Speech Delay & Late Talkers
For toddlers and young children who aren’t talking as much as expected for their age.
Wentworthville is our nearest neighbour: Briens Road runs from the station almost to our door. Our children’s speech pathologists help with late talking, unclear speech, language and social communication, starting with an assessment and goals agreed with you.
Every child starts with an assessment, not a pre-set program. We find out where your child is now, agree two or three goals with you, and write them down, so progress is something you can see rather than take on trust.
Sessions are play-based but purposeful. At the end of each one you’ll hear what we worked on, what shifted and one thing to practise before next time. If a goal isn’t moving after a fair go, we say so and change the approach.
From Wentworthville Station, Briens Road runs north-east to our Northmead clinic, about 2 km away.
That’s close enough for a weekly session to fit in after school without swallowing the whole afternoon.
All sessions are held at our one clinic in Northmead, just up the road from Wentworthville.
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.
For children whose speech is unclear or hard to understand.
For children who find it hard to understand or use language.
Neurodiversity-affirming support, including gestalt language processing.
Support for children who use communication devices, PODD or key word sign.
OT for homework battles, sensory overload and self-care, just up Briens Road.
Not 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.
About 2 km from Wentworthville Station, usually 5–10 minutes by car along Briens Road. Free parking is available at the clinic.
Yes. Our speech pathologists see children from birth to 16 at our Northmead clinic, just up Briens Road from Wentworthville. Call us on (02) 9037 1163 and we’ll help you book an initial consultation.
Yes. It’s about 25 minutes’ walk (1.7 km) from Wentworthville Station along Briens Road. Buses also run between Wentworthville and Northmead and take about 20 minutes; check Transport NSW for current timetables.
Common reasons include few or no words by two, speech that unfamiliar people find hard to understand by three, trouble following instructions at school, or stuttering that hasn’t settled. An assessment gives you a clear picture and a recommendation, and sometimes that recommendation is that no therapy is needed.
No referral is needed. You can book with us directly. If you have reports from a GP, paediatrician or your child’s school, bring them along, because they help us build on what’s already known.
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.
We serve many suburbs around Wentworthville. See all the areas we serve, or our occupational therapy in Wentworthville page.
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.
