At SpeechEase, we understand that every person is unique and that the right support at the right time can make all the difference.
Our Allied Health Assistant (AHA) Program provides a flexible and cost-effective way for children and adults to practise and develop skills in areas such as communication, social interaction, emotional regulation, daily living skills, and everyday routines.
Working under the direction and supervision of a Speech Pathologist, AHA sessions are designed to help clients build confidence, independence, and participation in meaningful everyday activities while working towards their individual therapy goals.
What is an Allied Health Assistant?
An Allied Health Assistant (AHA) is a trained member of the therapy team who works under the direction and supervision of your Speech Pathologist.
AHAs can support clients to practise and develop skills in areas such as:
- Communication
- Social interaction
- Play and engagement skills
- Emotional regulation
- Daily living and functional communication skills
- Community participation
- Goal-specific skill development
All therapy activities completed by an AHA are planned, delegated, and regularly reviewed by your Speech Pathologist.
Who is Suitable for AHA Support?
AHA support may be suitable for clients who:
- Have established therapy goals
- Benefit from regular practice and repetition
- Require support to generalise skills into everyday environments
- Would benefit from increased therapy intensity
- Are working towards functional, communication, social, or participation goals
AHA support can be delivered to children and adults. However, not every client will be suitable for AHA-led therapy. Your Speech Pathologist will determine whether this approach is clinically appropriate and discuss any recommendations with you.
Why Choose an AHA?
Many clients and families find that AHA support helps achieve better outcomes by providing more frequent opportunities to practise skills in meaningful, real-world environments.
Benefits may include:
- Increased opportunities to practise therapy strategies
- Greater consistency between Speech Pathology appointments
- A cost-effective way to access additional support
- Improved confidence and independence in everyday activities
- Increased opportunities to generalise skills across different environments
- Ongoing clinical oversight from a qualified Speech Pathologist
How the Program Works
Initial Assessment and Planning
For new clients, the process generally includes:
- An initial consultation and assessment
- Identification of therapy priorities and goals
- Development of an individualised AHA program
- Collaboration between the Speech Pathologist and AHA
- A joint session to support the transition into AHA services where appropriate
Existing SpeechEase Clients
Clients already receiving Speech Pathology services may be able to transition directly into AHA support if deemed clinically appropriate by their Speech Pathologist.
This process generally includes:
- Development of an individualised AHA program
- Collaboration between the Speech Pathologist and AHA
- A joint session to support the transition into AHA services where appropriate
Ongoing AHA Sessions
Once the program has been established, AHA sessions focus on implementing the strategies, activities, and goals developed by the Speech Pathologist.
Throughout the program, your Speech Pathologist remains actively involved by:
- Monitoring progress
- Reviewing goal attainment
- Updating therapy programs as required
- Providing supervision and support to the AHA
- Adjusting recommendations as the client’s needs change
Program Reviews
Regular reviews are completed to ensure supports remain aligned with the client’s goals, preferences, and current needs.
Reviews may include:
- Progress monitoring
- Goal review
- Program updates
- Recommendations for ongoing supports
- Adjustments to therapy strategies
Additional assessments or reviews will only be recommended where clinically appropriate and will always be discussed with you beforehand.
Questions?
We understand that every client’s journey is unique. If you would like to discuss whether the SpeechEase Allied Health Assistant Program is the right fit for you or someone you support, we would love to hear from you.
Enquire about our AHA Program today
1300 773 273
welcome@speechease.net.au