Speech Therapy

Paediatric Speech Pathologists are experts in assessing, diagnosing, and treating various communication and speech disorders in children including challenges related to speaking, listening, understanding language, reading, writing, social communication, stuttering, and voice usage.

Although communication and speech related symptoms may be similar, they may be caused by different conditions, and should therefore be addressed in different ways. Part of a Speech Pathologist’s job is to understand these differences and why a child’s speech or communication is affected, and work with the child in a way that suits them best.

Through working with a Speech Pathologist, children often are able to not only overcome their communication and speech challenges, but also gain confidence and interact better with peers, teachers, and parents.


Colourful speech bubbles.

Who Paediatric Speech Pathologists Work With

Paediatric Speech Pathologist work with all kinds of children who may have a communication or speech issue due to a variety of things such as:

  • Developmental Delays

  • Learning and Intellectual Difficulties

  • Cerebral Palsy

  • Neurodiversity (such as ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder)

  • Brain Injuries

  • Strokes

  • Hearing Loss or Hard of Hearing

Paediatric Speech Pathologists can also offer assistance to those struggling with swallowing foods and liquids. These challenges may or may not be linked with speech and communication difficulties.


Child holding stuffed giraffe in a speech pathologist's office.
Felt letters.

What To Expect From A Speech Therapist

It is mandatory for therapists to be registered with Speech Pathology Australia, the peak regulatory body in Australia. As such, Speech Pathologists receive extensive training in order to understand, diagnose, and treat communication and speech difficulties. As symptoms are different for different disorders, there’s no “one size fits all” solution for speech therapy.

There are, however, some standard procedures for speech therapy.Typically, there is an intake meeting with parents/ caregivers to discuss the needs of the child. Parents and caregivers are also often encouraged to attend speech therapy sessions so that they are better equipped to support their child at home. How many sessions may be needed and over what period of time will vary for each child. This is something your therapist will discuss directly with you.