Seabird Speech Pathology
Helping children with speech, language and feeding
Seabird Speech Pathology is a family friendly clinic based in Box Hill South that offers a range of evidence based, client centred services within the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne to children and teens (aged 0-18 years). We work with both private paying and NDIS (self or plan managed) clients.
We are passionate about making a difference in the lives of families we work with - whether that involves building the skills of parents and teaching staff to support a child's communication skills, developing a young person's own speech and language skills or creating less stressful mealtime experiences.
Services
Seabird Speech Pathology works with children and their families to understand each child's individual strengths, address their challenges and advocate for their needs. You can read more about our services below.
Speech
Kids don't always 'just learn to talk'. They may need help learning to make sounds or put different sounds together, making their speech clear enough for others to understand, or ensuring they don't lose their voice. We follow a child's interests to make therapy and home practice fun and engaging for both caregivers and kids.
Language
Language refers to the words and word order we use and understand when we talk - whether with spoken words, sign language or an electronic communication device (AAC). We work with children and teens to understand what others say, and get their own ideas across - a vital academic and social skill.
Feeding
Our feeding therapy focuses on ensuring children (0-12 years) can have a safe, efficient and pleasurable feeding experience. Following a responsive feeding therapy approach, we work with the caregiver and child to assess and treat feeding difficulties caused by structural differences, movement, sensory, allergy and reflux related feeding challenges.
Meet Christine Dodds
Christine Dodds is the principal speech pathologist at Seabird Speech Pathology. She has a Master of Speech Pathology and bachelor's degree in Communications, and blends her professional expertise with a warm and friendly approach to speech therapy.
She is passionate about helping her clients reach their communication or mealtime goals - working collaboratively with children, families and educators, to create a positive and supportive environment in which children and teens can thrive.
She has a passion for providing neurodiversity affirming support for children and teens including those with dyslexia, autism, ADHD and dysgraphia, as well as those with feeding and learning difficulties. Her approach is rooted in helping clients to discover and leverage their strengths, to make therapy and home practice meaningful, engaging and effective.
Funding Options
Private Healthcare
Healthcare providers may offer a rebate on speech pathology services. Contact your provider and quote the item numbers 340, 320 (initial speech pathology) to find out if your child is eligible.
Medicare - EPC / CDM
The Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, previously known as an Enhanced Primary Healthcare (EPC) plan, gives eligible clients rebates on five treatment sessions for each calendar year. You will need to see your GP to receive this plan. Sessions can be shared across speech pathology and other allied health providers.
Medicare - HCWA
The Helping Children with Autism (HCWA) provides a total of 4 assessment sessions and 20 treatment sessions for children being diagnosed or treated for autism. Only a paediatrician or psychiatrist can provide a HCWA referral. HCWA sessions can be used for speech pathology and other allied health providers.
NDIS - self-managed and plan-managed only
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding for people who have a permanent condition that significantly impacts their everyday life. Seabird Speech Pathology can provide services to clients who manage their child's NDIS plan budget themselves, or those who have a third party provider known as a Plan Manager, overseeing their NDIS budget. Seabird Speech is unable to support clients who are NDIA-managed.
Contact us now to discuss your child
Complete the contact form or call Christine on 0493 732 649
Located at Birdwood St Therapy Group
44 Birdwood St, Box Hill South VIC 3128, Australia