What Is an Allied Health Assistant (AHA) — And Could This Be Right for Your Child?
- Apr 13
- 3 min read
Affordable Therapy Options | Allied Health Assistant | Speech & OT Support | Perth
If you’ve ever looked into therapy for your child and thought…
“This sounds amazing… but how are we going to afford this regularly?”
You are absolutely not alone.
This is something so many families quietly worry about — because you want to do the best for your child, but you also have to think about what’s realistic week to week.
And this is exactly where an Allied Health Assistant (AHA) can be such a beautiful option.
So… What Is an Allied Health Assistant?
An Allied Health Assistant (AHA) is someone who works under the guidance and supervision of a qualified therapist (like a Speech Pathologist or Occupational Therapist).
They don’t replace the therapist, they extend the support.
Think of it like this:
👉 The therapist creates the plan👉 The AHA helps bring it to life consistently
What Does That Actually Look Like?
Instead of seeing a therapist every single week, many families:
See the therapist for key sessions (e.g. every 6–8 weeks)
Then have regular sessions with an AHA in between
Those AHA sessions might look like:
Play-based activities
Practising speech sounds
Supporting communication strategies
Working on fine motor or regulation skills
All guided by a plan designed specifically for your child.
Why Families Love This Model.
There are a few reasons this works so well for families.
Firstly — it’s more affordable.
Therapy with a qualified therapist is typically higher in cost, whereas AHA sessions are significantly lower, which makes it easier to access support more consistently.
And consistency is key.
Secondly, it’s less pressure for the child.
Because sessions are often more relaxed and play-based, children can feel more comfortable and engaged.
And thirdly, it’s still highly supported.
Your therapist is always involved behind the scenes:✔️ Setting goals✔️ Reviewing progress✔️ Adjusting strategies
So your child is still getting quality, tailored support.
Is This Right for Every Child?
Not every child will need or benefit from this kind of support and that’s completely okay.
Some children really benefit from working directly with a therapist, especially in the early stages or when things feel a little more complex. And we’ll always guide you honestly on what we think is best for your child.
But for many families, working with an Allied Health Assistant can be such a positive and practical option. It often allows for more regular sessions, which means children get more opportunities to practise and build their skills. Over time, that consistency can make a really big difference, not just in progress, but in confidence too.
What about rebates?
This is something we’re always really open about.
AHA sessions aren’t eligible for Medicare or private health rebates, and we know that can feel like an important factor when making decisions. But interestingly, many families still choose this option because the overall cost is lower, and it allows them to access support more consistently. And often, it’s that consistency that helps things really start to click.
At So To Speak…
We take a collaborative approach, where therapists and Allied Health Assistants work closely together around your child. Your therapist is still very much involved, setting goals, guiding sessions behind the scenes, and checking in regularly to adjust things as your child grows.
So it’s not about “less therapy.”
It’s about creating a model of support that is flexible, realistic, and actually works for your family long-term.
Not sure if this is the right fit?
If you’ve been weighing up your options or wondering what might work best for your child, we’re always happy to chat it through with you.
No pressure, no expectations — just a conversation to help you feel a bit clearer.
Book an assessment or get in touch here:
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