Speech Delay & Late Talkers
For toddlers and young children who aren’t talking as much as expected for their age.
Eighteen months and only a handful of words? Rosehill parents often ask if it’s too early to worry. It almost never is. Our children’s speech pathologists see toddlers through to teens, about 7 km up James Ruse Drive in Northmead.
The years before school are when communication develops fastest, which makes them the most effective time to give a child a hand. Waiting rarely makes a delay easier to shift. It usually just means starting later, often once frustration has joined the picture.
Early doesn’t mean intensive. For a young child it often means a short block of play-based sessions and a handful of things for you to do during nappy changes, bath time and the drive to kindy. Small changes, repeated often, by the people your child talks to most.
From the streets around Rosehill Gardens and the Parramatta River foreshore, our Northmead clinic is a straight run north up James Ruse Drive.
If the answer turns out to be ‘give it six months’, we’ll tell you that, and we’ll tell you what to watch for in the meantime.
All sessions are held at our one clinic in Northmead, a short drive north of Rosehill.
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.
Independence with shoelaces, buttons, lunchboxes and toileting.
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 7 km, usually 12–15 minutes by car up James Ruse Drive. Free parking is available at the clinic.
Yes. Our speech pathologists see Rosehill families at our Northmead clinic, including many with children under three. We’ll find a time that fits around naps and kindy. Call us on (02) 9037 1163.
If you’re unsure, it’s worth asking early. An assessment tells you where your child is now. If the answer is to give it some time, we’ll say so and tell you what to watch for. If support would help, starting early gives your child the most time to build skills before school.
We see children from infancy through to 16 years. If you have concerns about a baby or toddler, contact us early. Early support makes a real difference.
No referral is needed to book. Some families come to us after a paediatrician or child and family health nurse has raised something, and if you have a report from them, please bring it, but it isn’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 Rosehill. See all the areas we serve, or our occupational therapy in Rosehill 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.
