Speech Pathology for Kids

When should I be concerned about my child’s speech and language development?

7-10% of Australian children experience speech and language difficulties.

Contrary to popular belief, these communication challenges are not things that all children naturally outgrow. Without professional help, children with speech and language difficulties often experience significant literacy and learning problems. This can not only affect their future academic performance, but also their confidence and self esteem.

If your child: 

• Has difficulty understanding what is said to him or her
• Is unable to follow instructions
• Uses fewer words than peers of a similar age (eg If your child is 2 years or older and not speaking in two word phrases.)
• Has trouble finding the words to express him or herself
• Has a distinctive lisp or mispronounces key sounds in speech
• Stutters such as repeating words and phrases, elongate sounds or has unusual pauses in his or her speech
• Has a husky, croaky voice that frequently become hoarse
• Has trouble swallowing
• Has a disability, such as Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Aspergers Syndrome or  Down Syndrome
• Experiences significant difficulty with reading, spelling and comprehension

The early intervention of Kids First’s professional Speech Pathologists could make a real difference to your child’s confidence, skills and learning.

It is never too early to seek advice.

Download this Developmental Checklist...
Typical Speech and Language Milestones - Ages 0-8

Speech Pathology at Kids First

Kids First’s paediatric Speech Pathologists are experienced professionals who specialise in meeting the needs of children with communication difficulties.

They devise creative, relevant and positive therapy programs for children and work in partnership with families to support and encourage kids aged 2-18.

At Kids First, our Speech Pathologists will provide your family with:

• A comprehensive assessment of your child’s speech and language needs
• A detailed report and professional recommendations that will improve your child’s chances of communication success.
• An individual support plan that will address your child’s needs efficiently and effectively
• Engaging individual therapy sessions that are enjoyable and fun for kids
• Collaboration with other relevant professionals to provide your child with consistent, informed support

At Kids First, both individual and small group therapy options, such as  Confident Little Kids, Radical Readers and Socially Speaking, are available.

Social Skills Groups

Positive play and social skills support for children aged 4-5

Is your child’s pre-school concerned about your child’s ability to:

• Use the right words?   
• Share?    
• Take turns? 
• Play cooperatively
• Listen?
• Get along with other children?

If your child needs extra help to learn the fine art of making friends and communicating with kids their own age, we can help.

Kids First’s Social Skills Groups offer structured support that teaches kids how to fit in with their peers.

In weekly, one hour sessions, Social Skills Groups prepare kids for a successful and positive start to school by helping them to understand how playground relationships work.

Our experienced group leaders also provide parents with ideas and guidance for supporting children’s social skills at home.  

Social Skills Groups are a Kids First health service. Your child may be eligible to receive rebates from your health fund for this program, which is coordinated by our experienced paediatric Speech Pathologists 

Get more information about Kids First's Social Skills Groups for preschoolers here                     

Please note:
Before acceptance into a Kids First Social Skills Group, all children participate in a 30 minute screening to determine if this program is likely to meet their emotional, soical and learning needs.

Kids First's Speech Pathologists reserve the right to recommend an alternate service if, in their professional view, this small group program is not the best clinical option for your child.

Radical Readers 

Oral reading groups for children aged 6 - 8

Radical Readers offers confidence building support to early, emergent and reluctant readers in Years 1 and 2

Kids First's patient, professional Speech and Language Therapists are university educated literacy specialists who can identify the cause of your child's difficulties and implement practical strategies to build your child's reading skills.

Unlike school based groups led by volunteers,  this weekly small group reading program will give your child the opportunity to learn to read in a supportive environment and in the care of an expert.

Radical Readers will encourage your child to develop fluent oral reading, literacy and comprehension skills, forming a strong foundation for future learning.

Places in this popular program are limited – so call us now on 9938 5419 to secure one for your child.

* Prior to entry into Radical Readers, your child may require a screening assessment with a Speech Pathologist to determine suitability for this program.

Medicare and Health fund rebates

Rebates for Speech Pathology may be available through Medicare if appropriate referral is made by your family doctor or paediatrician. Many health funds also provide cover for Speech Pathology services – please check with your health fund for the specifics of your policy.  For more information on health fund rebates, click here.

Approved Health Funds

Cancellation Policy

Kids First’s busy Speech Pathologists maintain full schedules. Advance notice of appointments that your child will miss enables us to offer that appointment to another child who may have been on our waiting list for some time. Like most other health practices, Kids First charges a cancellation fee for missed Speech Pathology appointments where you provide less than 24 hours notice.

Get all of the information you need about Kids First's Cancellation Policy here...

Parent Testimonials

Thank you for all that you’ve done for Nate. You’ve given him the gift of speech when that seemed unattainable…We will always be grateful for the care you have shown to our child.

Felicity and Michael Nate’s mum and dad

Ros Osling, at Kids First, is by far the best Speech Pathologist we have ever met. Matthew just loves her and with her help, he has made huge progress already.

Libby - mum to Matthew, a four year old with Autism

Cancellation Policy

Kids First's busy Speech Pathologists