Speech Sound Disorders
When a child’s speech is hard for others to understand, a speech pathologist can work out why and help make it clearer.
What you might notice
Some difference in a young child’s speech is normal. It is worth looking into when:
- Family understand your child, but people outside the family often do not
- Certain sounds are always left off, swapped or distorted
- Speech is not getting clearer with age at the rate you would expect
- Your child gets frustrated at not being understood, or stops trying
How we help
A speech pathologist assesses which sounds are affected and the pattern behind them — a straightforward delay, a phonological pattern, or a motor-planning difficulty like childhood apraxia of speech, which are treated differently. Therapy is then structured and playful, working on target sounds in a clear sequence and building up to conversation, with home practice you can fit into everyday life.
When to reach out
General guides: a child should be mostly understandable to unfamiliar people by around age 3–4. If your child is behind that, a teacher has raised it, or it is affecting confidence, an assessment gives you a clear picture and a plan. You do not need a referral.
Common Questions
Still not sure? Call the clinic on 0493 719 759 and we'll talk it through.
Will my child grow out of it?
Many mild differences do resolve. Patterns that are unusual, not improving, or affecting how well your child is understood are less likely to sort themselves out, and respond well to targeted therapy.
How long does therapy take?
It varies with the number of sounds, the pattern, and how consistent home practice is. Your therapist will set a review point so you can see progress against the plan.