Speech Pathology
Our qualified speech pathologists can help you with the assessment, diagnosis and management of swallowing and communication difficulties.
Our team of speech pathologists work with adults living with all neurological conditions, providing support to those who have difficulties with speech, language, literacy, voice, fluency and swallowing, to improve their quality of life and work on their personal goals.
In the same way that physical activities such as walking may be affected by a neurological condition, activities such as eating, drinking, and talking may also be affected and can impact a person's quality of life.
All of MSWA’s speech pathologists are certified practicing speech pathologists and are members of Speech Pathology Austrailia
Communication involves more than just speaking out loud. It includes hearing, listening, understanding, reading, writing, emailing and texting as well as social interaction, using voice and gesture.
Living with a neurological condition can lead to changes in any or all of these communication skills, to varying degrees.
The MSWA Speech Pathology team works together with Clients to provide neurological treatment and therapy, minimising the impact of communication difficulties in daily life and relationships.
Our services
Individual assessment and management of communication difficulties
MSWA Speech Pathology team works together with Clients to minimise the impacts of communication difficulties in daily life.
Communication difficulties include aphasia (language impairment), dysarthria (speech difficulty), and dysphonia (voice impairment) and dysphonia (voice impairment).
Improve communication skills
MSWA Speech Pathology team will improve your communication skills by enhancing your speech and language abilities to promote effective communication.
Support with communication technologies
Our team can advise, prescribe and provide support with ACC (Augmentative Alternative Communication) technologies, including simple communication boards, apps, tablet technologies, eye gaze devices and more.
Voice therapy
MSWA Speech Pathology team has completed additional training in Lee Silverman Voice therapy (LSVT) which is used for those who experience voice changes, often due to Parkinson's disease or other neurological conditions.
Evidence-based practices
MSWA delivers evidence-based assessment, support strategies and interventions to help manage or improve our Clients’ swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) and communication difficulties.
We work closely with Clients and their carers to develop tailored and individualised treatment, suited to our Client needs, wants and preferences.
Support with modified diets and fluids
In collaboration with MSWA dietitians, we can support clients with mealtime difficulties and recommend safe and enjoyable meals.
Increase socialisation during mealtimes
Our team of speech pathologists will help improve your social participation and interactions in community activities and empower our Clients’ independence during mealtimes.
Advocacy
If you’re experiencing a communication disorder, our speech pathologist can advocate for your rights and needs within the NDIS framework and other funding frameworks.
The difference I noticed since starting speech therapy with MSWA, is the confidence that seems to have appeared within me and the creative flexibility in the options I can now utilise to communicate day-to-day
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you support people with dysphagia?
Yes, MSWA speech pathologists support clients to maintain a safe enjoyable mealtime. We work with a multidisciplinary team, including the Client, their family, OT's, dietitians, nursing, care support workers to create mealtime supports, to support your wellbeing. We also can provide you with swallowing therapy, to maintain and improve your swallow.
What is AAC?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It is when a person uses something other than speech to communicate and can either be low-tech such as communication boards and cards or high tech, such as touchscreen tablet with a screen to text app or eye gaze devices
Do you support Clients with AAC?
Yes, MSWA support Clients with AAC. We have several communication devices donated to MSWA that can be loaned to you for trials, such as Trilogy by Control Bionic, TD pilot and others
Can you provide training to support workers?
Yes. We can provide individualised training for your team of support workers to help improve your communication, mealtime difficulties, oral health and other needs.
How do I pay for MSWA’s speech pathology service?
There are several ways to pay for MSWA’s speech pathology services, including NDIS Funding, Home Care Packages (HCP), Chronic Disease Management Plans (CDMP), private health insurance or paying privately. We can help you work out the most suitable payment method when you book your appointment.
To find out more information about funding, visit Funding Options.
How does MSWA’s speech pathology appointments work?
Services delivery is available in-home, at MSWA hubs and facilities, or via Telehealth. If you would like further information, please contact us on 08 9365 4888 or complete the form below
Articles and resource you might find useful
Read more about MSWA’s speech pathology services and how it can help improve the health and wellbeing of those with neurological conditions.
