Understanding Assessments & Reports

Speech pathology assessments help us understand how communication, cognition, and swallowing are working in everyday life.
Assessments are not about “passing or failing”- they are about identifying strengths, understanding challenges, and guiding the right supports.

At Belong Health, our assessments are practical, functional, and tailored to real-life needs.
Children's Speech Pathology Assessments

Children may benefit from Speech Pathology assessments where there are concerns regarding:
  • Speech sound development
  • Articulation difficulties
  • Language delays
  • Social communication
  • Autism-related communication differences
  • ADHD-related communication challenges
  • Learning and literacy-related communication skills
  • Developmental communication differences
  • AAC needs
Assessments may include:
​
Speech Sound Assessments
Assessment of speech clarity, articulation, phonological processes, and speech development.

Language Assessments
Assessment of receptive language, expressive language, understanding, and use of language.

Social Communication Assessments
Assessment of communication participation, interaction, conversational skills, and social understanding.

Functional Communication Assessments
Assessment of communication skills across home, school, and community environments.
Adult Speech Pathology Assessments
​
Adult assessments may be helpful for people experiencing:
  • Communication difficulties
  • Cognitive communication changes
  • Stroke or brain injury
  • Dementia
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Motor Neuron Disease
  • Voice changes
  • Stuttering or fluency differences
  • Written communication difficulties
  • Communication confidence concerns
Assessments may explore:
​
Communication Assessments
Understanding communication strengths, challenges, and participation needs.

Cognitive Communication Assessments
Assessment of communication difficulties related to memory, attention, executive functioning, organisation, and processing speed.

Neurological Communication Assessments
Assessment following stroke, brain injury, dementia, Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, or other neurological conditions.
AAC & Communication Device Assessments

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) assessments help identify communication supports that may improve communication participation and independence.

​AAC assessments may include:
  • Communication device assessments
  • AAC trials
  • Low-tech AAC recommendations
  • High-tech AAC recommendations
  • Communication app assessments
  • Assistive Technology recommendations
  • Support worker and family training recommendations
AAC assessments are available for children and adults.
Dysphagia & Swallowing Assessments
​
Speech Pathologists assess swallowing and eating difficulties (dysphagia) to help support safer and more comfortable eating and drinking.
Assessments may include:
  • Clinical swallowing assessments
  • Dysphagia assessments
  • Mealtime observations
  • Food and fluid recommendations
  • Risk assessments
  • Mealtime management recommendations
Mealtime Management Assessments & Plans

Where swallowing difficulties are identified, a Speech Pathologist may develop a Mealtime Management Plan.
​Plans may include:
  • Recommended food textures
  • Recommended fluid consistencies
  • Positioning recommendations
  • Supervision requirements
  • Mealtime support strategies
  • Risk management guidance
These plans are commonly used within NDIS, disability, aged care, and community settings.
Voice & Fluency Assessments

​Voice and fluency assessments may be helpful for people experiencing:
  • Hoarseness
  • Vocal fatigue
  • Reduced vocal volume
  • Parkinson's-related voice changes
  • Stuttering
  • Communication confidence difficulties
Assessments help identify factors affecting communication and guide therapy recommendations.​
Neurodevelopmental Communication Assessments

Speech Pathologists can assess communication skills associated with:
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • ADHD
  • Dyspraxia / DCD
  • Developmental delays
  • Global Developmental Delay
  • Learning differences
  • Social communication differences
Speech Pathologists do not diagnose Autism or ADHD, however communication assessments may contribute valuable information to multidisciplinary assessment and support planning.
Speech Pathology Reports

Our Speech Pathologists provide a range of reports and recommendations, including:
  • Assessment Reports
  • Functional Communication Reports
  • NDIS Reports
  • AAC Reports
  • Assistive Technology Recommendations
  • Mealtime Management Plans
  • Progress Reports
  • Therapy Summary Reports
  • School Reports
  • Communication Support Recommendations
  • Support Worker Recommendations
Reports are tailored to the individual's goals, support needs, and funding requirements.
Telehealth Assessments

Some Speech Pathology assessments can be completed via telehealth where clinically appropriate.
​Telehealth may be suitable for:
  • Communication assessments
  • Cognitive communication reviews
  • AAC consultations
  • Parent coaching
  • Follow-up reviews
  • Progress monitoring
Suitability depends on the assessment type and individual circumstances.
Service Areas

