently more motivating. When individuals have ownership over their therapy goals, they are more invested in the process and more likely to practice skills outside of sessions.
Goals are Meaningful and Functional: We want communication goals to be relevant to real life. By involving clients and families, we gain invaluable insight into their daily routines, social interactions, challenges, and aspirations. This ensures that goals aren’t just about achieving a clinical benchmark, but about improving genuine quality of life – whether it’s ordering coffee independently, telling a grandparent a story, or participating confidently in a job interview.
Harnessing Family Expertise: Parents know their child best. Adults know their own communication challenges and priorities better than anyone. Collaborative goal setting taps into this rich source of knowledge and experience. Families can identify specific situations or words that are particularly challenging, or contexts where improved communication would make the biggest difference.
Promoting Carry-Over and Generalisation: Therapy isn’t just what happens in our clinic. The real magic happens when new communication skills are used in everyday environments. When families are involved in setting goals, they understand why certain strategies are being used and how they can be implemented at home, school, or work, significantly boosting carry-over.
Building Capacity and Empowerment: This process isn’t just about achieving a specific communication outcome; it’s also about empowering individuals and families. It teaches problem-solving skills, encourages self-advocacy, and builds confidence in their ability to navigate communication challenges.

Collaborative Goal Setting in Practice

At Talking Fish, this means:

Active Listening: We take the time to truly listen to your concerns, priorities, and hopes for communication.
Shared Understanding: We explain assessment results clearly and discuss how they relate to your daily life.
Brainstorming Together: We’ll explore various goal options, discussing the pros and cons, and considering what feels most important and achievable.
Mutual Agreement: We ensure that everyone involved is on the same page and fully committed to the chosen goals.
Ongoing Review: Goals are not static. We regularly revisit them to celebrate progress and adjust as needs evolve.

Just as a successful New Year’s resolution requires personal commitment and a clear, meaningful objective, so too does effective speech pathology. By embracing collaborative goal setting, we ensure that every communication journey at Talking Fish Speech Pathology is purposeful, empowering, and truly geared towards helping you or your child thrive.

Ready to set meaningful communication goals for 2026? Check with your speech pathologist to make sure your goals are up to date!

About speech pathology

Beyond Words: How Communication Powers the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals

1 December 202526 June 2025 Danielle Watkins

At Talking Fish Speech Pathology, our daily work centres on the fundamental human right to communicate effectively. We see firsthand the transformative power of a confident voice, clear understanding, and the ability to connect with others. What might seem like a local, individual focus, however, actually ties directly into a global framework for a better future: the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SDGs are a collection of 17 interconnected goals adopted by all UN member states in 2015, serving as a blueprint to achieve peace and prosperity for people and the planet by 2030. While many goals focus on obvious areas like poverty, hunger, and climate action, the thread that weaves through all of them is effective communication.

Let’s explore how communication, and by extension, the work of speech pathologists, is critical to achieving these ambitious global targets:

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

This goal aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Communication is foundational to health. From a child accessing early intervention for a speech delay that impacts their social and academic development, to an adult recovering from a stroke needing to communicate their needs and participate in rehabilitation, clear communication is paramount. Speech pathologists facilitate this, ensuring individuals can express symptoms, understand medical advice, and advocate for their health.

SDG 4: Quality Education

Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all is impossible without effective communication. Children with unaddressed speech, language, or literacy difficulties (like dyslexia) struggle to access the curriculum, participate in class, and form peer relationships. By supporting these foundational communication skills, speech pathologists help children unlock their learning potential, reducing dropout rates and fostering lifelong learning. This includes developing crucial literacy skills, which are themselves a form of communication.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

Empowering women and girls often involves giving them a voice and ensuring it is heard. Communication skills are critical for self-advocacy, participation in decision-making, and challenging social norms. While not immediately obvious, communication barriers can disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, including women and girls, limiting their ability to express their rights and needs.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Effective communication is a cornerstone of any workplace. From clear instructions and collaborative problem-solving to job interviews and client interactions, strong communication skills are essential for employment and career progression. Speech pathologists assist individuals in developing the communicative competence needed to participate meaningfully in the workforce.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

This goal aims to reduce inequality within and among countries. Communication disabilities are often hidden, leading to marginalisation and exclusion. By providing access to speech pathology services, we help to level the playing field, ensuring individuals with communication differences can participate fully in society, exercise their rights, and contribute to their communities. This includes advocating for accessible information and communication environments.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Promoting peaceful and inclusive societies requires open dialogue and mutual understanding. Effective communication is the bedrock of resolving conflicts, participating in democratic processes, and ensuring justice. Individuals who cannot communicate effectively may struggle to access legal aid, share their stories, or participate in community discussions.

