PALMS PHYSIOTHERAPY & ALLIED HEALTH
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📞9376 1443 - Noranda 📞6285 6185 - Malaga
Adaptive Utensils for Eating & Drinking - Support & Assessments in Perth
Speech Pathologist - Assessment for people with Social Communication Difficulties
Palms Malaga provides assessment & recommendations for adaptive utensils to support safer, easier eating & drinking for children & adults. Contact us to discuss options.
Adaptive Utensils for Eating & Drinking (Malaga, Perth)
Adaptive Utensils for Eating & Drinking (Malaga, Perth)
Adaptive utensils can make eating and drinking safer, easier, and more independent—especially when strength, coordination, tremor, fatigue, sensory needs, or swallowing considerations are getting in the way.
At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health (Malaga), we help children, adults, and older adults trial and choose practical, fit-for-purpose utensils that match real-life goals. Recommendations may be guided by Occupational Therapy (for grip, access and independence) and/or Speech Pathology (for mealtime safety and swallowing-related considerations), depending on your needs.
What are adaptive utensils?
What are adaptive utensils?
Adaptive utensils are modified eating and drinking tools designed to reduce barriers at mealtimes. They can support:
improved grip and control
reduced spillage
steadier feeding with tremor
reduced fatigue and effort
safer pacing and bite/sip size
greater independence and dignity at meals
Who may benefit?
Who may benefit?
Adaptive utensils may help if you or your family member experiences:
reduced hand strength or painful joints (e.g., arthritis)
tremor or coordination changes
neurological conditions affecting fine motor control
limited range of movement in shoulders, elbows, wrists or hands
disability-related motor planning or sensory challenges
fatigue that affects mealtime endurance
difficulty managing cutlery, cups, or portion sizes
Explore Our Services & Facilities
Explore Our Services & Facilities
Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health offers a range of therapy services and specialised supports. You can browse by therapy area, explore specialised services, or learn more about the facilities and equipment we use in-clinic .
Examples of adaptive utensils and supports
Examples of adaptive utensils and supports
Depending on goals and assessment, options may include:
Built-up handles (easier grip, reduced strain)
Angled or bendable cutlery (helps bring food to mouth with less wrist movement)
Rocker knives (one-handed cutting options)
Non-slip mats and plate guards/scoop bowls (reduce spillage, improve independence)
Two-handled cups or lidded cups (stability and pacing support)
Straws/valves and controlled-flow options (where clinically appropriate)
Weighted utensils (may assist some tremor profiles)
The “best” utensil depends on the person, the foods/liquids involved, posture/seating, and the environment.
NDIS Speech Therapy
NDIS Speech Therapy
We support participants under the NDIS scheme with assessments, therapy & support for communication, cognition, voice and swallowing needs.
How Palms delivers this support
How Palms delivers this support
Our support may include:
assessment of current mealtime function (skills, setup, fatigue, safety, independence)
observation of eating/drinking where appropriate
trialling suitable utensil options and setup changes
recommendations for home, school, or support-worker settings
education and training for families/carers/support staff
written guidance or a mealtime plan when consistency across settings is needed
linkage to Assistive Technology (AT) pathways if documentation is required
We focus on practical recommendations—items that are easy to use, easy to implement, and realistic for daily routines.
Our Therapy Services
Our Therapy Services
Although this page focuses on Speech Therapy in Perth, Palms also offers other allied health services from our Malaga clinic.
This can be helpful for clients who need a more coordinated approach across mobility, physical function, communication, sensory needs or everyday participation.
Support for daily living skills, sensory needs, functional independence, equipment, home supports & participation at home, school, work & in the community.
Assessment, diagnosis & treatment for pain, injuries, rehabilitation, mobility, strength & physical function across all ages.
Clinical exercise programs to support chronic condition management, strength, mobility, fitness, rehabilitation & function.
Assessment & therapy for communication, speech, language, social communication, voice & swallowing support.
What to expect
What to expect
Your first session typically includes:
a detailed intake about your child’s communication and routines
identification of goals that matter to your family
practical strategies you can start using immediately
a plan for how coaching will be delivered (frequency, format, next steps)
We keep the focus on realistic strategies that your family can use consistently—without adding stress or unrealistic expectations.
Funding & referrals
Funding & referrals
We welcome a range of funding pathways and can help you understand the best option for your situation.
