Speech Delay & Late Talkers
For toddlers and young children who aren’t talking as much as expected for their age.
If a grandparent does the school pick-up or an older sibling helps at home, they’re part of your child’s communication too. Our children’s speech pathologists welcome Guildford families to bring whoever helps, about 8 km away in Northmead.
Children practise talking with everyone around them, not just their parents. When the people who spend the most time with your child use the same strategies, progress tends to come sooner and stick.
So grandparents, aunties and older siblings are welcome to sit in, and we’ll keep the strategies simple enough for everyone to use. Just let us know who’s coming.
From Guildford Station, our Northmead clinic is about 8 km north via Military Road.
We see babies, children and teens up to 16, and whoever helps care for them is welcome to come along.
All sessions are held at our one clinic in Northmead, north of Guildford.
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 strategies the whole household can use.
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 from Guildford Station, usually 15–20 minutes by car via Military Road. Free parking is available at the clinic.
Yes. Our speech pathologists see Guildford children from birth to 16 at our Northmead clinic. Call us on (02) 9037 1163 and we’ll help you book an initial consultation.
Yes. With your consent, another trusted adult can bring your child and sit in. We’ll make sure you still hear what was worked on and what to practise.
We’ll give you a few simple strategies everyone can use, like giving your child time to answer or repeating back clearly what they said. Keeping it consistent across the family helps.
No referral is needed. You can book with us directly. Any reports from a GP, paediatrician or preschool are helpful to bring 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 Guildford. See all the areas we serve, or our occupational therapy in Guildford 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.
