Speech Delay & Late Talkers
For toddlers and young children who aren’t talking as much as expected for their age.
Some children chat all day at home and go quiet the moment they’re somewhere new. For Oatlands families, our children’s speech pathologists keep the first visit relaxed and play-based, about 5 km west along Pennant Hills Road in Northmead.
Your child plays, and our speech pathologist joins in, quietly noticing what they do with sounds, words, sentences and back-and-forth conversation. There’s no desk, no test to sit and nothing your child has to perform.
Afterwards we tell you plainly what we saw, whether it sits within the usual range for their age, and what we’d suggest next. Some families leave with a therapy plan. Others leave with a few things to try at home and a time to check back in.
From the streets around Oatlands Golf Club and Pennant Hills Road, our Northmead clinic is about 5 km west.
Our therapy rooms are small and calm, which suits children who take a while to warm up to somewhere new.
All sessions are held at our one clinic in Northmead, a short drive west of Oatlands.
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 in a calm space for children who are easily overwhelmed.
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 5 km, usually 10–15 minutes by car west along Pennant Hills Road. Free parking is available at the clinic.
Yes. Our speech pathologists see Oatlands children from birth to 16 at our Northmead clinic, a short drive west. Call us on (02) 9037 1163 and we’ll help you book an initial consultation.
Yes. We expect it and plan for it. The assessment is play-based, you stay in the room, and we take our time. We’ll also ask what your child says at home, because that’s part of the picture too.
We explain what we saw and what we’d suggest. That might be a block of therapy, a few things to try at home with a check-in later, or reassurance that your child is on track.
No referral is needed to book. If a GP, paediatrician or child and family health nurse has already raised something, bring their notes along, but they aren’t required.
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 Oatlands. See all the areas we serve, or our occupational therapy in Oatlands 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.
