Paediatric speech Therapy Adelaide

When can speech therapy support your child?

Speech therapy can support a child experiencing challenges with communication, speech, or language development. If your child has difficulty being understood, struggles to express their thoughts clearly, or finds it hard to follow instructions, speech therapy can provide valuable assistance. It also helps with social communication skills, stuttering, and literacy development.

Early intervention is crucial in helping your child build confidence and develop essential communication skills for daily life.

Recognising signs that your child may benefit from speech therapy can help address their specific communication needs and support their overall development.

Below are some common signs that may indicate your child could benefit from speech therapy:

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Speech Sound Errors

If your child consistently has difficulty pronouncing sounds or substitutes one sound for another, such as saying "wabbit" instead of "rabbit," it may be a sign that they could benefit from speech therapy.

A speech therapist can help your child improve their speech clarity and articulation skills.

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Language Delays

If your child has a limited vocabulary, struggles to understand or use age-appropriate language, has difficulty forming sentences, or has trouble following directions, speech therapy can be beneficial.

A speech therapist can help your child develop their language skills, improve their comprehension, and enhance their ability to express themselves effectively.

Stuttering

If your child exhibits frequent repetitions, prolongations, or blocks in their speech, or shows signs of tension or struggle during speech, speech therapy can help.

A speech therapist can provide techniques to manage and reduce stuttering, improve fluency, and enhance overall communication confidence.

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Difficulty with Social Communication

If your child struggles with engaging in conversations, maintaining eye contact, understanding social cues, or appropriately using nonverbal communication, speech therapy can be beneficial.

A speech therapist can provide strategies to improve social communication skills and help your child navigate social interactions more effectively.

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Difficulty with Literacy Skills

If your child has difficulty with reading, spelling, or writing, speech therapy can assist.

A speech therapist can work on phonological awareness, decoding skills, reading comprehension, and written expression to support your child's literacy development.

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Early Communication Difficulties

If your child is not babbling, using gestures (like pointing or waving), imitating sounds, or beginning to use words around expected developmental milestones, early speech therapy can be beneficial.

A speech therapist can support your child to build foundational communication skills, increase purposeful interactions, and encourage the development of early words and gestures essential for language growth.

Why Choose us:

Celebrating Neurodiversity

We believe that neurodiversity is a natural and valuable aspect of human variation. Our neuroaffirming practice embraces the understanding that neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental conditions, are a part of the diverse fabric of humanity.

We celebrate and value the unique strengths and perspectives that neurodivergent individuals bring to our society.

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Creating an Inclusive Environment

Our approach creates a safe and accepting environment for all children, regardless of their neurological differences. We strive to foster a sense of belonging, where children feel understood, accepted, and valued for who they are. We empower children to express themselves authentically and engage in their therapeutic journey with confidence.

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Respecting Individual Needs

We understand that each child has their own unique way of experiencing the world and engaging with daily activities. Our therapists take the time to listen, observe, and adapt interventions to meet the specific needs and sensory sensitivities of each child.

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Supporting Self-Advocacy

We empower children to become self-advocates by nurturing their self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-advocacy skills. We encourage children to actively participate in their therapy, make choices, and express their opinions. This prepares them to advocate for their needs and rights throughout their lives.

Collaborating with Families and Support Networks

We actively involve parents, caregivers, and family members in the therapy process, valuing their insights and perspectives. We work together as a team, fostering open communication and mutual respect to create a cohesive and supportive network around the child.

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Working Closely with Educators and Schools

We understand the pivotal role that educators and schools play in a child's development and success. We are dedicated to collaborating closely with educators to ensure a coordinated and supportive approach to the child's therapy needs. By working together, we can maximise the child's potential and create a seamless experience across different environments.

Your First Steps:

Step 1
Parent/guardian planning meeting.

These sessions are designed for parents and carers to openly discuss their child’s needs, strengths, and priorities without interruption. We encourage children not to attend so that caregivers can speak freely and have the space to explore concerns in depth with the therapist.

During the session, your therapist will gather key information, including medical history, family dynamics, current supports, and your child’s abilities in areas such as social communication, motor skills, sensory processing, emotional development, self-care, and learning. Together, we identify meaningful goals for the therapy plan to ensure everyone is aligned.

Sessions typically run for 60–90 minutes.

Step 2
Initial meet and greet with the child.

We prioritise creating a safe, welcoming space where your child feels comfortable engaging in therapy. Our first goal is to build trust and rapport, laying the foundation for a successful therapeutic relationship.

This initial session, attended with a parent or trusted caregiver, involves play, conversation, and exploration of the purpose of therapy. During this time, the therapist will observe your child’s strengths, preferences, and challenges to help shape their Therapy Plan.

Session length varies based on the child’s needs, typically lasting 30 to 45 minutes.

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Step 3
A therapy plan will be formulated.

After the initial steps (and sometimes a few additional sessions), the therapist will create a Therapy Plan outlining key goals, strategies to achieve them, and important details for structuring sessions.

This comprehensive report typically takes 90 to 120 minutes to complete.

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Step 4
Sessions will commence.

Ongoing sessions will be scheduled based on an agreed frequency, with most clients opting for weekly or fortnightly sessions.

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Take the first leap towards progress

Completing our intake form is the best way to get started—it helps us understand your child's needs and how we can support them. Submitting the form is obligation-free and does not commit you to therapy. It’s simply a way to start the conversation and explore the best options for your child.

Once we receive your form, our team will reach out to discuss the next steps and answer any questions you may have. Let’s work together to support your child’s growth and development!

intake form

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is paediatric speech therapy?

Paediatric speech therapy supports children with communication, speech, language, and social communication skills. Therapy aims to help children express themselves, understand others, and participate confidently in everyday interactions.

How do I know if my child may benefit from speech therapy?

Your child may benefit from speech therapy if they have difficulty being understood, understanding language, following instructions, expressing ideas, using social communication skills, or if they experience stuttering or voice difficulties.

What age can children start speech therapy?

Children can benefit from speech therapy from infancy through to adolescence. Early intervention can support communication development during important learning stages.

What happens during a paediatric speech therapy assessment?

An assessment may include parent or caregiver interviews, observations, play-based interactions, and formal or informal assessments to understand your child’s communication strengths and needs.

Can paediatric speech therapy be funded through the NDIS?

Yes. Paediatric speech therapy may be funded through the NDIS for children who are eligible. We support self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants.

Can my child access speech therapy without NDIS funding?

Yes. Speech therapy can also be accessed privately without NDIS funding. Families may choose private therapy for flexibility or while awaiting NDIS decisions.

Will parents or caregivers be involved in speech therapy?

Yes. Parents and caregivers are actively involved in speech therapy. Therapists collaborate with families and provide strategies to support communication across home, school, and community settings.

How do I get started with paediatric speech therapy?

You can get started by completing our intake form or contacting our team to discuss your child’s communication needs and the next steps.

Remember, every child is unique

The presence of one or more of these signs does not automatically mean that therapy is needed. However, if you have concerns about your child's development, motor skills, sensory processing, self-care abilities, or overall functional performance, it is recommended to consult with a therapist. They can assess your child's needs and recommend appropriate therapy interventions to support their growth and development.