Paediatric Allied Health
Speech Pathology for Children
Supporting children to communicate, connect and participate in everyday life through individualised, child-centred speech pathology in Balnarring Beach.
Helping children find their way to communicate
Communication is an important part of how children connect with the people around them, express what they need, develop relationships and participate at home, kindergarten, school and in the community.
Speech pathology can support children who experience difficulties with speech, language, communication or social interaction.
At Spriggle Kids, we recognise that communication looks different for every child. Our approach is centred around the individual child's strengths, needs, interests and preferred ways of communicating.
Areas our speech pathologists may support
Support is tailored to each child rather than following a one-size-fits-all program.
Communication is more than spoken words
Some children communicate primarily through speech. Others may use gestures, signs, pictures, written language, communication devices or a combination of communication methods.
Speech pathology can help identify ways to support a child's functional communication so they have meaningful opportunities to express choices, needs, feelings and ideas.
Where appropriate, this can include Augmentative and Alternative Communication, commonly known as AAC.
Child-centred sessions
Sessions may use play, games, books, movement, conversation and activities based around the child's interests. Therapy goals can be incorporated into engaging activities while still focusing on meaningful communication outcomes.
Working with families
Families are an important part of a child's communication journey. Where appropriate, therapists can provide strategies that parents and carers can use during everyday routines and activities outside therapy sessions.
When might speech pathology be helpful?
Families may seek speech pathology when they have questions or concerns about their child's communication development.
This might include difficulty being understood, using or understanding language, communicating wants and needs, participating in conversations, developing speech sounds or communicating comfortably with others.
A child does not necessarily need a formal diagnosis before a family seeks advice about their communication. Whether a service can be accessed will depend on the child's individual circumstances and funding arrangements.
Speech pathology in Balnarring Beach
Spriggle Kids provides paediatric allied-health and developmental support for children and families from Balnarring Beach and communities across the Mornington Peninsula.
Free Parent Resource
When might a child benefit from speech pathology?
Read our parent guide for more information about children's communication development, what speech pathologists do and when families might consider seeking advice.
Read the Speech Pathology parent guideLooking for speech pathology support?
Join the Spriggle Kids waitlist or book a chat with our team to learn more about our services and availability.
Information on this page is general in nature and is not a substitute for individual medical, developmental or therapeutic advice. If you have concerns about your child's communication or development, speak with an appropriately qualified health professional.