At Talking Fish Speech Pathology, we are proud to contribute to these global goals through our local impact. By empowering individuals to communicate, we’re not just helping them find their voice; we’re helping them participate fully in their communities, access education and healthcare, secure employment, and advocate for themselves. Every therapy session, every assessment, and every piece of advice contributes to a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world for everyone.

Want to learn more about how communication empowers individuals and communities? Are you keen to join the profession that supports communication for everyone? Contact Talking Fish Speech Pathology for information and support in becoming a speech pathologist.

AAC, Language, Speech

“No Seriously, When Will My Child Talk?” – Advice for Parents of Nonverbal Children

1 November 202526 June 2025 Danielle Watkins

It’s a question that weighs heavily on the hearts of many parents: “When will my child talk?” While our previous post touched on general speech and language milestones, we know that for some families, the journey looks different. If your child is nonverbal, or you have significant concerns about their very limited verbal communication, the typical timelines can feel frustratingly irrelevant. At Talking Fish Speech Pathology in Warragul, we understand this profound worry, and we’re here to offer advice, support, and hope.

Understanding “Nonverbal”

First, it’s important to clarify what “nonverbal” can mean. It doesn’t necessarily mean a child will never speak. Instead, it refers to a child who is not yet using spoken words to communicate, or who has very few, inconsistent verbal productions. This can be due to a variety of underlying reasons, including:

Developmental delays: Sometimes speech development simply takes a longer path.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Many children with autism are nonverbal or minimally verbal.
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS): A motor speech disorder where the brain has difficulty planning the movements needed for speech.
Intellectual disability: This can impact all areas of development, including speech.
Hearing impairment: Undiagnosed or untreated hearing loss can significantly affect speech development.
Selective Mutism: An anxiety disorder where a child is unable to speak in certain social situations.

Beyond Words: The Importance of Communication

When a child isn’t talking, our primary focus shifts from just spoken words to communication in all its forms. Every child communicates, even without words. They might use:

Gestures: Reaching, pointing, waving.
Facial expressions: Smiling, frowning, looking surprised.
Body language: Pulling you to something, turning away.
Vocalisations: Crying, grunting, laughing, babbling.
Eye gaze: Looking between you and an object.

As parents, observing and responding to these early communication attempts is crucial. It validates their efforts and lays the groundwork for more complex communication.

What Can You Do Right Now? Practical Strategies for Parents

While waiting is hard, you can actively foster communication in many ways:

Seek Professional Help (Early!): This is paramount. If you have concerns, don’t wait. Contact a speech pathologist. We can conduct a thorough assessment to identify the potential underlying reasons for nonverbal communication and recommend the most appropriate intervention. Early intervention significantly improves outcomes.
Focus on Connection and Interaction: Create plenty of opportunities for your child to interact with you. Get down to their level, make eye contact, and join them in their play. Follow their lead and show genuine interest in what they are doing.
Model and Expand: Talk to your child constantly, describing what you are doing, seeing, and hearing. Use simple language. If they make a sound or gesture, respond to it and expand on it. (e.g., if they point to a ball, you say, “Yes, ball! Big ball!”).
Use Gestures and Visuals: Pair your words with gestures. Use real objects, pictures, or even simple signs (like those from Key Word Sign or Auslan) to support understanding and give your child a way to express themselves. Visual schedules can also help with daily routines and understanding expectations.
Create Communication Opportunities: Make communication necessary! Place desired toys out of reach, give them choices, or pretend you don’t understand to encourage them to communicate their wants.
Patience and Celebration: The journey can be long, and progress might be slow, but every small step is a victory. Celebrate every attempt at communication, whether it’s a sound, a gesture, or an eye gaze. Your positive reinforcement is incredibly powerful.
Explore Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): A speech pathologist might recommend AAC options. These are tools and systems that support or replace spoken communication. This could include picture cards and visual schedules, voice output devices (like an iPad app), or communication boards. AAC does not prevent speech from developing; in fact, it often supports and encourages spoken language by reducing frustration and building communication success.

