Is Leaps and Bounds Speech Pathology a registered NDIS provider?

Yes — Leaps and Bounds Speech Pathology is a registered NDIS provider, approved to deliver Comms & Info Equipment, Early Childhood Supports and Therapeutic Supports. You can use NDIS funding for eligible supports.

What services does Leaps and Bounds Speech Pathology provide?

Leaps and Bounds Speech Pathology provides Speech Therapy and Learning Support & Tutoring.

Which areas does Leaps and Bounds Speech Pathology cover?

Leaps and Bounds Speech Pathology is based in East Maitland, NSW.

How do I connect with Leaps and Bounds Speech Pathology?

You can call +61 2 4933 7171 and visit their website, or send an enquiry through EarlyBloom — it goes straight to the provider and is always free for families.

What ages does Leaps and Bounds Speech Pathology work with?

Children of all ages with speech, language, stuttering, voice, literacy, and other communication difficulties.

Do I need a referral to see a speech pathologist?

No referral is needed to see one privately. You only need a GP referral if you want to access Medicare rebates or are going through certain funded pathways.

Is speech therapy covered by the NDIS?

It can be, usually under Capacity Building / Improved Daily Living, if it aligns with your child's plan goals. Check your plan or ask your support coordinator.

At what age should we see a speech pathologist?

There's no "too early." If you have concerns about your child's talking or understanding at any age, an assessment can clarify whether support would help.

How long are sessions and how many will we need?

Sessions are typically 30-60 minutes. The number depends on your child's goals; the pathologist will recommend a plan after the initial assessment.

Leaps and Bounds Speech Pathology · Speech Therapy · East Ma…

Our approach

Therapy at Leaps and Bounds is designed to be enjoyable and build children's self-esteem and confidence. Every therapy session, including homework, is tailored to the individual child because each child is different and responds to different approaches. The team takes a practical, individualised approach that allows for continual progress and helps make learning a positive experience. Sessions focus on the child's specific areas of need, whether that's speech sounds, language, stuttering, voice, literacy, or other communication difficulties.

Working with families

The service endorses a family-based approach to all therapy, believing that knowledge is power. Usually, parents are encouraged to be in the room during therapy so they can see what happens and take part in it, because it's important for you to understand how therapy works and how assessments are done. In some cases, if parents prefer to wait in the waiting room or if siblings need to stay, therapy and homework are comprehensively explained to the parent and clinical notes can be emailed on request. The team believes no therapy system should be secret, and the more you know and understand, the better you can help your child.

Meet the team

The team consists of caring and committed speech pathologists dedicated to providing the highest quality services. The clinical director is Libby Wallace, a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist. Emma Hall is an Allied Health Assistant who works alongside the clinicians at the Charlestown clinic and is currently completing her Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) at the University of Newcastle. Chelsea Dries is listed as a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist. The team shares a common goal to be the absolute best speech pathologists they can be.

Your first visit

The first appointment is a 60-minute initial visit that includes a case history discussion about your concerns and a basic assessment of the areas you've identified (such as speech assessment, stuttering assessment, and receptive and expressive language screening). The clinician will provide recommendations for any further assessment needed. If no additional assessment is required, this session also includes interpretation of results, goal setting, and planning for therapy. A summary report with recommendations is available on request.

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