Speech Delay & Late Talkers
For toddlers and young children who aren’t talking as much as expected for their age.
New house, new school zone, new list of people to find. For Bella Vista families, our children’s speech pathologists can be the easy one to tick off: no referral, one phone call, and a clinic about 8 km down Old Windsor Road.
Settling into a new suburb comes with plenty of admin already, and booking a speech assessment shouldn’t add to it. You don’t need a referral, a diagnosis or a local GP yet. A phone call is enough, and we’ll ask what you’ve noticed and how old your child is.
If your child was already seeing someone before the move, bring any reports or goals with you. We’ll read them first, so your child picks up where they left off rather than starting again from scratch.
From Bella Vista, our Northmead clinic is about 8 km south along Old 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 Bella Vista.
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 to help kids settle into new routines after a move.
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 8 km, usually 15–20 minutes by car south along Old Windsor Road. Free parking is available at the clinic.
Yes. Our speech pathologists see Bella Vista children from birth to 16 at our Northmead clinic. Call us on (02) 9037 1163 and we’ll help you book an initial consultation.
Not from scratch. Bring any reports, goals or progress notes you have. We’ll read them first, check where your child is now, and build on the work that’s already been done.
Yes. Buses run from Bella Vista towards Northmead along Old Windsor Road. Allow about 25 minutes and check Transport NSW for current timetables. A taxi or Uber takes about 15 minutes.
No. You can book with us directly, with no referral or diagnosis required, even if you haven’t found a local GP since the move.
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 Bella Vista. See all the areas we serve, or our occupational therapy in Bella Vista 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.