The Speech Pathologist’s Role

At Talking Fish Speech Pathology, we are experts in supporting nonverbal children. We can:

Accurately assess your child’s communication skills and identify potential barriers.
Develop individualised therapy plans tailored to their unique needs.
Provide strategies for you to use at home.
Guide you in exploring and implementing AAC if appropriate.
Collaborate with other professionals involved in your child’s care.

When will your child talk? There’s no single answer, but with early intervention, consistent support, and a focus on all forms of communication, we can help them find their voice, whether through words or other powerful means.

If you have concerns about your child’s verbal communication, please reach out to a Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP). We’re here to listen, support, and guide you every step of the way.

Language, Speech

When Will My Child Talk? Understanding Speech and Language Development

1 October 20251 October 2025 Danielle Watkins

One of the most exciting milestones for parents is hearing their child’s first words. It’s a moment filled with joy and anticipation, often leading to the common question we hear at Talking Fish Speech Pathology: “When will my child talk?”

While every child develops at their own pace, there are general guidelines and important milestones that can help you understand what to expect and when to consider seeking professional advice.

The Journey of Communication: From Coos to Conversations

Long before their first words, babies are already communicating. This early communication is foundational to later speech and language development.

Birth to 3 Months: Your baby will startle at loud sounds, respond to your voice by calming or smiling, make cooing sounds, and cry to express needs. They’ll also begin to produce different cries for different needs.
4 to 6 Months: Expect more babbling, often with different sounds like “p,” “b,” and “m.” They’ll also begin to laugh, show excitement with vocal play, and respond to their name. You might notice them looking in the direction of sounds.
7 to 12 Months: This is often when the magic of “babbling with intent” begins. Your baby might string together sounds like “mamama” or “bababa.” They’ll respond to simple requests (“come here”), understand “no,” and might wave bye-bye. Their first true words, often “mama” or “dada,” typically emerge around 12 months, though this can vary. They’ll also start using gestures to communicate.
12 to 18 Months: At this stage, children are typically saying a few single words, understanding simple instructions, and pointing to objects they want. Their vocabulary will be growing, perhaps up to 10-20 words by 18 months, though individual differences are significant.
18 to 24 Months: A rapid increase in vocabulary is common. Your toddler might be combining two words (“more juice,” “bye-bye car”) and following two-step commands. They’ll also be able to identify common objects and pictures.
2 to 3 Years: Your child’s vocabulary will expand dramatically, and they’ll start forming longer sentences (3-4 words). They should be able to answer simple “who,” “what,” and “where” questions, and most of what they say should be understandable to familiar listeners.

When to Consider a Professional Opinion

While the developmental window for speech and language is wide, it’s natural to worry if your child isn’t hitting these milestones as expected. If you notice any of the following, it’s a good idea to seek advice from a speech pathologist:

No babbling by 9 months.
No first words by 15-18 months.
Doesn’t respond to their name or sounds by 12 months.
Doesn’t use gestures (like pointing or waving) by 12 months.
Doesn’t combine two words by 2 years.
Difficulty understanding simple instructions at any age.
Only imitates speech or actions, but doesn’t initiate words or phrases.
Loses previously acquired speech or language skills.
Consistently hard to understand, even by familiar adults, after 2-3 years old.
Lack of eye contact or shared attention.

What a Speech Pathologist Can Do

At Talking Fish Speech Pathology, we understand that every child is unique. If you have concerns, we will conduct a comprehensive assessment to understand your child’s communication strengths and areas where they might need support. We can then provide tailored strategies and therapy to encourage their speech and language development. Early intervention is incredibly powerful, making a significant difference in a child’s communication journey.

Trust your instincts as a parent. If something feels off, it’s always best to have it checked. We’re here to support you and your child in their wonderful journey of discovering their voice.

