Speech Pathology and the NDIS: What It Helps With and When to Access It

When most people hear “speech pathology,” they think of speech problems — but there’s so much more to this vital service.

Under the NDIS, speech pathology can play a key role in supporting communication, social interaction, eating and swallowing, and even mealtime safety. It’s often used by children with developmental delays, but it’s equally relevant for teens and adults with disability-related communication or swallowing difficulties.

Let’s explore how speech pathology fits into your NDIS plan, who it’s for, and what outcomes it can support.

👩‍⚕️ What Does a Speech Pathologist Do Under the NDIS?

A speech pathologist (also called a speech therapist) works with people who have difficulty with communication or swallowing. This might involve:

• Speech clarity (e.g. helping someone be more easily understood)

• Language comprehension (understanding what others say)

• Expressive language (putting thoughts into words)

• Social communication (knowing what to say and how to interact)

• Non-verbal communication (including gestures and AAC devices)

• Feeding and swallowing support (especially after injury or with developmental conditions)

🧠 Common Conditions NDIS Speech Pathologists Support

Speech therapy isn’t just for kids with a lisp — it supports a wide range of disabilities and medical conditions, including:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

• Down syndrome

• Intellectual disability

• Cerebral palsy

• Stroke or brain injury

• Developmental delay

• Apraxia of speech or dysarthria

• Swallowing disorders (dysphagia)

The goal is always to improve function, independence, and quality of life — whether that means clearer speech, safe swallowing, or better connection with others.

✅ Is Speech Pathology Funded by the NDIS?

Yes — if the support is considered reasonable and necessary for your disability.

Speech pathology is typically funded under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living, though sometimes it's included in Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) supports or other categories depending on the age of the participant and plan goals.

NDIS funding can cover:

• Assessments and diagnostic reports

• Individual therapy sessions

• Group-based therapy

• Home or school visits

• Telehealth appointments

• Therapy tools or resources recommended by your therapist

🧩 What Can Speech Pathology Help With?

Depending on your needs and goals, a speech pathologist might help with:

• Learning to use a communication device (AAC)

• Improving literacy or understanding written instructions

• Working on social skills for community access

• Supporting safe mealtime practices

• Helping teens and adults communicate at work or in relationships

• Building confidence in public speaking or group settings

It’s not just about talking — it’s about building the foundations for a safer, more independent, and more connected life.

🧡 How We Can Help

While we don’t employ speech pathologists directly, we regularly support participants who are working with them — especially around goal implementation, communication practice, and generalisation of skills.

If your participant is working on communication goals, we can:

• Reinforce therapy strategies in everyday settings

• Use visual supports, AAC, or social scripts as part of our sessions

• Collaborate with your therapist to ensure consistent approaches

We believe in supporting the whole person, not just ticking the box — and that includes helping communication thrive wherever possible.

📍 Based on the Gold Coast

📝 Contact us here if you’d like to discuss how we can work alongside your therapy team.