We see clients using:
Private (self-funded)
NDIS (self-managed and plan-managed)
Aged Care / Home Care Packages
Medicare (where eligible, with a GP referral)
DVA (eligible veterans)
Other funding pathways (e.g., insurers or schemes, where applicable)
Where clinically appropriate, we can provide supporting documentation to inform service planning and care coordination.
Mobile Speech Therapy
Mobile Speech Therapy
Assessment and support for communication, cognition, voice and swallowing needs in the home environment.
Home Care Speech Therapy
Home Care Speech Therapy
Home-based speech pathology for communication, swallowing and cognitive-communication support.
Who We Support
Who We Support
We support children, adults and older adults with disability, injury, chronic conditions, developmental concerns, communication needs, mobility challenges and rehabilitation goals.
If you or someone you care for is showing signs of swallowing and mealtime difficulty, our Speech Pathology team can help assess swallowing concerns and provide practical guidance around safer eating and drinking.
Contact Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health to ask about our therapy and assessments in Perth for adults and children.
Browse Services by Therapy Area
Browse Services by Therapy Area
Find the right support by discipline, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, exercise physiology and other allied health services.
Adaptive Utensils FAQ
Adaptive Utensils FAQ
Do I need an OT or a Speech Pathologist for adaptive utensils?
It depends. OT is commonly involved for independence, grip, access, and functional setup. Speech Pathology may be recommended if there are swallowing/mealtime safety concerns or a mealtime management plan is needed.
Can you recommend specific products/brands?
We can recommend options that match your needs and help you understand what to look for. Availability and purchasing are usually through retail or suppliers, but we can guide you on suitable features and trial options.
Do you provide utensils on the day?
We may have items we can trial depending on availability, but most equipment is purchased separately. We can still assess needs and recommend the best next steps even if items need to be sourced afterward.
What if the issue is actually seating/positioning, not the utensils?
That’s common. Sometimes the biggest improvement comes from posture, foot support, table height, or pacing strategies. We’ll look at the whole setup, not just the cutlery.
Can adaptive utensils help with tremor?
They can help some people, depending on the type of tremor and overall control/fatigue. We may trial weighted or stabilising options and adjust the setup for best results.
Do you help with school or support-worker implementation?
Yes—where appropriate and with consent, we can provide practical guidance and written instructions to support consistent use across settings.
Get Help Today
Get Help Today
At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, our experienced team is here to help children and adults manage their condition and improve their quality of life.
Book an Appointment: Click Here
Contact Us: Click Here
Our Clinic Locations
Our Clinic Locations
Malaga Clinic
Malaga Clinic
Our Malaga facility is a purpose-built allied health hub with dedicated therapy spaces including a rehabilitation gym, private treatment rooms, Pilates studio, Sensory room & a Paediatric therapy gym.
Noranda Clinic
Noranda Clinic
Our Noranda clinic is a welcoming therapy space with private treatment rooms, a well-equipped studio gym area for rehabilitation/strengthening, and specialised therapeutic equipment for Physiotherapyities.
Speech Therapy Services in Perth for Children & Adults
Speech Therapy Services in Perth for Children & Adults
Speech Therapy (also called Speech Pathology) focuses on assessing, diagnosing, and treating communication and swallowing difficulties. At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, our speech pathologists support children, teens, and adults to improve speech clarity, language skills, social communication, voice and fluency and swallowing safety.
How Can Speech Therapy Help You?
How Can Speech Therapy Help You?
Speech therapy can help with a wide range of concerns, including:
Speech delays in children: Supporting speech sound development, clarity, and age-appropriate communication.
Speech sound disorders: Including articulation (sound production) and phonological (sound patterns) difficulties.
Language disorders: Helping with both receptive language (understanding) and expressive language (using words and sentences).
Swallowing and feeding difficulties (dysphagia): Supporting people who have difficulty swallowing safely due to conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, or neurological conditions.
Social communication differences: Supporting conversational skills, turn-taking, perspective-taking, and understanding non-verbal communication.
Stuttering and fluency disorders: Helping clients manage fluency, reduce effort/tension, and build confidence in communication.
Speech Therapy Services We Provide
Speech Therapy Services We Provide
Paediatric Speech Therapy
Paediatric Speech Therapy
Paediatric speech therapy supports children with speech, language, communication, and early literacy needs using evidence-based and child-friendly approaches. Sessions may be play-based (especially for younger children), while still being structured and goal-directed.
Common areas we support include:
Adult Speech Therapy
Adult Speech Therapy
Adult speech therapy supports adults with communication and swallowing needs related to neurological conditions, injury, medical events, or age-related changes. Therapy is practical, functional, and designed around everyday participation (home, work, community).
