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), Autism, 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

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    Expressive and Receptive Language

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

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    Speech

    The way we articulate (say) our sounds.

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    Neurodiversity Affirming Practice

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

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    Social Communication

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

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    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.

Let’s get started!

Getting started with us is easy. Here’s an outline of what it’ll look like.

1. Reach out

Get in touch! You’ll receive an email or call within two business days to discuss your needs and determine if we’re the best fit for you and your child. If everything aligns, we’ll schedule your first appointment!

2. In-Depth Assessment

During the initial assessment, you and your child will attend together. While your child plays or engages in activities, a detailed case history will be gathered. The speech pathologist will then interact with your child, using observation, play-based activities, or formal assessments as needed to understand their strengths and areas of need.

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

3. Therapy Sessions

Based on the goals we identify, the frequency of sessions will be recommended. Weekly or fortnightly sessions are typically suggested, allowing time for home practice while maintaining the momentum of therapy.

  • 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

Contact Us

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