Beecroft Speech

Pathology Services

Experience,

Expertise and

Empathy

Communicate With Confidence

Beecroft Speech Pathology Services aims to help all clients reach their potential in communication and literacy skill leading to growth in confidence in social interaction.

Our programs offer engaging, individualised, evidenced based intervention with a family centred focus. As a practise that was established in 1984, BPS offers expertise, experience and empathy.

What We Do

Beecroft Speech Pathology Services offers assessment and treatment of a wide range of communication disorders. Individual programs are delivered via teletherapy, face to face consultation and home programs, Parent and teacher training are also offered.

SPEECH

We can work on a child's sound development through the use of songs, rhymes, play, books, talking and games.

LITERACY

Literacy is important to a child's overall learning and development. We help to develop a child's literacy skills using a number of interactive techniques.

LANGUAGE

We develop a child's ability to comprehend language and talk with clarity.

VOICE

Some people may experience discomfort or soreness of the throat due to a variety of physical issues in the larynx and/or vocal cords. We can introduce strategies to mitigate these issues.

STUTTERING

Stuttering has several different features. We employ a range of strategies to help children improve and manage their ability to speak clearly.

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Many people with autism have difficulties understanding body language, voice tone, facial expressions and humour. We help our clients to develop an understanding of this language and ways to address it.

Services

Beecroft Speech Pathology Services provides assessment, diagnosis and intervention for clients with a range of individualised programs

Individual Face to Face Programs

Assessment

An initial assessment determines the nature of the clients communication or literacy difficulty and with case history information provides a basis for developing individual intervention goals. Assessments can take 60 minutes or up to 90 minutes.

Depending on the age of a client, an assessment is carried out with standardised tests or using games and toys.

Treatment

We aim to start intervention as soon as possible. Treatment is offered via face to face individual sessions or individual teleconferencing. Parents are encouraged to attend so that the therapy process is understood. Therapy activities are designed to be rewarding and enjoyable. We use games or resources that appeal to each client. Goals are set for each session and a detailed home practise regime is provided. We review the needs and goals of clients during the course of therapy and adapt the therapy plan as appropriate.

Written Reports

Written reports may be developed after assessment or progress review. Reports offer information about a client’s abilities and challenges. They include recommendations that may be useful to carers, parents, doctors, teachers and relevant agencies involved in client care.

Online Programs

BPS also provides speech pathology management using online service using video teleconferencing via online platforms. It can be used for assessments, therapy sessions, parent education, teacher education, support meetings or case conferences.

How Does It Work?

Intervention goals and interaction are the same as in face to face sessions. Use of green screen technology allows for a creative thematic intervention that appeals to many clients. Parents and carers can support or observe speech pathology intervention. The speech pathologist may share screens, pictures or apps. Families can access online therapy using a laptop, tablet or smartphone.

The Benefits

There are a number of benefits to online therapy. Clients can feel comfortable in their own surroundings and the speech pathologist can observe communication and play skills with siblings. Travel time is reduced and there has been positive clinical outcomes and research shows that telehealth sessions are as effective as face to face intervention.

About Our Speech Pathologist

Cathy Marson, B.App.Sc (SP), M.S.P.A, C.P.S.P.

Cathy Marson is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist who has had over forty years of clinical experience and has worked with a wide range of client groups experiencing speech, language, communication and literacy difficulties. She has worked across a number of settings including day care centres, preschools, schools, hospitals and specialist rehabilitation centres.

Cathy has also worked for Cumberland College of Health Sciences (Sydney University) as a Speech Pathology Clinical Educator and as a volunteer Speech Pathology Clinical Educator in Vietnam for the Trinh Foundation supervising speech pathology students undertaking the practical component of their training whilst on professional placements.

In 2006, she established Chatter Check, a speech pathology practice using a 'parents as therapist’ model. This practice was designed for children in the Hornsby Shire Council’s preschools and child care centres.

Cathy has a special interest in specific learning disability and early intervention. She particularly enjoys working with children and adolescents using a family-centred approach to intervention.

Cathy established Beecroft Speech Pathology Services in 1984. This practice has provided empathy, expertise and continuity for many years to the local community.

Cathy is a practising member of Speech Pathology Australia.

Rebates & Other FAQs

Do I need a referral?

A referral is not required to receive speech pathology assessment or intervention. Some services attract rebates.

What is the cost of speech pathology intervention?

Fees vary depending on the nature of assessment and the duration of treatment sessions. Please contact us to discuss your issues or to request a fee schedule.

How do I know if speech pathology is required?

It is never too early to address your concerns. Feel free to contact us to discuss your child’s communication skills if you are worried about any of the following:

Talking

Understanding

Reading

Spelling

Voice

Stuttering

Speech Sounds

Social skills

Are rebates available?

Some services attract rebates. Private Health Insurance Most speech pathology services are covered under the extras cover of a private health fund. Please contact your health fund to determine your rebate. Medicare If eligible under the Chronic Disease Management Plan or Enhanced Primary Care Plan a General Practitioner can refer so that a rebate under Medicare can be claimed for up to five sessions in a calendar year. Helping Children With Autism Medicare Rebates Children up to thirteen years of age who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PPD) by a paediatrician may be eligible for up to four allied health assessment sessions and up to twenty allied health therapy sessions. Payment is made to the clinic and claimed under Medicare. Please contact your paediatrician for further information or refer to website health.gov.au/autism Helping Children With Autism Rebate (HCWA) Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are eligible for up tp $6000 per financial year (up to a total of $12000) for early intervention programs. Cathy Marson is an approved member of the Early Intervention Panel. This program will transition to the NDIS program on 30 June 2020. For further information www.dss.gov.au NDIS The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides support for Australians with a disability and their families. You or your child may be eligible to access NDIS support if you:

Have a permanent disability that makes it difficult to participate in everyday activities

Are aged 65 years or less

Are an Australian citizen or hold a permanent visa or Protected Special Category visa

Live in Australia where NDIS is available

We accept self managed or plan managed National Disability Insurance Scheme Funds.

How can I make an appointment?

Contact Beecroft Speech Pathology on 0417099233 or (02 98681848) or make an enquiry using the form on this site. We will contact you, discuss our services and your concerns and arrange an appointment time.

Make An Enquiry

Contact Us

If you have any questions about our services or would like to organise a more in-depth discussion about your communication goals, please get in touch:

Call: 0417 099 233

Email: cathy@beecroftspeech.com.au

Where To Find Us

You'll find us at 12 Welham St, Beecroft.

We're a 5 minute walk from Beecroft train station and Beecroft Primary School.