Speech Pathology Assessments
About
Speech pathologists specialise in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders. This includes difficulties with speaking and using voice, understanding what others are saying, social communication skills, literacy, stuttering, and swallowing.
CapacityPlus offers Speech and Language assessments and Swallowing assessments for children and adults in Warrnambool and surrounding areas. Our assessments are comprehensive, evidence-based, and designed to provide clear understanding of your communication or swallowing abilities.
Why Choose a Speech and Language Assessment
A speech and language assessment can help you:
Identify your communication profile — highlight your communication strengths and identify the areas where you need support, providing clear focus areas for future intervention
Provide practical strategies — deliver speech and language strategies and recommendations for you, your family, schools, and support workers to implement while awaiting or during ongoing speech pathology intervention
Assess social communication — explore your pragmatic language and social communication skills in the context of suspected or diagnosed autism, or other social-communication concerns
Why Choose a Swallowing Assessment
A swallowing assessment can help you:
Identify swallowing difficulties — determine the cause and severity of difficulties with eating, drinking, or managing saliva, and identify strategies to reduce the risk of aspiration or choking
Create a management plan — develop a Mealtime Management Plan tailored to your needs, ensuring your safety and wellbeing when eating and drinking
Improve quality of life — swallowing difficulties can cause social isolation and anxiety around mealtimes; an effective management plan can help restore confidence, independence, and enjoyment in eating and drinking
Monitor progressive conditions — for individuals with progressive neurological conditions (such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis) or those recovering from stroke, regular re-assessments ensure your management plan remains appropriate as your condition changes over time
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during a speech and language assessment?
Assessments typically take 1–2 hours and involve discussion and standardised activities designed to assess your speaking and listening/comprehension skills. We guide you throughout the process, and you’ll have breaks as needed. Following your assessment, we prepare a comprehensive report with results, speech and language strategies, and recommendations for support.
What happens during a swallowing assessment?
Assessments typically take 2–3 hours and involve discussion, an oral-motor examination, and observation of your swallowing. Your speech pathologist will examine your mouth, tongue, and throat areas to assess your muscle strength, range, and coordination. We will observe you chewing and swallowing food and drink with different textures to watch for signs of difficulty. You will be well supported and guided throughout the process. Following your assessment, we prepare a comprehensive report and develop a Mealtime Management Plan.
Do you offer ongoing therapy?
No. CapacityPlus offers assessments only and does not provide ongoing therapy. However, our comprehensive reports include strategies and recommendations that you, your family, schools, or support workers can implement. We encourage you to discuss ongoing therapy options with your GP, local speech pathology services, or other allied health providers.
Where are assessments held?
We typically offer face-to-face assessments at our office in Warrnambool. In some cases, we may be able to conduct the assessment at a school, disability accommodation (such as a Supported Independent Living or Specialist Disability Accommodation houses), or other day program location. Our team can discuss the best option for your situation.
How long does it take to get my results?
It typically takes 4–6 weeks from your assessment to receive your written report. This allows us to review all available information carefully and develop recommendations tailored to your unique situation. If you need your report sooner, let us know as soon as possible and we’ll do our best to accommodate an urgent timeline.
What are the costs and funding options?
We offer private payment options and accept funding through the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme), TAC (Transport Accident Commission), DVA (Department of Veterans Affairs), and WorkSafe, along with funding from many not-for-profit, community, and government organisations.
Can I access a Speech and Language or Swallowing assessment with NDIS funding?
Yes. CapacityPlus offers assessments for NDIS participants. Our assessments are designed to support your NDIS goals and planning, and our team can liaise directly with your NDIS planner or coordinator. Contact our team for more information.