About speech pathology

Cultivating Calm: Why Mindfulness is Essential for Speech Pathologists

1 September 202510 September 2025 Danielle Watkins

In the rewarding yet demanding world of speech pathology, we are constantly engaged – assessing, planning, delivering therapy, documenting, and connecting with clients and their families. The energy we expend is immense, and the emotional labour can be significant. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of our daily tasks, often leaving little room to pause and check in with ourselves. This is precisely why mindfulness isn’t just a buzzword for clinicians; it’s a vital tool for professional longevity, enhanced client care, and personal well-being.

At Talking Fish Speech Pathology, we understand the unique pressures of our profession. We champion the idea that cultivating mindfulness isn’t a luxury, but a fundamental practice that empowers us to be more present, effective, and resilient speech pathologists.

What is Mindfulness in a Clinical Context?

At its core, mindfulness is about paying attention to the present moment, without judgment. For clinicians, this translates into:

Present Moment Awareness: Being fully engaged in the therapy session, noticing subtle cues from a client, and truly listening without mentally rehearsing the next question or task.
Non-Judgmental Observation: Acknowledging our thoughts and feelings (e.g., frustration, impatience, excitement) as they arise, without getting entangled in them or critiquing ourselves.
Self-Compassion: Recognising that we are human, we make mistakes, and we deserve kindness and understanding, especially when facing challenging cases or high-pressure situations.

Why is Mindfulness Crucial for Speech Pathologists?

Enhanced Client Connection and Empathy: When we are mindful, we are better listeners. We pick up on subtle non-verbal cues, truly hear the nuances in a client’s voice, and can respond more authentically. This deepens rapport, builds trust, and allows us to tailor our interventions more effectively to their immediate needs. A mindful clinician can better sit with discomfort, whether it’s a client’s frustration or their own feelings of inadequacy, without reacting impulsively.
Reduced Burnout and Stress: The emotional demands of our work can be significant. Working with vulnerable populations, managing challenging behaviours, and navigating complex family dynamics can lead to emotional exhaustion. Mindfulness practices, even brief ones, can act as a buffer against stress and burnout. They provide a mental ‘reset button,’ allowing us to step back, re-centre, and prevent the accumulation of tension.
Improved Clinical Decision-Making: When our minds are cluttered with distractions or overwhelmed by stress, our cognitive functions can be impaired. Mindfulness helps clear this mental fog, allowing for clearer thinking, better problem-solving, and more effective clinical reasoning. We can access our knowledge and experience more readily when our minds are calm.
Greater Self-Awareness and Resilience: Understanding our own triggers, emotional responses, and thought patterns is invaluable. Mindfulness cultivates this self-awareness, enabling us to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. This personal insight builds resilience, helping us bounce back from setbacks and maintain our passion for the profession.

Simple Ways to Integrate Mindfulness into Your Day:

Mindful Breathing: Take a few deep, conscious breaths between sessions, before documentation, or when feeling overwhelmed.
Body Scan: Briefly check in with your body for tension, and consciously relax those areas.
Mindful Walking: Pay attention to the sensations of walking, even if it’s just from one therapy room to another.
One-Minute Pause: Before entering a new session, take 60 seconds to simply be present, letting go of the previous task.
Compassion Break: When a challenging moment arises, acknowledge your feelings with kindness, as you would a dear friend.

At Talking Fish Speech Pathology, we encourage our team to embrace mindfulness not as another item on a never-ending to-do list, but as a foundational practice that enriches both our professional lives and the lives of those we serve. By cultivating calm within ourselves, we create a more compassionate and effective environment for everyone.

Fluency

What do I do if my child starts stuttering?

1 August 202526 June 2025 Danielle Watkins

It can be a concerning moment for any parent when they first notice their child experiencing disfluencies in their speech, often referred to as stuttering. While many children go through a period of typical developmental disfluencies, for some, these patterns can persist and become more pronounced. If you’ve found yourself wondering, “What do I do if my child starts stuttering?”, you’re not alone. At Talking Fish Speech Pathology, we’re here to guide you through understanding and addressing this common, yet often misunderstood, speech challenge.

First, it’s important to recognise that not all speech disruptions are the same. Many young children, particularly between the ages of 2 and 5, will experience periods of “normal disfluencies.” This might sound like repetitions of words or phrases (“I want, I want a cookie”), interjections (“um,” “uh”), or rephrasing sentences as they figure out what they want to say. This is a natural part of language development as their thoughts often outpace their verbal skills. These typically resolve on their own.

