Speech Assessments
Our speech pathologists support children to communicate effectively through speech at home, school, and in the community. By understanding each child’s unique communication profile, we help them develop the skills they need for speaking, listening, understanding, and social interaction, so they can thrive.
What You Can Expect
At Zanda, we begin all new therapy journeys with an assessment. This gives us a clear understanding of your child’s current strengths, any areas of difficulty, and what goals are most important to your family.
Whether you're concerned about your child's speech clarity, language development, social interaction, or early literacy skills, our assessment process helps us build a clear picture and tailor support to your child’s individual needs.
Taking this step means you’re prioritising your child’s development — and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Once you book online, our team will be in touch to confirm your appointment, explain what to bring, and answer any questions.
As part of this confirmation process, we’ll also schedule a free 15-minute welcome call with the therapist who will be completing your child’s assessment. This brief call allows the therapist to hear more about your child’s interests and your main concerns so they can plan a personalised and engaging first session. It also gives you a chance to ask any questions and know what to expect before the appointment.
All new clients start with an assessment. If your child has already completed a comprehensive assessment in the past six months, we may not need to complete a full reassessment — we’ll chat with you about the best path forward.
We support infants, toddlers, and children across a wide range of developmental areas, including:
Preverbal communication skills: the foundational skills your child needs before first words emerge, such as joint attention, eye contact, turn-taking, gesture use, and early imitation
Speech sounds: how clearly your child can pronounce sounds and words
Language skills: how your child understands and uses words and sentences to communicate
Early language development: including first words, combining words, and following simple instructions
Play skills: how your child uses play to learn, communicate, and interact with others
Early literacy: phonological awareness and other foundational skills for learning to read and spell
School-aged literacy: including reading accuracy, comprehension, and written expression
Social communication: understanding and using language in social situations
Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC): supporting children who may benefit from communication systems beyond speech
Your Assessment Options
We offer two flexible assessment packages based on your child’s age. Both packages include two one-hour sessions: the first focused on information gathering and assessment, and the second either continuing the assessment or used as a trial therapy session to begin building rapport and testing supports.
This is designed for preschool-aged children and includes:
A detailed parent interview and developmental history
Observation of play and early communication
Informal or formal assessment tools
Flexibility for the second session to be used for continued assessment or as a therapy trial
Verbal feedback at the end of each session
Optional contact with educators or childcare staff (with your consent)
A parent-friendly summary report with therapy goals and recommendations
For children aged 5 and over, this package includes:
Two 1-hour sessions
A thorough case history and parent interview
Formal assessment of language, speech, and/or literacy skills
Flexibility for the second session to be used as continued assessment or a therapy trial
Optional contact with school staff or other professionals (with your consent)
A parent-friendly summary report including results, functional goals, and therapy recommendations
After The Assessment
Following the two sessions, your speech pathologist will:
Finalise the parent-friendly summary report and personalised goals
Share recommendations and a plan for ongoing therapy
Begin working with you to support your child’s development
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Occupational Therapy (OT) Assessments
Our occupational therapists support children to participate in daily activities such as self-care, learning, play, and social interactions. By understanding a child's unique profile, we help them develop the skills needed to thrive.
What You Can Expect
Gross motor skills: strength, balance, coordination, motor planning
Fine motor skills: hand strength, dexterity, handwriting, self-care skills
Sensory processing: how your child responds to and processes sensory information
Emotional regulation: managing feelings and behaviours
Attention and concentration: focus and persistence with tasks
School readiness: skills to support a smooth transition to school
Social skills: engaging with peers, taking turns, playing cooperatively
Children often show different skills and behaviours depending on their environment. By seeing your child in the setting where their challenges typically occur, the OT can gather richer, more accurate information about how they participate in real-world situations. Observing in their natural environment provides a clearer picture of their strengths and needs, leading to more relevant and effective recommendations.
It also provides a natural opportunity for the OT to connect directly with the people in your child’s life who already know and support them, rather than needing to arrange these conversations separately. Additionally, it allows the OT to trial strategies immediately in the real setting, giving instant insight into what might work best for your child.
Note: Mobile sessions incur a travel cost. Travel will be calculated depending on location and you will be notified in advance.
Your Assessment Options
We know that every child – and every family – is unique. That’s why we offer four different assessment packages to suit your needs and match the reason you are seeking an assessment.
Each package includes a different combination of sessions, observations, and reports, so you can choose the option that best fits your goals. Your OT will help guide you in selecting the right package for your child.
A streamlined option for a targeted observation and brief summary report.
Observation (50 minutes): Watching your child in their natural setting, such as childcare, kindergarten, school, home, or during a speech pathology session.
Summary Report – A clear, concise written summary of findings and recommendations.
A more detailed assessment option, this package includes:
Parent Intake Session: A parent-only online session (via Zoom) to discuss your child’s background, developmental history, and current concerns.
Observation (50 minutes): Watching your child in their natural setting, such as childcare, kindergarten, school, home, or during a speech pathology session.
Follow-Up Sessions: If recommended, this may involve one-on-one assessment with your child, parent consultations, or discussions with educators.
Summary Report: A clear, concise written summary of findings and recommendations.
When applying for (or reviewing) NDIS funding or other funding programs (e.g., KISS funding for kinder, disability support funding for school, special consideration funding), supporting documentation from an Occupational Therapist can strengthen your application.
Observation (50 minutes): Watching your child in their natural setting, such as childcare, kindergarten, school, home, or during a speech pathology session.
Group Program Summary Report: A clear, concise written summary of whether the child is suitable for the group and potential goals and recommendations.
For new clients wishing to join our group programs, such as School Readiness and Social Skills groups, an intake assessment is required.
Parent Intake Session: A parent-only online session (via Zoom) to discuss your child’s background, developmental history, and current concerns.
Observation (50 minutes): Watching your child in their natural setting, such as childcare, kindergarten, school, home, or during a speech pathology session.
Follow-Up Sessions: If recommended, this may involve one-on-one assessment with your child, parent consultations, or discussions with educators.
Detailed Summary Report: A comprehensive written report outlining findings and recommendations.
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We can help your child find their voice,
one syllable at a time.
Whatever you child's journey looks like, we're here to talk it out with you.
With warmth, creativity, and support, we'll create a plan that works for your child and your family.