Speech Delay & Late Talkers
For toddlers and young children who aren’t talking as much as expected for their age.
“Her cousin was talking in sentences at this age.” Comparisons are natural in a big family, but they don’t tell you much. Our children’s speech pathologists help Auburn families find out what’s typical for their own child, about 11 km away in Northmead.
Children don’t all talk at the same pace, and a brother, sister or cousin isn’t a reliable yardstick. We compare your child with the expected range for their age, which is much wider than most families expect.
If your child sits within that range, we’ll tell you, and you can stop worrying. If they don’t, you’ll know what’s behind it and what to do next, explained in plain words.
From Auburn Station, our Northmead clinic is about 11 km north via James Ruse Drive.
Our speech pathologists work with babies through to teenagers, on everything from first words to clearer speech and social communication.
All sessions are held at our one clinic in Northmead, north of Auburn.
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 looks at everyday skills, not who did what first.
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 11 km from Auburn Station, usually 20–25 minutes by car via James Ruse Drive. Free parking is available at the clinic.
Yes. Our speech pathologists see Auburn 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 necessarily. Children develop at different rates, even in the same family. An assessment compares your child with the typical range for their age and tells you whether support would help. See speech delay and late talkers.
Yes. Take the train from Auburn Station, then a bus to Northmead. Allow about 30 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 a GP or child and family health nurse has raised anything, bring their notes 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 Auburn. See all the areas we serve, or our occupational therapy in Auburn 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.
