AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) speech therapy supports children who have difficulty communicating using speech alone. Whether a child uses very few spoken words, has speech that is difficult to understand, or needs additional ways to express themselves, AAC can provide tools and strategies that help them communicate more effectively.
At LEAP Centre, our AAC speech pathologists work with children and their families to identify communication solutions that are tailored to their individual strengths, goals and everyday environments. AAC may include low-tech options such as communication boards and picture cards, or high-tech solutions like speech-generating devices and tablet-based communication apps.
Our goal is to help every child communicate with confidence. Through comprehensive AAC assessments, personalised therapy and ongoing support for families, schools and carers, we help children develop meaningful communication skills that can be used at home, at school and in the community.
AAC encompasses a wide range of strategies and tools that supplement or replace spoken communication. It is used by individuals who have difficulty speaking, understanding spoken language, or producing clear speech due to various conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, genetic conditions, intellectual disabilities, or acquired communication disorders. AAC can take many forms, including Sign Language and Gestures, High-tech devices (such as iPads, communication systems, and eye-gaze software), and low-tech AAC tools.
Every child communicates differently, and AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) is not just for children who are non-speaking. It can also support children who have difficulty expressing themselves clearly or consistently using speech alone.
Your child may benefit from an AAC assessment if they:
An AAC assessment doesn’t automatically mean your child will need a communication device. Instead, it helps our speech pathologists understand how your child communicates and identify the strategies or AAC systems that may best support their communication at home, school and in the community.
At LEAP Centre, our AAC support services are centred around the individual, with a focus on enhancing communication skills, independence, and quality of life. We offer a comprehensive range of AAC solutions tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client.
Our AAC journey begins with a thorough assessment and evaluation process conducted by our experienced speech pathologists alongside AAC specialists. This process involves gathering information about the individual’s communication abilities, preferences, and goals, as well as assessing their motor, cognitive, and sensory skills. The assessment helps us determine the most suitable AAC tools and strategies for the individual’s needs.
Based on the assessment findings, we develop individualised AAC intervention plans that outline specific goals, strategies, and AAC tools tailored to the individual’s communication needs and abilities. Our interventions may include:
We provide comprehensive training and support to individuals, families, caregivers, and educators on how to effectively implement and support AAC use in various settings. This includes instruction on AAC device operation, vocabulary programming, communication partner strategies, and promoting language development through AAC.
We offer AAC device trials and support individuals in selecting, acquiring, and using AAC devices that best meet their communication needs and preferences. Our team provides guidance on device selection, customisation, and integration into daily routines, ensuring optimal communication outcomes.
At LEAP Centre, we believe in the power of collaboration and advocacy to ensure that individuals with complex communication needs have access to the supports and resources they require. We work closely with families, schools, healthcare professionals, and community organisations to advocate for inclusive communication environments and promote AAC awareness and acceptance.
The impact of our AAC support services at LEAP Centre extends far beyond improved communication skills. Individuals who access AAC support experience increased independence, confidence, and social participation. AAC enables them to express their thoughts, feelings, and needs, participate in educational and social activities, and build meaningful relationships with others.
Choosing LEAP Centre for AAC support means choosing a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to empowering individuals with complex communication needs. Our child-centred approach, evidence-based interventions, and collaborative ethos set us apart. We are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families affected by communication challenges, and we are here to provide the support and resources needed to help them thrive.
AAC support plays a crucial role in enhancing communication and quality of life for children with complex communication needs. At LEAP Centre, we are proud to offer comprehensive AAC support services that are tailored to meet the unique needs of each child. If your child could benefit from AAC support, we invite you to contact us and take the first step towards unlocking the power of communication.
We strive to make our services accessible to all families. We accept NDIS funding, private health, medicare, and private pay. For all NDIS self-managed or private paying clients, payment is required on the day of your session. Our administrative team can assist you in understanding your benefits and navigating the billing process. Give us a call or submit an enquiry form to find out more!
Yes, speech therapy can be covered by Medicare under certain conditions. It’s best to check with contact our team for more detailed information and assistance with Medicare and insurance claims.
Yes, adults can benefit from speech therapy. Speech therapy for adults addresses various issues, including speech and language disorders, voice disorders, stuttering, and difficulties resulting from medical conditions such as stroke or brain injury. Our experienced therapists can tailor a therapy plan to meet the specific conditions of adult clients, helping them improve their communication skills and overall quality of life.
Yes, speech therapy can be highly beneficial for individuals with autism. It helps improve communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal, and enhances social interaction abilities. AAC program helps developing language skills, understanding social cues, and using appropriate communication in different contexts. Our team has experience working with children on the autism spectrum and can create personalised therapy plans to support their unique needs.
If you notice that your child has difficulty with speech, language, or communication skills, it may be beneficial to consult a speech therapist. Signs that your child might need speech therapy include difficulty pronouncing words, limited vocabulary for their age, trouble forming sentences, stuttering, or challenges with understanding and using language. A thorough assessment by our experienced therapists can determine if speech therapy is needed and help develop a customised plan to support your child’s development.
We offer a comprehensive range of therapy services, including occupational therapy, speech
therapy, and physiotherapy. Each service is tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients,
ranging from developmental therapies for children to rehabilitation and support for adults. We
also offer group sessions, individual sessions, and intensive therapy blocks.
If you or your family member is facing challenges with speech, mobility, daily activities, or
other areas of physical and cognitive function, therapy might be beneficial. We recommend
scheduling a consultation with our specialists for a professional assessment and personalised
recommendations.
Our clinic provides services for all age groups. We have specialised programs for children,
adolescents, adults, and the elderly, ensuring age-appropriate and effective therapy for every
client.
Therapy sessions are scheduled based on the individual needs and availability of our clients.
Each session typically consists of 45 minutes of direct therapy followed by client/family
feedback and therapist documentation/planning.
Our therapists are highly qualified and licensed professionals. They hold degrees in their
respective fields and have undergone extensive training and certification. Continuous education
is a priority for our team, ensuring we stay updated with the latest therapy techniques and
research.
Yes, we actively collaborate with schools, physicians, and other healthcare providers to ensure
a comprehensive and coordinated approach to our clients’ care. This multidisciplinary
collaboration is essential for holistic treatment planning and effective outcomes.
Our approach is client-centred, evidence-based, and holistic. We focus on understanding
each client’s unique needs and goals, and we tailor our therapy plans accordingly. We emphasise
a collaborative approach involving the client, their family, and other professionals as needed.
We accept NDIS funding, private health, medicare, and private pay. For all NDIS
self-managed or private paying clients, payment is required on the day of your session. Our
administrative team can assist you in understanding your benefits and navigating the billing
process.
Yes we do! In addition to clinic-based sessions, we also offer therapy in the home, daycare settings, or at schools. Sessions outside of the clinic incur a travel fee consistent with the NDIS travel rate guide.
We welcome and value your feedback. You can provide feedback directly to your therapist,
through our reception, or by emailing info@leaptherapies.com.au. We are committed to
continuous improvement and take your insights seriously.
Absolutely. We understand the importance of a good therapist-client match and will facilitate
a change if needed to ensure the best therapeutic experience and outcome.
Getting started is easy. Simply contact us via phone, email, or our website to schedule an
initial consultation. During this session, we will discuss your needs and create a personalised
therapy plan.
