Speech Delay & Late Talkers
For toddlers and young children who aren’t talking as much as expected for their age.
Looking for a children’s speech pathologist near you? Every family we see comes to one place: our clinic in Northmead, on the Westmead side of Parramatta. Find your suburb below to see how far it is and how to get here.
Whichever suburb you live in, every session happens at our one clinic in Northmead, so your child sees the same team in the same space each visit. Our speech pathologists and occupational therapists work under the same roof, and if your child needs both, the two teams can plan together.
Each suburb page covers the drive, the bus and train options, and the questions parents from that area ask us most. If the trip is what’s holding you back, tell us your week and we’ll look for a regular time you can keep.
23 suburbs, one Northmead clinic. Distances are approximate, by road.
Don’t see your suburb? The list shows where most of our families come from, not a boundary. Call us on (02) 9037 1163 and we’ll talk through whether a regular trip will work for you. Looking for occupational therapy? See our OT locations, or all the areas we serve.
All speech therapy sessions are held at our one clinic in Northmead.
Our speech pathologists support children across the full range of speech, language and communication needs.
For toddlers and young children who aren’t talking as much as expected for their age.
Learn moreFor children whose speech is unclear or hard to understand.
Learn moreFor children who find it hard to understand or use language.
Learn moreNeurodiversity-affirming support, including gestalt language processing.
Learn moreSupport for children who use communication devices, PODD or key word sign.
Learn moreSensory, fine motor and self-care support at the same Northmead clinic.
Find OT near youNot sure where to start? See all speech therapy services or talk to our client care team.
A typical children’s speech therapy program at The Bridge Effect includes:
Weekly or fortnightly sessions with a qualified speech pathologist. Frequency depends on the nature of your child’s needs.
Specific, measurable goals based on your child’s assessment results and your family’s priorities.
We teach you the strategies we use so practice fits into everyday routines. The hours you spend with your child each day matter most.
Typically every 10–12 sessions, we review progress and adjust goals as your child develops.
Reviews from families who visit our Northmead clinic.








Most families use NDIS, Medicare, private health insurance, or a mix, to help fund speech therapy.
The Bridge Effect supports NDIS self-managed and plan-managed families. Speech therapy is typically funded under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living.
Learn moreA GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (up to 5 allied health sessions a year) or the Item 135 pathway can provide a rebate.
Learn moreMany extras policies include a speech pathology benefit. We provide receipts in the format your fund needs.
Learn moreFamilies without funding are welcome as private clients. Our current fee schedule is available on request.
Learn moreChildren under 9 without an NDIS plan may be eligible for early intervention support through the NDIS Early Childhood Approach, without needing a formal diagnosis. Medicare and private health rebates can’t both be claimed for the same session. Ask us which pathway fits your family.
Our speech pathologists are members of Speech Pathology Australia and work closely with our occupational therapists, so your child’s goals are joined up across both services.
Can’t see your question? Call us on (02) 9037 1163.
All speech therapy sessions are held at our one clinic at 7/185 Briens Rd, Northmead NSW 2152, on the Westmead side of Parramatta. Free parking is available at the clinic.
If you live in Parramatta, the Hills District or nearby Western Sydney, very likely yes. Our speech pathologists see children from birth to 16 from the 23 suburbs on this page and further afield. Call us on (02) 9037 1163 and we’ll help you book an initial consultation.
Yes. The list shows where most of our families come from, not a boundary. Call us and we’ll talk through travel times and whether a regular session time will work for your week.
Call us on (02) 9037 1163 and we’ll tell you honestly how soon we can see your child, and what the first session involves.
No referral is needed. You can book an assessment with us directly. If your child already has a referral, a paediatrician’s letter or an older report, bring it along, because it saves covering ground someone has already covered.
Yes. The Bridge Effect supports NDIS self-managed and plan-managed families. If your child’s plan includes funding for speech therapy (typically under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living), we can work within your plan. More about NDIS funding.
Yes. Our speech pathologists and occupational therapists work in the same Northmead clinic, so the two teams can plan together and you avoid an extra trip. See our occupational therapy locations.
Early support can make a big difference, and we’re here to walk this journey with you.
Contact us directly, or speak with your GP, paediatrician or support coordinator about a referral. A referral is not required.
Our client care team matches you with the right clinician and books an initial consultation.
We get to know your child, assess their strengths and needs, and set goals together with you.