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/or 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 Dr Katherine Sanchez at Protea Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. We welcome referrals from health and education professionals, but no referral is needed. Simply contact us to 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

Dr Sanchez can see:Children with self-managed NDIS funding. Dr Sanchez is a PhD-qualified speech pathologist, (not a medical doctor) so her services are most commonly funded in the 'Capacity Building: Improved Daily Living' portion of an NDIS plan.Children with Medicare funding via the following plans: Chronic Disease Management Pathway (requires GP plan)Follow Up Allied Health Services for People of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Descent (requires GP plan)Helping Children with Autism/Better Start for Children with a 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.Children with plan-managed NDIS funding may be seen if they are able to arrange with their plan manager to pay directly on the day of service and then claim the payment back. Unfortunately, Dr Sanchez is unable to see clients with agency-managed NDIS funding.

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

What are your fees?

Accepted Answer

Our fees are available on request.

This helps us to make sure that we are providing accurate and up-to-date information about our fee schedule to potential clients, and is consistent with advice from Speech Pathology Australia.

Question 6

Why don't you provide assessment/therapy for 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 7

My child needs a one-off assessment service (e.g. second opinion, diagnostic assessment, funding assessment) or a time-limited block of therapy. Can you help?

Accepted Answer

We are flexible in our service delivery model, and can provide assessment-only and episodic care options where appropriate. We are also happy to work with clients who have an existing speech pathologist to provide second-opnion consultations and mentoring or supervision if helpful.

Question 8

Do you see children with...?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

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 TherapySOS Feeding TherapyEllyn Satter's Division of ResponsibilityThe Get Permission Approach to FeedingBroccoli Boot CampTR-eat modelKeys to CaregivingThe Graz Model of tube weaningCervical auscultationVideofluoroscopic studies of swallowingShe loves attending professional development and her list of postgraduate trainings is constantly growing.

Question 10

Is 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 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 11

Do you offer telehealth services?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 12

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.

Question 13

Do you have a waiting list?

Accepted Answer

There is usually a waiting list for Dr Sanchez's services. We try to keep this waiting list as short as possible, including by only accepting referrals for paediatric feeding disorders.New referrals are triaged so that we can prioritise seeing children who may be at a higher risk of becoming unwell as a result of their feeding challenges. You can improve your chances of being seen as soon as possible by:Contacting us and completing our intake form as promptly as possibleProviding accurate and complete information about the child's feeding support needsResponding quickly if we contact you regarding an initial appointmentPlease contact us if your child's feeding problems become more severe while they are on our waiting list.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS