Meet Rachel Saldanha

Certified Practising Speech Pathologist | B.Sc, B.Sp.Path

Hi, I’m Rachel! I’m the Founder and Head Speech Pathologist at Way With Words Speech Pathology. I hold a Bachelor of Science from Melbourne University and a Bachelor of Speech Pathology from Australian Catholic University, and I’m a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist.

With experience across private practice, kinders, and schools, I provide mobile therapy in Malvern East and surrounding suburbs, supporting children at home, kinder, school, or via teletherapy.

I’m a strong advocate for neurodiversity-affirming practice and take a holistic, strengths-based approach that honours each child’s individuality, interests, and communication style. I provide families with practical strategies and collaborate closely with teachers and other professionals to ensure consistent, meaningful support.

I work with children aged 2 years and older, providing assessment and therapy for a range of areas, including receptive and expressive language, gestalt language processing (GLP), speech sounds, social communication, stuttering, orofacial myology, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

When not at work, I enjoy being active, spending time with my family and friends, cooking up delicious food and playing with my cocker spaniel, Bron!

Areas of Practice

  • Expressive and Receptive Language

    The way we understand and use words to express our thoughts, ideas, wants and needs.

  • Speech

    The way we articulate (say) our sounds.

  • Neurodiversity Affirming Practice

    Celebrating each one’s strengths and supporting individuals in ways that feels natural, meaningful and true to them.

  • Social Communication

    The way we understand and use language, gestures, and body language to connect with others and navigate social situations.

  • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

    Tools, systems, or strategies that support, supplement, or replace language as a means of communication.

  • Paediatric Stuttering

    A communication disorder that impacts the fluency and the flow of speech.

What to expect

1. Initial Assessment

During the initial assessment, time is taken to talk through your child’s current communication and relevant history, followed by either formal assessment tools or informal observation and play to better understand their strengths and needs.

2. In-Depth Assessment

Additional assessment sessions may be required depending on how many areas your child needs help with, and how much information is available. Information may be collected from educators or other therapists.

Caregiver priorities are discussed, and therapy goals are collaboratively set to reflect the child’s needs, strengths, and daily life.

3. Therapy Sessions

Based on the assessment results, an initial block of therapy may be recommended (e.g., 5–10 sessions). Goals are reviewed and updated at the end of each block to track progress and plan next steps.

The frequency of sessions can be tailored to the child’s needs, with weekly or fortnightly sessions commonly recommended.

  • I provide mobile therapy services in Malvern East, Victoria and surrounding suburbs. I come to you, whether that’s at home, kinder or school!

  • No, you don’t need a referral to see a speech pathologist. Families can self-refer. However, you may be referred by your GP, especially if you are planning to use Medicare rebates through a GP Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan.

  • There are a few options available:

    NDIS

    We welcome NDIS clients who are self-managed or plan-managed. Speech pathology supports can be included within your child’s funded goals. We can also assist with documentation, progress reporting, and planning if your child is preparing for NDIS access or a plan review.

    Medicare
    You may be eligible for a Medicare rebate for up to five speech pathology sessions per calendar year through a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan. Please speak with your GP to check your eligibility.

    Private Health Insurance
    Depending on your provider and level of cover, you may be able to claim a rebate for speech pathology services through your private health insurance. Rebate amounts vary, so it’s best to contact your health fund directly for details.


    *Please note: you cannot claim both Medicare and private health rebates for the same session.

  • An initial appointment is 60 minutes, allowing for case history and assessments if time permits.

    Subsequent therapy sessions can range from 30 to 45 minutes depending on the goals targeted.

Let’s Answer Your Questions

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