Speech Delay & Late Talkers
For toddlers and young children who are not yet meeting speech and language milestones for their age.
Every child’s voice is unique, and so is every family’s journey. Whether your child is just beginning to communicate or finding speech, language or social interaction hard, our speech pathologists are here to help. You’re not alone on this journey.
Our speech pathologists assess and support the full range of children’s speech, language and communication needs.
For toddlers and young children who are not yet meeting speech and language milestones for their age.
Therapy for children whose speech is unclear or hard to understand, covering articulation and phonological disorders.
Assessment and therapy for children who find it hard to understand or use language, including developmental language disorder.
Neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy for children with social communication differences, including gestalt language processing.
Augmentative and alternative communication support for children who use communication devices, PODD or key word sign.
Tell us what you’re noticing. Our client care team will talk it through and book the right first appointment.
We believe in the power of connection. Our transdisciplinary team works closely with families, educators and other health professionals to create a nurturing, coordinated plan that supports your child’s development across all areas.
Whether your child is developing in their own time, communicating in their own way, or exploring the world through a different lens, we support their journey with compassion and respect.
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.
Explore what speech and language support looks like at each stage.
Our speech pathology assessments help us understand your child’s communication strengths, development and support needs. We combine standardised assessments, play-based observation, family input and functional communication measures to build a full picture of your child’s skills.
Uses child-led play, natural interactions and observation to explore communication skills, including gestures, joint attention, play, understanding and expressive language.
Assesses how young children understand and use language, including early vocabulary, sentences, communication and language concepts.
Explores communication strengths, needs and access to different ways of communicating, including gestures, pictures, communication boards and speech-generating devices. It may include trials of AAC systems and working with families and educators.
Assesses how a child produces speech sounds and identifies speech sound patterns or difficulties that may affect how clearly they are understood.
A standardised assessment for school-aged children that explores understanding and use of spoken language, including sentence structure, vocabulary, following directions and language memory.
Explores a child’s ability to understand and retell stories, organise information and use language to share ideas. It can help identify areas for further support with oral language and literacy.
Uses information from parents, educators and everyday interactions to explore how a child communicates for different purposes, joins in interactions and uses communication across social settings.
Explores reading comprehension and written language skills to help identify where a child may need extra literacy support.
A series of brief assessments that measure foundational literacy skills, such as phonological awareness, decoding and reading fluency, to help identify areas that need extra support.
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.
Great speech therapy starts with well-supported speech pathologists. Here’s how we make sure every session with your child is thoughtful, current and focused.
Our speech pathologists take part in regular training, so your child’s speech, language and communication therapy reflects current evidence.
Our speech pathologists work with ongoing clinical supervision, so there’s always an experienced colleague to talk through your child’s goals and progress.
If your child also sees one of our occupational therapists, both clinicians share insights and plan together, so communication goals connect with your child’s sensory, motor and regulation goals.
We cap the number of children each clinician sees in a day, so every session gets their full attention and energy.
Therapy rooms designed for children, with resources for play-based speech therapy and our OT team in the same clinic.
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.
Answers to common questions about children’s speech therapy at The Bridge Effect. Can’t see yours? Call us on (02) 9037 1163.
Every child develops at their own pace. If you’re noticing delays in speech, difficulty understanding or using words, or challenges with social interaction, it may be time to seek support. We offer gentle, no-pressure assessments to help you understand your child’s communication needs.
Sessions are play-based, engaging and tailored to your child’s interests and goals. We use evidence-based activities to build communication skills in a way that feels natural and enjoyable. Parents are always welcome to be involved, because therapy works best as a team effort.
We give parents practical strategies, resources and ongoing support so you can confidently help your child between sessions. From everyday routines to playtime, we’ll show you how to turn moments into learning opportunities. Our speech therapy blog has more ideas.
No. You can contact The Bridge Effect directly to book a speech assessment. A referral from a GP or paediatrician is welcome if you have one, but it isn’t required. Some Medicare rebates do need a GP referral in place first.
We assess and support children from 12 months through to 16 years. If you have concerns about a baby under 12 months, for example around feeding, vocalising or early communication, contact us and we can advise on the right pathway.
Fees depend on the service and whether your child is funded through NDIS, Medicare or private health insurance. Contact us for our current fee schedule. NDIS-funded sessions are charged in line with the NDIS Pricing Arrangements. See Funding Options for details.
Yes. Speech therapy is usually funded under the Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living budget. The Bridge Effect supports NDIS self-managed and plan-managed families. Children under 9 without an NDIS plan may be eligible through the Early Childhood Approach. Read more about NDIS funding.
Yes, and for many children this combination works well. Speech and OT needs often occur together, and seeing both clinicians at the same clinic means they can coordinate their approach and share progress. Learn more about occupational therapy.
All sessions are held at our Northmead clinic, which is easy to reach from Parramatta, the Hills District and across Western Sydney. Find speech therapy near your suburb.
Call us on (02) 9037 1163, send an enquiry, or visit us at 7/185 Briens Road, Northmead NSW. We’ll listen to your concerns, answer your questions and help you book an initial consultation.
All sessions take place at our purpose-built clinic at 7/185 Briens Road, Northmead. Families travel to us from across Parramatta, the Hills District and Western Sydney. Choose your suburb for local travel tips and what to expect.
Many children benefit from more than one kind of support. Because everything happens under one roof, our clinicians plan together and share progress.
Support with sensory processing, fine motor skills, self-care, emotional regulation and school readiness.
Small groups led by a speech pathologist and an OT, where children practise communication and play with peers.
Practical guides from our speech pathologists on late talking, speech sounds, AAC and more.
Early support can make a big difference, and we’re here to walk this journey with you.
Send an enquiry below or call us. You can also speak with your GP, paediatrician or support coordinator, but 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.
Tell us a little about your child and what you’re noticing, and our client care team will be in touch to talk through next steps, availability and funding. Have a question first? Read our FAQs.
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