Speech pathology

Support for communication and, for some people, safe eating and swallowing.

What it means

Speech pathology is support for people who have difficulty with communication. This can include speaking clearly, understanding language, using words and sentences, reading, or having conversations. For some people, speech pathology also helps with eating, drinking and swallowing, which is known as dysphagia.

A speech pathologist assesses how you communicate and where you have difficulty, then works with you on strategies to make things easier. They may help you develop speech, use a communication aid, or use alternative and augmentative communication such as pictures, signs or a device. In the NDIS, speech pathologists also provide assessments and reports that describe your needs.

In practice

Support looks different for each person. A speech pathologist might help a child learn to form sounds and words, help an adult recover communication after an injury, or set up a communication device for someone who does not use speech.

For swallowing difficulties, a speech pathologist can assess how you eat and drink safely and suggest changes to food textures, positioning or techniques. They often work alongside families, carers and other professionals so that strategies are used consistently in daily life.

In the NDIS, speech pathology is usually funded as a therapy support under Capacity Building. The speech pathologist works towards your communication or swallowing goals and can write reports that explain your needs and support requests for tools such as a communication device.

A real example

For example, Aisha's son Kai does not use spoken words, so his speech pathologist introduces a communication device with pictures and symbols. She teaches Kai, his family and his school how to use it every day. Over time, Kai starts using the device to make choices and share what he wants.

Speech pathology — FAQs

What does a speech pathologist do?
A speech pathologist supports people who have difficulty with communication, such as speaking, understanding language or having conversations. They also help some people with eating, drinking and swallowing. They assess your needs and work with you on strategies, which may include developing speech, using communication aids, or using alternative communication like pictures, signs or a device.
Can speech pathology help with swallowing problems?
Yes. Some speech pathologists support people with eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia. They assess how you swallow and suggest safer ways to eat and drink, such as changing food textures, positioning or techniques. They often work with families and carers so these strategies are used safely and consistently at mealtimes.
What is alternative and augmentative communication?
Alternative and augmentative communication, often called AAC, means ways of communicating other than or alongside speech. It can include pictures, symbols, sign, communication boards or electronic devices. A speech pathologist can assess which method suits you, help set it up, and teach you, your family and support people how to use it in daily life.
How is speech pathology funded under the NDIS?
Speech pathology is usually funded as a therapy support under Capacity Building in your plan. It needs to be reasonable and necessary and linked to your disability and goals. You choose a provider, agree on your communication or swallowing goals, and work towards them together. The speech pathologist can also write reports to support your needs.
Does speech pathology only help children?
No. Speech pathology supports people of all ages. Children may work on developing speech and language, while adults may work on communication after an injury or illness, or on swallowing difficulties. The support is tailored to your goals and needs, whether that is speaking more clearly, using a communication aid, or eating and drinking safely.

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