However, if you observe certain characteristics, it might indicate that your child is developing a stutter that requires closer attention. These red flags can include:

Repetitions of sounds or syllables: (“c-c-c-cat,” “ba-ba-ball”)
Prolongations of sounds: (“sssss-nake,” “mmmm-ilk”)
Blocks: When no sound comes out for a moment, and the child appears to be struggling to speak.
Physical tension or secondary behaviours: This could include eye blinks, facial tension, head movements, or visible struggle when trying to speak.
Avoidance of certain words or situations: Your child might try to change words or avoid speaking in certain contexts.
Frustration or negative reactions to their speech: They might express being upset or embarrassed about their stuttering.
Stuttering that persists for six months or longer.
A family history of stuttering.

So, what should you do if you notice these signs? The most crucial step is to remain calm and supportive. Your child’s emotional reaction to their speech is heavily influenced by yours. Here are some practical tips:

Listen patiently: Give your child your full attention when they speak. Maintain natural eye contact and resist the urge to finish their sentences or rush them.
Reduce pressure: Create a relaxed communication environment at home. Avoid asking too many rapid-fire questions or putting your child on the spot to speak.
Slow down your own speech: Children are excellent imitators. Speaking at a slightly slower, more relaxed pace can subtly encourage your child to do the same.
Use positive reinforcement: Praise your child for their communication attempts, focusing on the content of their message rather than the fluency of their speech.
Don’t call attention to the stuttering: Avoid saying things like “slow down,” “take a deep breath,” or “think before you speak.” While well-intentioned, these comments can increase anxiety.
Seek professional advice: This is perhaps the most important step. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to contact a speech pathologist. Early intervention is key in managing stuttering effectively. A speech pathologist can accurately assess whether your child’s disfluencies are developmental or indicate a more persistent stuttering pattern. They can also provide you with strategies and, if necessary, direct therapy for your child.

At Talking Fish Speech Pathology, we understand the complexities of childhood stuttering. We offer comprehensive assessments and evidence-based therapy approaches tailored to your child’s individual needs. Our goal is to empower children to become confident and effective communicators, and to support families through every step of their journey.

If you’re concerned about your child’s speech, please reach out to us. We’re here to help you navigate this, providing the expertise and compassionate care that makes all the difference.

AAC

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) 101: Giving Everyone a Voice

1 July 202511 August 2025 Danielle Watkins

At our Talking Fish Speech Pathology, one of the most powerful tools we use to support individuals with communication challenges is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Whether you’re a parent, teacher, support worker, or just curious, understanding AAC is an important step in creating inclusive, communicative environments for all.

What is AAC?

AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It includes all forms of communication—other than speech—that people use to express their thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas. AAC can support someone’s existing speech (augmentative) or replace it entirely (alternative) when verbal communication is not possible.

AAC is not just for people who are non-verbal. It’s for anyone who has difficulty using spoken language. This might include children with developmental delays, people recovering from strokes, or individuals with conditions like autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, or motor neuron disease.

Types of AAC

AAC falls into two broad categories:

1. Unaided AAC

This type doesn’t involve any external tools. It includes:

Gestures
Key Word Sign
Facial expressions
Body language

Unaided AAC relies on the user’s physical ability to communicate, which may not be suitable for everyone.

2. Aided AAC

This involves using tools or devices. It ranges from simple to high-tech, including:

Picture boards or communication books
Picture cards and visual schedules
Speech-generating devices (SGDs) or tablets with AAC apps like Proloquo2Go, LAMP Words for Life, or TouchChat

Some people use a combination of both unaided and aided AAC, depending on their environment and abilities.

Does AAC Stop Someone from Learning to Speak?

This is one of the most common myths—and it’s not true. In fact, research shows that AAC can support and encourage spoken language development. By giving users a way to communicate, AAC reduces frustration, builds confidence, and often provides a stepping stone toward verbal speech.

How Do We Choose the Right AAC?

There is no one-size-fits-all solution. A qualified speech pathologist works with the individual (and their support team) to assess their needs, abilities, and goals. Considerations include:

Fine motor skills
Cognitive ability
Vision and hearing
Environment (home, school, community)

Trialing different AAC systems is often part of the process to find what works best.

