Speech Delay & Late Talkers
For toddlers and young children who aren’t talking as much as expected for their age.
There’s no shortage of therapy options in the Hills, and Castle Hill parents often compare a few before booking. Our children’s speech pathologists are happy to answer your questions first, from our Northmead clinic about 10 km south.
How will goals be set, and will I see them in writing? Can I be in the room? How will we know if it’s working, and what happens if it isn’t? These are fair questions to ask any speech pathologist, including us.
Our answers are simple. Goals come out of an assessment and a conversation with you, you’re welcome in every session, and progress is checked with you rather than assumed. If we think your child doesn’t need therapy, we’ll tell you that too.
From Castle Hill, our Northmead clinic is about 10 km south via Old Northern Road and Windsor Road.
We see children from birth to 16 for late talking, unclear speech, language difficulties, social communication and AAC.
All sessions are held at our one clinic in Northmead, south of Castle Hill.
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 that turns an existing report into a plan for home and school.
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 10 km, usually 20–25 minutes by car via Old Northern Road and Windsor Road, depending on traffic through Baulkham Hills. Free parking is available at the clinic.
Yes. Our speech pathologists see Castle Hill children from birth to 16 at our Northmead clinic. Call us on (02) 9037 1163 with any questions before you book.
Ask how goals are set and reviewed, whether you can sit in on sessions, how progress is measured, and what fees and funding look like. We’re happy to answer all of those on the phone before you commit to anything.
Yes. Take the Metro from Castle Hill Station and then a bus towards Northmead. Allow about 40 minutes and check Transport NSW for current timetables. A taxi or Uber takes about 20 minutes.
No referral is needed. You can book an assessment with us directly. If your child has already been assessed elsewhere, bring those reports along so we can build on them.
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 Castle Hill. See all the areas we serve, or our occupational therapy in Castle Hill 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.
