FAQ's

See below some of our frequently asked questions.
Still can't find what you're looking for?
Please call our reception team on
(02) 9560 8905
Alternatively, you can email our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some questions you may have

Do you have a waitlist?

Yes, we currently have a waitlist. Wait times fluctuate based on referrals. We are generally able to place children with an appropriately qualified therapist sooner if more availability is provided by the family.

We have multiple service delivery options available to provide flexibility for families including clinic based, community based and via telehealth.

Call our reception team to discuss this as the waitlist times can vary at any given time of the year.

How long is the waitlist?

Wait times fluctuate based on referrals and individual family availability. Please call our reception team to discuss this as the waitlist times can vary at any given time of the year.

How do we book an appointment?

Please call our reception team on (02) 9560 8905 to book an appointment.

Alternatively you can email our team at info@innerwestpaediatrics.com.au

Can you do an assessment for a diagnosis?

Neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism, ADHD, learning disabilities and intellectual disabilities are diagnosed by Developmental Paediatricians and/or Clinical Psychologists.

The therapists at Inner West Paediatrics are able to provide specific diagnoses within their scope of practice. Speech pathologists study, diagnose and treat communication disorders, including difficulties with speaking, listening, understanding language, reading, writing, social skills, stuttering and using voice.

Do you have Paediatricians, Psychologists or Physiotherapists?

No, we don’t have paediatricians, psychologists or physiotherapists at the clinic. We value collaboration with outside stakeholders and work closely with paediatricians, psychologists and physiotherapists from external agencies to support our families as part of a wider team.

Is a referral needed?

Not at all. We welcome referrals from health and education professionals, but no referral is needed to see our therapists. Simply contact us to book an appointment. If you are eligible for a Medicare rebate then you should speak with your General Practitioner regarding a referral to support this.

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What therapy does my child need?

This varies greatly depending on your child. After we’ve met, we’ll be able to make some recommendations on how to move forward to best address your concerns and achieve your goals. You will leave your first appointment with a written summary and action plan outlining the next steps discussed with you.

Can you do home visits?

Yes, where appropriate and when available, we can do home visits within the Inner West area of Sydney.

Can we come in on the weekend?

Unfortunately no. We are closed on Saturday and Sunday.

What does an assessment involve?

The assessment process is highly individualised to each child and their family.

One of our therapists will first meet with the important people in the child's life to discuss their priorities, strengths and support needs. Based on this information, a tailored plan will be developed which may include standardised and non-standardised assessment, observations across natural settings, collaborating with other professionals already involved with the child and all will be summarised in a report with recommendations provided.

Following this assessment process, the therapist and family will identify and document goals that are meaningful to them, and will guide therapy.

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What is parent coaching?

Parent coaching is a process in which the therapist supports the parent-child interaction using a variety of techniques and strategies that are all interrelated. Children spend the majority of their time with their parents, and evidence shows focusing on supporting parents to be the vehicle for intervention in the childs’ everyday life results in greater, longer lasting change.

To begin, the therapist works alongside the parent to identify specific areas for focus and will set goals collaboratively to guide the process. The parent and therapist will then create an action plan to ensure ongoing success. The therapist will mentor and guide the parent through real-life interactions as they come up, this can be delivered formally using an intervention approach such as Hanen (More than Words, It Takes Two to Talk, Talkability), PACT (Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy), or PCIT (Parent Child Interaction Therapy). Often video feedback is used throughout the process.

The delivery can include scheduled face to face sessions, telephone sessions, or video link sessions.

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Is individual therapy better than groups?

Different therapy approaches will be recommended to best suit the needs of your child and family. This includes both individual and group based interventions.

What funding or rebates can I use?

NDIS funding can be used, including self-managed, plan managed and agency managed NDIS funding.

Medicare funding via the following plans:

Chronic Disease Management Pathway (requires GP plan)
Follow Up Allied Health Services for People of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Descent (requires GP plan)
Helping Children with Autism/Better Start for Children with a Disability (requires paediatrician or psychiatrist plan)
Better Access to Mental Health Care Plan (only a limited number of registered Occupational therapists can provide services under this plan)
Private health insurance. Whether your insurance covers speech pathology and occupational therapy will depend on your provider and level of cover. Please speak to your insurance provider to determine whether your cover includes speech pathology services.

Do you provide services in the community?

Yes, we can see children in their natural settings including preschool, school, out of school care and where appropriate, homes.

Where are you located?

Level 1, 256 Norton Street Leichhardt NSW 2040

What Speech & Occupational Therapies do you provide (eg Hanen/play)?

Our therapists are highly skilled and pursue additional training in a range of areas to provide therapy that is effective and meaningful. Some of the services and approaches we can offer include:

Hanen Programs (It Take Two to Talk, More Than Words, Target Word, Talkability)
DIR Floortime Principles
Learn to Play approach
Key Word Sign
Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy (PACT)
SOS Feeding Approach
Responsive Feeding Approach
The Lidcombe Program
Sounds~Write
Meaningful Speech for Gestalt Language Processors
Occupational Performance Coaching
High and Low Tech AAC assessment, trial and intervention
Handwriting Without Tears programs
Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP Approach)
Toileting interventions
Zones of Regulation
Alert Program
Regulation and sensory supports

What is Speech Pathology?

Speech pathology focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders.

What can a Speech Pathologist help with?

Speech Pathology can help with a wide range of issues, including difficulty speaking clearly, stuttering, difficulty understanding or using language and difficulty with social communication.

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What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy helps individuals achieve independence and improve their quality of life by addressing physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges.

What can an Occupational Therapist help with?

Occupational therapy can help with a wide range of issues, such as difficulty with fine motor skills, coordination, and self-care tasks, as well as difficulties with social skills, emotional regulation and attention.

What is Feeding Therapy?

Feeding therapy is a type of therapy that helps individuals improve their ability to eat and drink safely and comfortably.

What can feeding therapy help with?

Feeding Therapy can help with a wide range of issues related to feeding, such as difficulty with chewing and swallowing, picky eating and food refusal.

What are Group Sessions?

Inner West Paediatrics believe groups are a powerful way for many of our clients to have the opportunity to develop and practice new skills amongst peers.

We run a range of groups throughout terms and intensive programs during School Holidays. Groups are tailored according to the skills and needs of the children in the group so content and activities are flexible to accommodate this.