Speech Delay & Late Talkers
For toddlers and young children who aren’t talking as much as expected for their age.
Norwest is full of young families, and plenty of parents wonder whether a toddler’s first words are on track. Our children’s speech pathologists see children from birth, about 11 km away in Northmead via Old Windsor Road.
Toddlers vary a lot, and many late talkers catch up on their own. Others don’t, and the early years are when support tends to make the most difference. If something has been on your mind for a few months, an assessment is a quick way to stop wondering.
For the youngest children, an assessment is mostly play: books, toys and songs, with you in the room. We look at how your child understands, gestures, babbles and uses words, then tell you plainly whether to act now or keep an eye on it.
From the streets around Norwest Station and Norwest Lake, our Northmead clinic is about 11 km south.
We see children from birth to 16, so a toddler who starts with us can stay with the same clinic through the school years.
All sessions are held at our one clinic in Northmead, south of Norwest.
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 with plain answers for parents who are short on time.
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, usually 20–25 minutes by car south via Old Windsor Road or Windsor Road. Free parking is available at the clinic.
Yes. Our speech pathologists see Norwest children from birth to 16 at our Northmead clinic. Call us on (02) 9037 1163 and we’ll help you book an initial consultation.
As young as needed. We see babies and toddlers, and we’d much rather hear from you early. If your child turns out to be on track, you’ve lost nothing and gained peace of mind.
Sometimes it is, and part of our job is to tell you so. Common reasons to check include few or no words by two, not putting two words together by around two and a half, or trouble understanding simple instructions. An assessment gives you a clear answer.
No referral is needed. Book with us directly. Notes from a child and family health nurse, a hearing test result or a GP letter are all useful to bring, but none is required.
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 Norwest. See all the areas we serve, or our occupational therapy in Norwest 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.