​Belong Health provides Speech Pathology assessments and reports across:
  • Mandurah
  • Perth
  • Rockingham
  • Baldivis
  • South Perth
  • Peel Region
  • Surrounding suburbs
Telehealth may also be available across Western Australia where clinically appropriate.
A Multidisciplinary Approach

We often work alongside:
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Psychologists
  • Counsellors
  • Positive Behaviour Support Practitioners
This ensures recommendations are practical and aligned across supports.
Not Sure Which Assessment Is Right?
​
Choosing the right assessment can feel overwhelming.
Our team can help you understand the available options and determine which assessment pathway may be most appropriate based on your concerns, goals, and support needs.
Call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us an email here

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Frequently Asked Questions - Speech Pathology Assessments & Reports

What assessments can a Speech Pathologist do?
Speech Pathologists assess a wide range of communication, speech, language, literacy, cognitive communication, AAC, swallowing, and mealtime management needs.
Assessments may be completed for children, adolescents, adults, and older adults depending on the individual's goals and support needs.

What does a Speech Pathologist assess?
A Speech Pathologist may assess:
  • Speech sounds and articulation
  • Expressive language
  • Receptive language
  • Social communication
  • Functional communication
  • Literacy-related skills
  • AAC needs
  • Cognitive communication
  • Voice and fluency
  • Swallowing and feeding
  • Mealtime management needs

Do Speech Pathologists provide reports?
Yes. Speech Pathologists may provide:
  • Assessment reports
  • NDIS reports
  • Functional Communication Reports
  • AAC reports
  • Progress reports
  • Therapy summary reports
  • Mealtime Management Plans
  • School recommendations
  • Workplace recommendations
Reports are tailored to the individual's goals and support requirements.

What is a Functional Communication Assessment?
A Functional Communication Assessment explores how a person communicates in everyday environments such as home, school, work, or the community.
The assessment may identify communication strengths, barriers, support needs, and recommendations to improve participation and independence.

What is a Functional Communication Report?
A Functional Communication Report describes how communication impacts a person's participation across:
  • Home
  • School
  • Work
  • Community environments
  • Social situations
The report may include strengths, challenges, functional impacts, support needs, and recommendations.

What is an AAC assessment?
An AAC Assessment explores whether a person may benefit from Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) supports.
This may include:
  • Communication boards
  • Visual supports
  • Communication apps
  • Speech-generating devices
  • Assistive technology
The assessment helps identify the most appropriate communication supports for the individual.

What is a cognitive communication assessment?
A Cognitive Communication Assessment explores communication skills affected by:
  • Attention
  • Memory
  • Executive functioning
  • Processing speed
  • Organisation
These assessments are commonly completed following stroke, brain injury, dementia, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological conditions.

What is a dysphagia assessment?
A Dysphagia Assessment evaluates swallowing safety and efficiency.
The assessment may explore:
  • Eating and drinking skills
  • Swallowing function
  • Choking risks
  • Food and fluid recommendations
  • Mealtime safety

What is a Mealtime Management Plan?
A Mealtime Management Plan is a detailed report developed by a Speech Pathologist outlining recommendations for safe eating and drinking.
Plans may include:
  • Food texture recommendations
  • Fluid consistency recommendations
  • Positioning advice
  • Supervision requirements
  • Mealtime strategies

Can Speech Pathologists assess Autism-related communication differences?
Yes. Speech Pathologists can assess:
  • Social communication
  • Functional communication
  • Language skills
  • Conversation skills
  • Communication participation
  • AAC needs
Speech Pathologists do not diagnose Autism but may contribute valuable information to multidisciplinary assessment and support planning.

Can Speech Pathologists assess ADHD-related communication difficulties?
Yes. Speech Pathologists may assess:
  • Functional communication
  • Social communication
  • Executive functioning impacts on communication
  • Language processing
  • Conversation skills
  • Communication participation
These assessments help identify communication strengths, barriers, and support needs.

Can Speech Pathologists assess Dyslexia or Dysgraphia?
Speech Pathologists can assess communication and literacy-related skills associated with Dyslexia and Dysgraphia.
Assessment findings may help identify strengths, challenges, and recommendations for support.

