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.

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.

Confident Little Kids

Early learning, language and social skills  groups for children aged 3-5

Confident Little Kids is a positive and supportive early learning, language and social skills program for children aged 3-5.

Offered by Kids First's high qualified and experienced team of paediatric Speech Pathologists, Confident Little Kids supports children's communication, thinking and motor coordination skills, while also encouraging the development of their independence and  emotional resilience.

Confident Little Kids is more than a simple 'school readiness' program full of cutting, colouring, songs and stories.

It is a targeted and customised learning experience created by Kids First's unique multi-disciplinary team of Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Child Psychologists and teachers.

Confident Little Kids offers children the opportunity to share activities that enhance learning, language and social skills with a small group of developmentally appropriate peers.

In the care of our experienced Speech and Language specialists, they receive the guidance they need to thrive, rather than just 'cope' at pre-school and school.

If you want to enhance your child's developmental skills and benefit from the added advantage of a developmental and therapeutic program that attracts health fund rebates, call 9938 5419 or click here to find out more...

Download Kid First's Confident Little Kids timetable for Term1, 2012 here

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.

Spelling FUN-damentals...

Spelling and phonological awareness groups for children aged 8-11

Spelling FUN-damentals helps children in Years 3-6 to become confident and familiar young spellers.

Our Speech Pathologists are language and literacy professionals who have expert skill in teaching kids how to hear and remember sounds, words and letters.

Using puzzles, games and good old fashioned expertise, Spelling FUN-damentals will give your child an opportunity to consolidate the important literacy skills that contribute to reading and writing success.

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

* Prior to entry into Spelling FUN-damentals, your child may require a screening assessment with a Speech Pathologist to determine suitability for this program.

Socially Speaking

School Holiday Workshops for children aged 5-7

Socially Speaking is a series of three social language workshops designed to support children who struggle to read social cues and to relate appropriately to their peers.

Offered every school holidays by a combined team of Kids First's Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists, Socially Speaking concentrates on the development of practical social and communication skills such as

• Making Eye Contact
• Using appropriate greetings
• Acknowledging others
• Taking turns in conversation
• Sharing the lead
• Joining in

Socially Speaking is often very beneficial for children diagnosed with High Functioning Autism and other communication or learning delays.  

Activities include engaging games, role plays and visual strategies that support children's learning. Parent education sessions are included every day to ensure that parents are equipped to encourage their child's social language skills at home.

As Socially Speaking is a children's health service, your child may be eligible for rebates from FaHSCIA, your health find or Medicare.

For more information, call 9938 5419 or click here for the details of the next series of Socially Speaking school holiday workshops.

* Prior to entry into Socially Speaking, 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.

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

Approved Health Funds