Paediatric Speech Pathology Service For Children In the Hills Area

What Speech Pathology Services Are Available?
We offer assessment and therapy services to children experiencing any kind of communication difficulty.

When Should I Refer My Child?
You are able to refer your child yourself, you do not need a referral from anyone else. Download a Preschool Checklist.pdf or a School-Age Checklist.pdf to asses your child

Contact the Speech Pathologist to refer your child if they have difficulties in any of the following areas:

Language:
· Late to talk.
· Uses only short &/or simple sentences.
· Uses incorrect words, omits words or puts words in the wrong order in a sentence.
· Uses incorrect grammatical constructs or leaves off word endings altogether (eg. plurals).
· Has difficulty following instructions or answering questions, or initiating conversation.
· Has poor listening skills.
· Has a reduced vocabulary.
· Uses non-specific language when describing something or telling a story (eg. thing, thingy, stuff).
· Changes topic inappropriately.

To learn more about the stages of language development at different ages, download Language Development.pdf

Articulation:
· Unclear Speech.
· Difficulty pronouncing some sounds.
· Leaves out or substitutes sounds.
· Difficult to understand.
· Difficulty saying sounds expected for their age:

Literature shows that children with articulation problems often have later reading/spelling difficulties.

Stuttering:
· Interruptions to the flow of speech
· Repetition of sounds, words or parts of the sentence.
· Blocking or getting stuck on words.

Whilst some children spontaneously stop stuttering, most children require therapy. If stuttering is left untreated, the pattern can become established which makes it more difficult to treat.

Download Stuttering Myths and Facts.pdf to learn more about stuttering.

Alexia, our Paediatric Speech Pathologist is willing to answer any questions from concerned parents, teachers or caregivers, or to make an appointment. 

Phone Alexia on 0421 83 44 60.

Early detection and intervention is recommended for all children. If in doubt, contact us. A Speech Pathologist will be more than happy to discuss any concerns with parents or teachers.