Children's Speech Therapy

A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology offers one-on-one children's speech therapy and services where we assess your child's skills and challenges, provide advice and offer ongoing support for families.

Children’s Speech Therapy in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens and Maitland

A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology provides Children’s Speech Therapy Services that are anchored in coaching and empowerment, and designed to deliver exceptional results.

By gaining an understanding of your child’s unique abilities, interests and needs, we introduce interactive and fun activities in all sessions. These activities are designed to encourage greater participation, ensure your child feels as though they have achieved, and of course, create a fun environment for growth.

We believe a holistic approach to your child’s development is essential when it comes to reaching their full potential. That is why we have strong working relationships with local professionals from other disciplines including Occupational Therapists (OTs), Psychiatrists, Paediatricians and Physiotherapists. We collaborate and work with these professionals to deliver specific therapies for individuals, group interventions, and as part of our ongoing professional development.

Our children’s speech therapy services are delivered at our centres located in Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Newcastle and Maitland. We offer greater flexibility and access to speech pathology services with appointments available at all locations between 7.30am and 7.00pm most days.

We can also bring our services to your home, your child’s education centre or school, and we also offer an interactive online service.

All children deserve a voice, an ability to connect with the world and forge lasting relationships.

We work with children who present with a variety of speech, language and feeding difficulties including:

Speech Sounds

The sounds used when speaking and how well someone is understood.

Expressive Language

Using words and sentences correctly, and development of vocabulary.

Receptive Language

The ability to follow directions, answer questions and understand words and stories.

Stuttering

An interruption to the rhythm and flow of the production of speech sounds.

Feeding

Includes breastfeeding and helping children through all stages of feeding.

Literacy

Awareness of sounds for reading and spelling, reading comprehension and writing skills.

Play and Social Communication Skills

The interactions between family members and friends, as well as a child’s use of non-verbal and verbal communication skills.

Growing Together During COVID-19

A Growing Understanding is dedicated to offering flexible services during this uncertain time, and we are working with families to ensure their safety while receiving the support and care they require.

Online appointments are available for families with the means to access these services. Our team will walk you through the process and ensure you have everything you need for successful online therapy sessions.

We also offer COVID-Safe face to face sessions within our Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Port Stephens and Maitland centres. We continue to utilise safe social distancing measures, infection control and exposure limiting systems . Self-care and hygiene products are also available for individuals to utilise while visiting our clinics. We also encourage adults to wear face masks when at the clinic, and our team will be wearing face masks during therapy sessions and/or instances where social distancing is not possible.

If you have any questions regarding our COVID-Safe practices, please contact our Client Experience team.

Are you looking for speech therapy services for your child? Call our friendly team today.

(02) 4044 1122

Growing Your Child's Confidence with Fun and Engaging Speech Pathology Services

What is the first step when it comes to my child’s therapy?

A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology takes the time to talk with all families so we can gain an understanding of your concerns and your budget, and help you to understand our process.

Following the initial discussion, usually over the phone, we generally recommend a thorough assessment that will help us determine the best therapy plan for your child.

What happens in an assessment session?

Speech and Language Assessments usually occur within one of our therapy rooms and can take approximately an hour to complete. Depending on the age and needs of your child, informal and/or formal (standardised) assessments may be required to gain a full picture of your child’s strengths and weaknesses, relative to their age. Games and activities are always used in these sessions to motivate and reward, and to allow for play breaks as required. A detailed written report will be provided on completion of the assessment.

When will therapy commence and what will happen in these sessions?

Therapy sessions will generally commence as soon as possible, following the initial assessment. These sessions will run for approximately 30 to 60 minutes at a time, depending on your child’s needs. On the outset of the therapy session with your child, we will set realistic goals based on your concerns and on the realities of your day to day life. Your child’s progress and needs throughout their therapy will be reviewed and we will update their goals and therapy plan as needed.

The activities that we do with your child during the therapy sessions are designed to be fun and rewarding and we take pride in selecting games and resources that complement your child’s interests. Your child will often be invited to choose preferred games too, giving them a feeling of control and independence which enhances motivation and participation.

During most sessions, you can be in the room with the speech pathologist and your child. Your attendance is encouraged as this helps to ensure that everyone understands the therapy process.

How can I support my child’s therapy?

A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology offers parent guidance and training with every therapy session, so that you can support your child’s learning outside of the therapy setting. Home practice is key when it comes to achieving the best outcomes for your child. Your Speech Pathologist will work with you to determine an achievable home practice plan and will provide you with advice, ideas, handouts, pictures and workbooks at the end of each session.

Talk to us about your concerns or to book an appointment for your child.

Children's Speech Therapy

A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology offers one-on-one children's speech therapy and services where we assess your child's skills and challenges, provide advice and offer ongoing support for families.