How to support a family to make an appointment with a Speech Therapist?

Helping families to make an appointment at a speech pathology clinic can be challenging. Often educators, are at the front line for communicating to families that speech pathology for children may be helpful.

This can often feel daunting or challenging. It doesn't have to be.

Many parents value honesty and clarity about their child’s development and the reason why you are recommending an assessment.

The most powerful way to support a family towards making a referral is by providing specific examples.

Make sure to link these examples to functional outcomes for the child in the long term e.g. how they will develop social skills, learn to read, develop confidence to interact, succeed at school.

If a family is reluctant to take action, you can do one of the following:

• continue to document specific examples and provide these regularly so you are reiterating your concerns

• suggest a phone call with one of our Speech Pathologists to answer any questions

• don't give up, sometimes consistency is key.