Why AAC Matters

Communication is a human right. When someone struggles to speak, AAC can be life-changing. It opens doors to connection, education, independence, and self-expression. It gives people a voice—sometimes literally—and a way to be seen and heard.

Final Thoughts

If you think AAC might help your child, student, or loved one, reach out to a speech therapist for guidance. Introducing AAC early can significantly improve quality of life and social connection.

We’re here to help you explore all the options and find the right communication pathway.

Let’s give every voice a chance to be heard.

How we work

Changes to NDIS funding

23 June 202526 June 2025 Danielle Watkins

Every year in June, families and clinicians who rely on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) wait for an announcement from the government to find out what the next 12 months are likely to look like. Each year, The NDIA uses a mix of market data, research, and (apparently) public and industry engagement to inform changes to pricing arrangements and price limits through its Annual Pricing Review. This tells the disability sector what the government will pay, under the NDIS, for a long list of services.

As a clinician and a business owner, this annual announcement impacts what fees I will charge for my services over the next 12 months. I now no longer wait for it with any hope, but with dread. For the past 6 years the therapy cap has remained the same at $193.99 per hour, despite sky rocketing costs in all of our business overheads. This June, our worst fears were realised. The price guide showed a reduction in the amount the scheme will pay for clinical services. I am grateful that the hourly rate for speech pathologists has not dropped. I feel for my colleagues in physiotherapy, podiatry, and dietetics who have had their hourly rate decreased. What has dropped for speech pathology is the amount that the NDIS will pay for travel. They are now only going to pay 50% of the hourly rate for the therapist to travel to the client. Interestingly, the NDIS website states that they are “Increasing the price limits for psychologists, nurses and other supports based on how much wages and the cost of living have gone up.” – apparently this does not apply to most other clinicians.

There is a lot that could be said about these decisions, but I will stick to the facts:

NDIS will pay for $193.99 per hour of service for speech pathology.
NDIS will pay for $86.79 per hour of service for an Allied Health Assistant.
NDIS will pay for 50% of the above rate for a therapist to travel to the appointment location. This was previously 100%. The new rates are:
1. $97 per hour for a speech pathologist
2. $43.40 per hour for an Allied Health Assistant
NDIS will pay for $1 per km of provider travel.

For a number of complex reasons, Talking Fish Therapies has made the decision to NOT change its prices. We will continue to charge the following:

Speech Pathologist:

$387.98 for assessment and report
$193.99 for 1 hour therapy session (45 minutes face to face, 15 minutes admin)
$193.99 for support letters/application forms
$1.00 per km travelled for mobile therapy; and $193.99 per hour travelled for mobile therapy

Allied Health Assistant:

$87.79 for 1 hour therapy session (45 minutes face to face, 15 minutes admin)
$1.00 per km travelled for mobile therapy; and $87.79 per hour travelled for mobile therapy

We will be simplifying and clarifying how we charge for travel. From 1 July 2025, we will record the travel time and kilometers travelled to your appointment and include these in our invoice, as per the above fees. If your therapist needs to return to their office after your appointment, we will include that time and those kilometers as well. If there is more than one client seen at that location, the travel fee will be equally divided between those clients.

For example, if your therapist travels 30 minutes and 30km to a school and sees 3 clients at that school. The travel charge will be:

$193.99 x 0.5 hours = $97. A ⅓ share of this fee = $32.01
$1 x 30kms = $30. A ⅓ share of this fee = $9.90
$32.01 (time) + $9.90 (kms) = $41.91 (total travel fee)

Please be aware that travel fees often vary depending on the number of clients available at any given location on any given day. Where the therapist is travelling from can also change, so you will likely see different travel fees on different days. Any shared travel expenses will show on invoices as a discount.

We thank you for your kind understanding at this time as we make these complex and difficult billing changes. We understand that some families will be impacted and others will not. If you have any concerns about these changes that we are being forced to make, I encourage you to contact your local MP to let them know how the changes to the NDIS are impacting your family. You can find a list of who represents you on the Parliament of Australia website.