Common areas we support include:
NDIS Speech Therapy Services
NDIS Speech Therapy Services
NDIS speech therapy is available for self-managed and plan-managed participants. Therapy may focus on functional communication goals, speech clarity, social interaction and participation, and AAC support where required. We collaborate with participants, families, support coordinators, schools, and relevant providers to support practical, meaningful outcomes.
Speech Therapy for Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia)
Speech Therapy for Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia)
Dysphagia (swallowing) support helps when swallowing difficulties affect hydration, nutrition, safety and confidence with eating and drinking. Our speech pathologists can complete clinical assessments (as appropriate), provide strategies for safer swallowing, recommend targeted exercises when indicated, and support shared-care referral pathways with GPs/ENT/medical teams when needed.
- Why Choose Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health for Speech Therapy?
Experienced Speech Pathologists: Skilled in paediatric and adult communication and swallowing support.
NDIS Provider (self- and plan-managed): Therapy is aligned to participant goals and everyday function.
Family-Centred Approach: We involve parents, carers, and supports where appropriate so strategies carry over into real life.
Collaborative, Multidisciplinary Care: We work alongside our broader allied health team when integrated support is beneficial.
Sensory Room and Kids Therapy Gym
Sensory Room and Kids Therapy Gym
Our sensory room and kids therapy gym can support therapy goals through a motivating, functional environment—particularly helpful for children who benefit from movement-based learning and sensory regulation strategies. These spaces may be used when clinically relevant to support engagement, attention, participation, and goal progress.
Locations
Locations
We offer speech pathology services in Perth, including our Malaga and Noranda clinics.
Who can benefit?
Who can benefit?
Feeding & Swallowing assessments and plans may help:
Children with feeding challenges, sensory-based preferences, limited food range, or mealtime distress
Adults with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), neurological conditions, or post-illness deconditioning
Older adults experiencing coughing/choking risk, fatigue, reduced appetite, or swallowing changes
People with disability who need consistent, safe mealtime strategies across settings
Not Sure Where to Start?
Not Sure Where to Start?
If you’re unsure which facility, service, or technology is the right fit, our team can guide you based on your goals and presentation.
How We Can Help
How We Can Help
At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we provide personalised allied health support for children and adults with a wide range of physical, developmental, rehabilitation, communication, sensory, and functional needs. Therapy is tailored to the individual, with a focus on goals that matter in everyday life.
Depending on the service provided, we may support:
💪 Movement, mobility, strength & physical function
💪 Communication, language, feeding, or swallowing needs where relevant
💪 Sensory regulation, participation & daily routines
💪 Rehabilitation following injury, illness or surgery
💪 Independence with everyday tasks
💪 Confidence in home, school, work & community environments
💪 Practical, goal-focused therapy linked to real-life function
Our approach is individualised, supportive, and focused on meaningful participation in daily life.
Who We Help
Who We Help
We work with children and adults across a range of presentations, including developmental, disability-related, rehabilitation, chronic health, and injury-related needs.
This may include:
👉 Children requiring support with development, play, movement, communication, sensory needs, or everyday function
👉 Adults needing support with recovery, rehabilitation, mobility, communication, physical function, or independence
👉 Self-managed and Plan-managed NDIS participants
👉 Eligible Medicare Care Plan patients
👉 DVA clients with appropriate referrals
👉 Workers Compensation clients
👉 Motor Vehicle Accident clients
👉 Aged Care / Home Care Packages
Appointments may be available in clinic, via mobile services, or through telehealth where clinically appropriate.
Signs you should seek urgent medical advice
Signs you should seek urgent medical advice
Please seek urgent medical review if you notice any new or worsening:
frequent coughing/choking during meals or drinks
wet/gurgly voice after swallowing
recurrent chest infections or suspected aspiration
significant weight loss, dehydration, or inability to maintain intake
sudden change in swallow function, weakness, or breathing issues
In an emergency - pelase call 000.
FAQ
FAQ
What is Speech Therapy?
What is Speech Therapy?
Speech therapy, also known as speech pathology, is an allied health service that supports people with difficulties related to communication, speech, language, social interaction, voice, fluency, feeding and swallowing. Speech therapy can help children and adults develop skills, improve function, and participate more confidently in everyday life.
What does a Speech Therapist help with?
What does a Speech Therapist help with?
