Speech Delay & Late Talkers
For toddlers and young children who aren’t talking as much as expected for their age.
Many Westmead families have already seen a paediatrician, a nurse or a hearing specialist before someone mentions speech. Our children’s speech pathologists start by listening, then set goals with you, about 2 km away in Northmead.
Plenty of Westmead families are already moving between appointments across the health precinct. We try to make our part easier: plain-language explanations, session notes you can actually read, and reports written so another clinician can use them.
You’ll always know what we’re working on and why. Every session finishes with one or two things to practise at home, chosen to fit a real week rather than an ideal one, and if something isn’t working, we change it.
Northmead borders Westmead, so our clinic is one of the shortest trips from The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead Station and the streets around the health precinct.
That makes it easier to fit speech therapy around the other appointments already in your calendar.
All sessions are held at our one clinic in Northmead, right next door to Westmead.
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 works with the reports you already have, or with none at all.
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 2 km from central Westmead, usually 5–10 minutes by car via Darcy Road or Alexandra Avenue. From The Children’s Hospital at Westmead it’s about 2.5 km. Free parking is available at the clinic.
Yes, from parts of Westmead. It’s about 20 minutes’ walk (1.5 km, mostly flat) from Westmead Station via Darcy Road and Mons Road. Buses also run between Westmead and Northmead.
Yes. Westmead is one of our closest suburbs, and our speech pathologists see children from across the area, including many already seeing other specialists nearby. Call us on (02) 9037 1163 and we’ll help you book an initial consultation.
Yes, with your consent. We write reports so other clinicians can use them, and we’re happy to share updates with your child’s paediatrician or hospital team.
No referral is needed. You can contact The Bridge Effect directly to book a speech assessment for your child. If you already have reports from a paediatrician or hospital team, please bring them along, but they aren’t 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 Westmead. See all the areas we serve, or our occupational therapy in Westmead 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.