How we work

Talking Fish Therapies Hybrid Speech Therapy

15 January 202426 June 2025 Danielle Watkins

The hybrid speech therapy program is a way of combining the expertise of our Certified Practicing Speech Pathologists (CPSPs) and the availability of our Allied Health Assistants (AHAs).

We want to provide quality speech therapy to more children in our community. Our Speech Pathologists do not currently have enough time to see all the children that need our help but we still want to do as much as we can.

1. A Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) assesses your child and writes a report.

2. Together with the family, the CPSP writes a therapy plan with clear goals for everyone to work towards.

3. An Allied Health Assistant (AHA) is instructed on how to provide the therapy to achieve these goals.

4. The AHA works regularly with the child and meets with the CPSP to make sure the therapy is going well.

5. The CPSP has an appointment with the child and family once per school term to support the child, family, and the AHA to continue working towards their goals.

This program is not appropriate for all children, please speak to your speech pathologist about whether your child is eligible for this program.

All our Allied Health Assistants have been chosen as suitable for this role for a variety of reasons, many are speech pathology students who are working towards being Certified Practising Speech Pathologists themselves.

These therapy sessions are currently being offered at our clinic in Officer.

Your CPSP appointments will be one-off appointments once per term.

Your regular appointments with your AHA are available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

About speech pathology

How to get from ‘New Grad’ to ‘CPSP’

3 November 202226 June 2025 Danielle Watkins

You have just finished your speech pathology degree – congratulations!

If you want to work in private practice, you will need to join Speech Pathology Australia and register for Provisional Certification so that your clients will be eligible for rebates and funding under Medicare and National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), among other funding schemes. Once you have your certification, you can use the postnominals ‘CPSP’ which stands for Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist.

Speech Pathology Australia has lots of information about the requirements for certification and here at Talking Fish we have read it thoroughly and created a plan to get our new graduate speech pathologists up to standard and feeling confident within their first three months of working with us. From there, it is simply practice, practice, practice (and follow your professional development plan)!

Week 1: Orientation

we start with the usual paperwork, getting familiar with resources and technology
2 clients per day, there will likely be time to observe other therapists with their clients throughout the week as well
formal meetings with supervisor on Monday and Friday to get ready for the week and to debrief at the end. Everyone at Talking Fish does a ‘Weekly Wrap-Up’ to summarise their achievements and learnings for the week.

Week 2: Planning

this week we create a professional development plan. Everyone at Talking Fish Therapies has one of these and we regularly refer back to them
begin the Speech Pathology Australia Ethics module. This is one of the requirements for certification
2 clients per day plus observation of other clinicians
formal meetings with supervisor on Monday and Friday to get ready for the week and to debrief at the end

Week 3: Ethics

complete the SPA ethics module. This is a 6 hour module so we allow 2 weeks for it to be completed
3 clients per day plus observation if time allows
formal meetings with supervisor on Monday and Friday to get ready for the week and to debrief at the end

by the end of this week you will have completed one of the requirements for certification: completion of the ethics training.

Week 4: Cultural learning

a Speech Pathology Australia module on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture is required this week. This is not a requirement for your initial certification but it is very important to the Talking Fish team so we have included it here, early in the new graduate program
3 clients per day plus observation if time allows
formal meetings with supervisor on Monday and Friday to get ready for the week and to debrief at the end

Week 5: Evidence Based Practice

Speech Pathology Australia’s Evidence Based Practice module 1
3 clients per day plus observation if time allows
formal meetings with supervisor on Monday and Friday to get ready for the week and to debrief at the end

Week 6: Evidence Based Practice

Speech Pathology Australia’s Evidence Based Practice module 2
3 clients per day plus observation if time allows
formal meetings with supervisor on Monday and Friday to get ready for the week and to debrief at the end

by the end of this week you will have completed two more requirements for certification: completion of EBP training and 12 hours of individual supervision

Week 7-12: Practice, practice, practice

4 clients per day
weekly formal meetings with your supervisor to continue to improve your practice

by the end of this period you will have completed the final requirement for certification: 200 speech pathology practice hours

From here, everyone’s journey is different. At Talking Fish Therapies we recommend training in DIR Floortime early in your career but this may not be appropriate for everyone, depending on their caseload. This is why a well thought out Professional Development Plan is important and should be referred to often.

If you would like to join us for your new grad year and beyond we would love to hear from you!