A speech therapist, or speech pathologist, may help with:
speech clarity and pronunciation
language development and understanding
communication skills
stuttering and fluency
voice problems
feeding and swallowing difficulties
cognitive-communication concerns
communication support for people with disability or developmental delays
The type of support provided depends on the individual’s needs, goals and age.
Who can benefit from Speech Therapy?
Who can benefit from Speech Therapy?
Speech therapy may be helpful for:
babies and young children with delayed speech or language development
school-aged children with communication or learning-related language difficulties
adults with communication or swallowing changes after illness, injury or neurological conditions
people with disability who need support with communication, feeding or participation
older adults experiencing voice, swallowing or cognitive-communication changes
Do you provide Speech Therapy for children and adults?
Do you provide Speech Therapy for children and adults?
Yes. At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we provide speech therapy support for children, adults and older adults, depending on their individual needs and goals.
What is the difference between speech and language?
What is the difference between speech and language?
Speech refers to how sounds are produced and how clearly a person speaks. Language refers to understanding and using words, sentences and meaning to communicate. A person may have difficulty with speech, language, or both.
Yes. Speech therapy may help children who are late to start talking, have delayed language development, or are having difficulty understanding or using language compared with what is expected for their age.
Speech therapy may support autistic children and adults with areas such as communication, social interaction, language development, emotional expression, and participation in daily life. Therapy should always be tailored to the individual and their communication style.
Yes. Speech pathologists also assess and manage feeding and swallowing difficulties, sometimes called dysphagia. Support may include assessment, practical strategies, education, and recommendations to support safer and more effective eating and drinking where appropriate.
Dysphagia means difficulty swallowing. It can affect eating, drinking, swallowing medication, or managing saliva. Speech pathologists are the allied health professionals who assess and help manage swallowing concerns.
What happens in a Speech Therapy appointment?
What happens in a Speech Therapy appointment?
A speech therapy appointment may include:
discussion of concerns and goals
assessment of communication, speech, language, voice, feeding or swallowing
observation of how the person communicates or functions
therapy activities tailored to the individual
practical strategies for home, school, work or daily life
education for parents, carers or support workers where appropriate
The exact structure of the appointment depends on the person’s needs.
Do parents or carers attend Speech Therapy sessions?
Do parents or carers attend Speech Therapy sessions?
For many children, parent or carer involvement is very helpful and may be encouraged as part of therapy. For adults, family or support workers may also be involved where appropriate and with the person’s consent.
How many Speech Therapy sessions will I need?
How many Speech Therapy sessions will I need?
This depends on the person’s needs, goals, age, presentation and how often therapy is recommended. Some people may need short-term support, while others may benefit from ongoing therapy over a longer period.
You can adjust this question depending on your actual service model, but a good generic version is:
We offer Speech Therapy services in clinic, and in some cases mobile or alternative service options may also be available depending on the person’s needs, location and the type of support required.
Speech therapy may be available for NDIS participants where the support is relevant to their disability-related goals and plan funding. Final funding decisions rest with the NDIA, and service availability may depend on plan management type and provider arrangements.
Some clients may be eligible to access speech therapy through Medicare with the appropriate referral pathway, such as a GP chronic condition management plan, depending on eligibility and Medicare requirements.
Some speech therapy services may be claimable through private health insurance, depending on your level of cover and your insurer’s rules. It is best to check directly with your fund.
Do you work with other professionals involved in care?
Do you work with other professionals involved in care?
Yes. Where appropriate, speech pathologists may work collaboratively with other members of the person’s support team, such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, GPs, paediatricians, teachers, support workers and family members.
If you are concerned about your child’s speech, language, communication, feeding or swallowing, it can be helpful to seek an assessment. Early assessment can help clarify whether support may be useful and what next steps are appropriate.
Do I need a referral to see a Speech Therapist?
Do I need a referral to see a Speech Therapist?
Not always. Some clients attend privately without a referral, while others may come via Medicare, NDIS, DVA, aged care or other funding pathways that have their own requirements.
External Resources for Speech Therapy in Australia
External Resources for Speech Therapy in Australia
The Hanen Centre – More Than Words® Program overview:
The Hanen Centre - More Than Words® Program for Parents of Autistic Children
Raising Children Network (Australia) – More Than Words overview:
More Than Words program for autistic children
Speech Pathology Australia
https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au
Raising Children Network
https://raisingchildren.net.au
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
https://www.ndis.gov.au
Better Health Channel (Victoria)
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
Australian Aphasia Association
https://www.aphasia.org.au
Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.
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