Can Speech Pathologists assess literacy difficulties?
Yes. Speech Pathologists may assess:
  • Phonological awareness
  • Reading skills
  • Language comprehension
  • Written language
  • Literacy development
Assessment recommendations may help guide intervention and further referrals where appropriate.

Can adults have Speech Pathology assessments?
Yes. Adults may seek Speech Pathology assessments for:
  • Communication difficulties
  • Cognitive communication difficulties
  • Stroke
  • Brain injury
  • Neurological conditions
  • Voice changes
  • AAC needs
  • Swallowing difficulties

Can children have Speech Pathology assessments?
Yes. Children may be assessed for:
  • Speech sound difficulties
  • Language delays
  • Social communication
  • Literacy-related skills
  • Developmental communication differences
  • AAC needs

Do you provide NDIS Speech Pathology reports?
Yes. Belong Health provides reports that may support NDIS participants, including:
  • Functional Communication Reports
  • AAC reports
  • Assistive technology recommendations
  • Progress reports
  • Mealtime Management Plans
  • Support recommendations

Can Speech Pathology assessments help support NDIS applications or reviews?
In some situations, Speech Pathology reports may assist with:
  • Identifying communication support needs
  • Demonstrating functional impacts
  • AAC recommendations
  • Assistive technology requests
  • Support planning
  • NDIS plan reviews
Requirements vary depending on individual circumstances.

What happens during a Speech Pathology assessment?
The assessment process is tailored to the individual's age, goals, and concerns.
Depending on the reason for referral, a Speech Pathologist may:
  • Gather background information
  • Review developmental, educational, or medical history
  • Observe communication skills
  • Complete formal and informal assessments
  • Assess functional participation
  • Develop recommendations and support strategies

How long does a Speech Pathology assessment take?
​Assessment timeframes vary depending on the complexity of the referral and the type of assessment being completed.
Some assessments may be completed in a single session, while more comprehensive assessments may involve multiple appointments, observations, questionnaires, and report writing.

Do I need a referral for a Speech Pathology assessment?
No. A referral is not required to access Speech Pathology assessments privately.
However, some funding pathways such as Medicare, NDIS, DVA, or aged care services may require specific referrals or documentation.

What is the difference between an assessment and therapy?
An assessment identifies strengths, challenges, support needs, and recommendations.
Therapy focuses on implementing strategies and supports to work towards communication, swallowing, literacy, or participation goals.
Explore More Resources
For tools, guides, and tips to support communication, safety, and independence, visit our  Resource Hub for adults and seniors living with disability, neurological conditions, or age-related changes.

Accessing our services

​Referrals to Belong Health
We are Medicare and Private Health fund registered for Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology.

EPC/Team care arrangements/Chronic disease (CDM) or GP management plans and self-referrals are all acceptable.

WA NDIS Registered Provider  
Medicare
You can get a referral from your/your child’s GP for OT on a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan this gives you 5 sessions for OT per calendar year with a $53 rebate available on each session or a Helping Children with Autism/PDD/ or an eligible disability package (20 sessions between allied health professionals, as set up by a Paediatrician/Psychiatrist) which gives your child under 16 years a $75 rebate per session for the 20 sessions, you can use up to 10 sessions per Health Professional (up to 10 for OT) and you will need a separate referral letter from your child’s Paediatrician for each Allied Health Professional you are seeking services from. 
Private Health
Your Private Health fund may cover up to 75% of the cost of OT sessions if this is included in your cover, be sure to call them or check your policy for details.

No referral or self referral
You do not require a referral for accessing OT
NDIS Registered Provider
We are an NDIS Registered Provider
Whether you or your child have NDIS funding that is NDIS Managed, Third Party Plan Managed or you are Self-Managing your funds, you are able to use your funding to cover the full cost of therapy services plus travel costs. You will need provide us with your/your child’s NDIS number and plan details ahead of your first session. Once you have booked a session or contacted us, our team will be in touch to discuss our service agreement and provide you with our services price list. 

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Phone: 08 9586 3934

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Belong Health's Community Services for Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Occupational & Speech Therapy Assistants, & Counselling.
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