After becoming a multi-disciplinary clinic in 2024, the Speech Spot Illawarra no longer represented who we were as a business and the services we were offering. In July 2024 we decided to rebrand to The Thrive Spot. Same goals, a bigger team with an even bigger passion in providing therapy for all children to thrive and grow to their full potential. We look forward to working with you.

Our team is constantly expanding so the waiting time is challenging to accurately judge. We do our best to get your child services quickly. Currently we have a waitlist for Speech Pathology but appointments available in all other departments. ​ We usually have spaces for assessments only during school holidays. If this interests you, please contact us at admin@thespeechspotillawarra.com for further information.

Yes, we do! We have a clinic in Dapto. There is off street parking and is completely accessible for those who have mobility difficulties. ​ You can find us at Unit 3, 130-134 Princes Highway, Dapto. If you find the Dominos, turn down the small driveway and you will find out designated parking. ​ We know finding us can be tricky so here is a cheat sheet on how to find our office

The Speech Spot Illawarra is able to provide services to Plan Managed and Self Managed participants of the NDIS. ​ Funding for The Speech Spot Illawarra services generally falls under ‘Improved Daily Living’. We are able to provide assessments, reports and progress reports to submit to the NDIS when a clients funding is being reviewed. ​ For more information on the NDIS, please contact us at 0491 174 791 or visit https://www.ndis.gov.au/index.html

Speech Pathology Assessment and Therapy sessions can be claimed through Private Health Cover under extras cover. The rebate amount per session and the number of sessions covered is dependent on the individual’s level of cover. The rebate for assessments is usually higher than that for therapy sessions. A typical rebate would be somewhere between $30-$80 per therapy session for 10-16 sessions per calendar year. ​ Before commencing therapy, please check with your health fund to ensure that Speech Pathology is included in your cover and the amount you are eligible to claim for each individual assessment and therapy session.

There are many benefits to services occurring outside of a traditional clinic environment: ​ Clients are often more comfortable in their home environment. This means our clients are more likely to be in the correct frame of mind to learn and build their communication skills. It also means it is often quicker and easier for the therapist and the client to form a bond. No travel time for families. The therapist comes to your home which means there is no need to fight traffic or pack any extra children in the car. Research suggests that therapy in the home/day care or work environment results in a better generalisation of communication goals. The therapist is able to teach the client how to use new communication skills in the home/day care and work environment as opposed to in a clinic environment. Parents/carers are able to see how to work with clients in the home. The therapist will be able to show you how to work therapy techniques and goals into your every day life in your home/day care or work environment. This can help parents and carers save time completing extra ‘homework’ activities. Therapists are able to work closely with teachers and staff members in the school and supported workplace setting to collaborate with goal setting and adjust the classroom/workplace for optimum language development ​ Speak to your therapist if you are wanting to trial community based therapy.

The Thrive Spot requests 48 hours notice for the cancellation or rescheduling of appointments. The Thrive Spot understands that unforeseen circumstances do occur which result in late cancellations or no-shows to appointments. We have options for families who need to cancel after the 48 hours who do not want to be charged for a late cancellation. Our cancellation policy is under our 'Resources' tab of our website.