Screening

During screening, Speech Pathologists quickly assess broad communication skills to help identify areas of concern you may have about your child’s communication skills and determine whether further assessment or therapy would be of benefit.

We offer communication screenings for:

• Kindergarten students (first 2 terms only, based on teacher or parent referral)
• Preschool aged children
  • 5-6yrs
  • 4yrs
  • 3yrs

What skills are screened?
The screening is conducted by a Speech Pathologist from All Communication Matters and will provide an overview about your child’s skills in:

• Language (talking & understanding)
• Speech & Articulation (using age-appropriate sounds)
• Fluency & Voice
• Social Skills
• Phonological Awareness (foundation skills for literacy development) (Note – Kindergarten screening only).

It is important to be aware, that screening results are a brief snapshot of your child’s key skills in the areas evaluated and are not a definitive diagnosis. If there are areas of concern post screening, further assessment will be required.

How long does screening take?
Screening appointments take approximately 15 minutes for preschool aged children and 20 minutes for school aged children.

The fee includes the appointment time and a short summary screening report with further recommendations emailed to parents after the screening is conducted.

Screening Locations
Screening can be conducted at our partner schools and preschools or in our clinics (school holiday and off-peak times only).

Screening Dates

Preschool based screening: For screening conducted at partner preschools – the dates and time are coordinated with your preschool and appear on the screening permission note provided by your centre.

Kindergarten School based screening: Your child’s teacher or school will provide with a note, recommending screening so that you can register. Our Kindergarten screening services are usually conducted early in Term 2, at dates/times coordinated with the school.

Clinic based screening: Your child’s teacher or school will provide you with a note, recommending screening so that you can register. After receiving your registration, we will contact you to arrange a time for screening in our clinic. In clinic screening is usually only available during school holidays or during the daytime (10am-2pm).

For Schools
As many as 25% of children starting Kindergarten have some form of communication difficulty. All Communication Matters has worked with schools, preschools and daycares for over 10 years to provide screening services to assist in the early identification of children requiring support.

Many schools and preschools find this a valuable and effective service and book in communication screening as part of their annual plan.
If you would like to know more about ACM screening services, please CONTACT US