Speech pathology

Children learn speech sounds gradually as their muscles and control develop. By about age 7, most children say all the sounds of their language accurately, but many need help with sounds they still find tricky. Therapy teaches the new sound, then practises it step by step in words, phrases, sentences and everyday talk. Children who practise regularly at home make faster, longer-lasting progress, so we show you the techniques to use between appointments.

Many young children go through periods of a husky or hoarse voice, especially if they're loud or make lots of non-speech noises (dinosaur roars included). Others may have a very high-pitched voice or lose their voice altogether. Speech pathology teaches children to use their voice safely, so they get the volume they need without straining their vocal cords. We may suggest your GP checks for a physical cause, but most children do well with speech pathology alone.

Many children go through a normal period of bumpy speech between 3 and 4 years as they work out grammar. This can sound like repeated sounds or words, stretched sounds, or moments where words won't come out. Our speech pathologists can tell normal dysfluency from a true stutter. With early help, most children who stutter become fluent again quickly. We offer reassurance, strategies and specific therapy when it's needed.

Language is how we understand others and express ourselves, through words, gestures, pictures and communication devices. Some children take longer to develop language and need extra support. We work on understanding (following instructions, answering questions and solving problems) and expression (vocabulary, sentences, storytelling and conversation skills such as turn-taking). Therapy starts from your child's strengths and helps them share their ideas more clearly.

From kindy, children learn pre-literacy skills such as rhyming, blending and sounding out words, and matching letters to sounds. These are critical for spelling and reading. Our speech pathologists use the Sounds-Write program, which teaches clear spelling rules step by step. If your child has significant difficulties, we may suggest a hearing test, a vision check, occupational therapy or a psychology assessment.

Auditory processing is how children hear, understand, remember and process spoken information. Difficulties can affect attention, starting and finishing work, recalling information, following routines and literacy, and in older children can look like ADHD. We assess your child's difficulties and recommend classroom strategies, working with your paediatrician or occupational therapist where helpful.

Some children find talking hard and communicate well in other ways, from pointing and facial expression to key word signing, picture systems and speech-generating devices. Our speech pathologists can help most children, and may refer to a specialised clinic when that will better meet your needs.

Social communication helps children make and keep friends and make sense of their world: greeting others, taking turns, starting and changing topics, keeping conversations going, resolving conflict and understanding humour. Therapy helps your child learn and practise these skills.

Our speech pathologists support children with feeding and mealtime difficulties, working with our dietitian and paediatricians where needed.

Our speech pathologists Alex and Georgia are trained to conduct ADOS assessments and are part of our autism diagnostic team.

At selected schools, we screen each child's speech and language across 11 areas, with an individual report for parents and a class summary for teachers. Screenings include parent information sessions. Ask your school whether we screen there. Schools are welcome to contact us.

Small groups that follow on from screenings, for children who are shy, lack confidence speaking in groups or need help staying focused. Each group targets one or two skills and can run in the clinic or at selected schools, for children up to Year 1.

Language Development Centres are specialist public schools for children whose language skills are holding back their learning, from kindy to Year 1. Places are competitive. We offer LDC assessments throughout the year, including the application documents and parent interviews, and share the results with your child's school psychologist. Applications for the following year close in September.

Our senior speech pathologist runs professional learning for teachers, health professionals and community organisations, and workshops for parents and teachers. Topics include early language, speech sounds, auditory processing, literacy, and supporting children with autism and ADHD.