Support for Speech Delay & Late Talkers
If your toddler isn’t talking as much as other children their age, you’re probably feeling a mix of worry and uncertainty. Speech delay is one of the most common — and most treatable — concerns families bring to The Bridge Effect in Northmead.
Whether your child is just beginning to communicate or facing challenges with speech, language, or social interaction, we’re here for you. You’re not alone on this
We start with a thorough, unhurried assessment — not a guess. From there, we build a therapy plan around your child’s specific profile and your family’s priorities.
Therapy is play-based and built around your child’s natural interests, with parent coaching in every session so progress continues at home, not just in the clinic.
Speech delay can look different from child to child. We support children across the full range of speech delay presentations, including:
If your child isn’t meeting speech milestones for their age, isn’t yet combining words by two, or their speech is hard to understand, an assessment is worthwhile. Trust your instinct — parents know their children best, and early assessment is always better than waiting. It will tell you whether your child needs therapy, or is likely to catch up on their own.
Assessment takes 60–90 minutes. We’ll gather your history and concerns, use standardised and play-based tasks to map your child’s language profile, and explain our findings in plain language before you leave, with a clear recommendation for next steps.
It might, but not necessarily. Bilingual children often have smaller vocabularies in each language individually, though their combined vocabulary is usually age-appropriate. A genuine delay shows up in both languages, not just one. Our speech pathologists are experienced in assessing bilingual children and will assess in the context of both languages wherever possible, so you get an answer that’s actually reliable.
Some children do catch up on their own. But without a formal assessment, there’s no reliable way to know if your child is in that group. Research shows children who get early speech therapy close the gap faster and more completely than those who wait — so waiting is rarely the right call once you’re concerned. From
No. You can contact The Bridge Effect directly to book a speech delay assessment — no GP or paediatrician referral required. If you have a report from another professional, bring it along, but it isn’t necessary. Call us at 9037 1163 or visit us at 7/185 Briens Rd, Northmead NSW. We’ll listen to your concerns, answer yourquestions, and help you book an initial consultation. Early support can make a big difference—and we’re here to walk this journey with you.
We invite you to learn more about how the The Bridge Effect can make a significant difference in your family’s life. Whether it’s about taking the first steps or continuing the journey, we’re here to support you every step.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin a new chapter in your child’s developmental story.
