Speech therapy
Speech therapy assists children with delayed speech and language development, and feeding and swallowing difficulties.
About KU speech pathologists
KU speech pathologists are highly skilled professionals who can provide therapy to support children with:
- language – how a child uses and understands language
- speech – the sounds a child uses when they talk
- stuttering – how fluent a child’s speech is
- voice – the way a child’s voice sounds when they talk
- supporting children with complex communication needs through the use of multi-modal communication methods such as speech, images and sounds
Speech pathologists can also support children with feeding difficulties, such as a limited diet, or difficulty with eating, drinking or swallowing.
When might a child need speech therapy?
Children may benefit from a professional assessment or speech therapy support if:
A child:
- doesn’t follow directions
- speech is not clear or easily understood
- becomes frustrated when their communication attempts are not understood by others
- is stuttering
- has difficulty asking for things
- will only eat a few foods or avoids certain textures
- doesn’t play with children their age
- voice is hoarse
Learn more about talking and understanding milestones for children aged 4 years and 5 years.
Working together
KU speech pathologists work collaboratively with families and other professionals, as required, by providing tools and strategies to help children meet their individual learning goals and to achieve the best outcomes.
Families are supported to:
- understand their child’s individual developmental needs
- identify goals and priorities to support their child to reach their full potential
- increase their confidence and capacity to implement speech and language strategies into everyday routines and activities to support their child
- liaise, when appropriate, with other professionals involved in their child’s care and education
- access early childhood intervention supports under the NDIS Early Childhood Approach (as required)
Accessing support
We recognise the importance of providing children with support where they need it most. Support can be provided from:
- KU’s child friendly clinics located on the grounds of several KU venues in NSW and Victoria;
- within the early childhood education and care service or school your child attends;
- at your home; or
- at an agreed location within the local community.
KU is a registered provider of services under the National Disability and Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Speech pathology services can also be accessed on a fee-for-service basis or through a GP-approved Chronic Disease Management Plan.
Tip sheets for families
Locations
New South Wales
Cobbitty
On the grounds of KU Cobbitty Preschool
Address: 296 Cobbitty Rd, Cobbitty NSW 2570
Days: Tuesday
Phone: 02 4620 0091
Macarthur – Camden area
KU Starting Points Macarthur (on the shared grounds of KU Briar Cottage Preschool)
Address: 14 Waterhouse Rd, Airds NSW 2560
Days: Monday to Friday
Phone: 02 4620 0091
Penrith
KU Penrith Regional Office
Address: 69 Derby St, Penrith NSW 2750
Days: Monday to Friday
Phone: 0428 380 031
Sutherland
On the grounds of KU Sutherland Preschool
Address: 677 Old Princes Hwy, Sutherland NSW 2232
Days: Tuesday to Thursday
Phone: 0411 317 419
Sydney Inner City, Inner West, South East and Lower North Shore
Supporting children enrolled in KU services only
Days: Monday to Thursday
Phone: 0407 934 045
Wagga Wagga
On the grounds of KU Ashmont Child and Family Centre
Address: 3 Moxham St, Ashmont NSW 2650
Days: Tuesday to Thursday
Phone: 0411 317 419
