Speech Delay & Late Talkers
For toddlers and young children who aren’t talking as much as expected for their age.
Kindergarten enrolment has a way of turning “let’s keep an eye on it” into a deadline. Our children’s speech pathologists help Baulkham Hills families check whether speech and language are ready for a classroom, about 6 km down Windsor Road in Northmead.
If your child starts kindergarten in late January, the useful time to look is now, not the summer holidays. We plan backwards from that first day so any support has a chance to settle in before Term 1, rather than being squeezed into the last few weeks.
A readiness check looks at what a classroom asks of a child: following instructions with more than one step, being understood by a teacher who doesn’t know them yet, and joining in when a group is talking. It isn’t a test your child can fail, and sometimes the answer is that they’re ready.
From the shops around Baulkham Hills, our Northmead clinic is about 6 km south along Windsor Road.
We see children from birth to 16, and for four- and five-year-olds the focus is often the communication a new classroom expects.
All sessions are held at our one clinic in Northmead, a short drive south of Baulkham Hills.
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 school-readiness checks for the pencil, the mat and the lunchbox.
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 6 km, usually 10–15 minutes by car south along Windsor Road. Free parking is available at the clinic.
Yes. Our speech pathologists see Baulkham Hills children from birth to 16 at our Northmead clinic, a short drive down Windsor Road. Call us on (02) 9037 1163 and we’ll help you book an initial consultation.
Ideally a few months before, so there’s time to act on anything that comes up. Going earlier also means you can share the findings with the school before Term 1 if that would help. If you’re unsure, call us and we’ll talk it through.
Whether your child can follow instructions with more than one step, be understood by an adult who doesn’t know them, use sentences to explain what they want or what happened, and take turns in a conversation. It’s play-based, and you stay in the room.
No referral is needed. You can book with us directly. If your child’s preschool has shared observations, or you have a report from a GP or paediatrician, bring it along.
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 Baulkham Hills. See all the areas we serve, or our occupational therapy in Baulkham Hills 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.
