Question 1

What are paediatric feeding disorders?

Accepted Answer

'Paediatric feeding disorder' is an umbrella term for problems a child may have with eating and drinking that are not expected for their age. Children with paediatric feeding disorders may have difficulties with the skills needed for feeding (e.g., chewing, swallowing), may eat less or a smaller variety than other children, and may have mealtime behaviour that is challenging to understand and manage. Paediatric feeding disorders can be associated with other medical or developmental conditions, but they can also occur when there is no other condition present.

Terms that describe aspects of paediatric feeding disorders include 'dysphagia', 'picky eating', and 'tube dependence'. There is some overlap between paediatric feeding disorders and Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder.

Dr Sanchez can support families with a range of eating and drinking difficulties, whether or not the child has a diagnosis, or other medical/developmental challenges.

Question 2

Do I need a referral to see a therapist at Protea Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. We welcome referrals from health and education professionals,(https://www.proteatherapy.com.au/new-referrals) but no referral is needed to see our therapists. Simply contact us t(https://www.proteatherapy.com.au/new-clients)o ask for your child to be added to our waiting list.

Question 3

What funding or rebates can I use for services at Protea Therapy?

Accepted Answer

The therapists at Protea Therapy can see:
 • Children with self-managed NDIS funding
 • Children with Medicare funding via the following plans: 
    • Chronic Disease Management Pathway (https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/mbsprimarycare-chronicdiseasemanagement)(requires GP plan)
    • Follow Up Allied Health Services for People of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Descent (https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/mbsprimarycare_mbsitems81300_81360)(requires GP plan)
    • Helping Children with Autism/(https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/autism-children)Better Start for Children with a Disability (https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/children_disability)(requires paediatrician or psychiatrist plan)
 • Children with private health insurance. Whether your insurance covers speech  pathology will depend on your provider and level of cover. Please speak to your insurance provider to determine whether your cover includes  speech pathology services.

Question 4

What if I'm not eligible for any of the funding schemes listed above?

Accepted Answer

No problem! We also see private fee paying clients.

Question 5

Why don't you support children with speech, language, and other communication concerns?

Accepted Answer

Dr Katherine Sanchez has extensive training and experience working with children with paediatric feeding disorders. By working exclusively in this area, she is able to support a greater number of children with feeding needs more effectively. Dr Sanchez works closely with other speech pathologists to ensure that her clients' communication needs are also met.

Question 6

My child needs a one-off assessment service (e.g. second opinion, diagnostic assessment, funding assessment.) Can you help?

Accepted Answer

We can provide one-off assessments where required.

Question 7

Do you see children with...?

Accepted Answer

Dr Sanchez has experience working with children with a wide range of medical and developmental diagnoses. We know that it is important to feel that your therapist has the experience and expertise  to work with your child. You can rest assured that we have the knowledge and skills to manage a range of feeding problems, even if we have not encountered your child's specific diagnosis before. Dr Sanchez works in research, tertiary education, and science communication, as well as clinical settings; and uses cutting-edge research to best support each of her clients.

Question 8

Are you trained in...?

Accepted Answer

Dr Katherine Sanchez has trained in a wide range of clinical approaches and techniques, including, but not limited to:
 • Responsive Feeding Therapy
 • SOS Feeding Therapy
 • Ellyn Satter's Division of Responsibility
 • The Get Permission Approach to Feeding

She love attending professional development, and our list of postgraduate training is constantly growing.

Question 9

Are the speech pathologists at Protea Therapy neurodiversity affirming and LGBTIQ-inclusive?

Accepted Answer

We strive to offer neurodiversity-affirming and inclusive services, meeting clients and families where they are and individualising our approach to meet the needs of all kinds of brains and bodies. Here is some more information about neurodiversity affirming practice (https://www.livedexperienceeducator.com/blog/neurodiversityaffirmingpractice)from lived-experience advocate Sonny-Jane Wise.

We are committed to providing a safe and equitable environment for a diverse range of families and clients. This includes supportive and affirming care for rainbow families and LGBTIQ children.

We are open to feedback on ways that our service could be more inclusive and welcoming.

Question 10

Do you offer telehealth services?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We offer telehealth services within Australia (with some limitations based on state legislation.)

Question 11

Do you offer mobile (i.e., in home/daycare/school) services?

Accepted Answer

We do not offer mobile services at present. However, we do offer telehealth services, which can be effective in meeting some of the same needs as mobile services.

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