Frequently Asked Questions About Kids Spot

A Pediatric Speech Pathologist assesses, diagnoses and treats communication and feeding difficulties.

Imagine you are visiting a foreign country and you don't know the language. Consider all the ways you would attempt to understand and communicate with those around you - these are all the aspects that Pediatric Speech Pathologists support people.

Additionally, we also work with children who have feeding challenges.

Our clinic is conveniently located in Rose Bay in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. With ample parking options and close to many nearby schools, find Kids Spot is easy - just look for the bright yellow door!

Our Speech Pathologists can support children in the clinic or various locations across the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney.

If you live further away, we can also support you by providing online sessions. Research shows this type of service is as powerful as face to face sessions.

Seeing a paediatric Speech Pathologist is a journey tailored to each family and child. The fees will depend on how long the appointment is and the fees reflects this.

No, a referral is not needed to see a paediatric speech pathologist.

We accept referrals from all professionals but this is not essential to get the support you need.

The information you provide to us before your first appointment is enough to get started. If you have recently had an assessment and have reports you can provide, we may also be able to begin therapy without the need for an assessment.

Our sessions can be tailored to suite the needs of your child and family. We aim to meet you and your child in the clinic for the first appointment. Then if it’s deemed more appropriate for your child’s goals, we can discuss the option of home and school based sessions.

It's understandable to be concerned if your child hasn’t started talking as you expected. There are many reasons why a child might experience a speech delay. If you have concerns, it's always best to seek professional advice. Below are some possible reasons your child isn’t talking yet:

Hearing Loss:

If a child has difficulty hearing, they may struggle to learn and imitate sounds. 

Speech and Language Disorders:

These can involve difficulties with the physical production of speech sounds (speech disorders) or with understanding and using language (language disorders).

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD):

Speech delays can be an early sign of ASD, though it's important to note that many children with speech delays do not have autism.

Intellectual Disabilities:

Cognitive delays can affect speech and language development.

Oral Motor Problems:

Issues with the muscles of the mouth, tongue, or palate can make it difficult to produce speech sounds.

Kids Spot speech pathology clinic can support you in determining if there is an area that would benefit from therapy input. The benefits of early intervention is widely researched.

While every child progresses at their own pace, there are certain milestones that can indicate potential concerns. Here's a general guideline on when to consider seeking professional advice:

When to Be Concerned:

12 Months:

If your child isn't attempting to communicate through sounds, gestures (like pointing or waving), or simple words.

If they aren't responding to their name.

18 Months:

If your child isn't using at least a few single words.

If they primarily rely on gestures to communicate.

If they are not babbling.

2 Years:

If your child isn't using at least 50 words.

If they aren't combining two words into simple phrases.

If they have very limited understanding of simple directions.

3 Years:

If their speech is consistently difficult to understand by familiar caregivers.

If they aren't using short sentences. If they are not asking simple questions.

4 Years:

If their speech is still frequently unclear to unfamiliar people.

If they struggle to tell simple stories.

If they have difficulties with basic grammar.

General Indicators of Concern:

• Any regression in speech or language skills.

• Consistent difficulty understanding your child's speech.

• Your child showing frustration due to communication difficulties.

• Concerns about your child's hearing.

Speech delays can be an early indicator of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but they occur for many other reasons as well.

Autism affects communication and social interaction, which can manifest as speech and language difficulties.

the Key Differences include:

• It's vital to consider the "whole child," not just speech.

Autism-related speech delays often occur with other signs like:

• Social interaction challenges (limited eye contact, difficulty understanding social cues).

• Repetitive behaviours (hand flapping, rigid routines).

• Sensory sensitivities (overreaction to sounds or textures).

What to Do

• Seek a professional evaluation from a speech-language pathologist, developmental paediatrician, or psychologist.

• Early intervention is crucial for Autistic children or those with speech delays.

Remember, a speech delay alone does not equal autism. Professional evaluation is required for a diagnosis.

There is no difference between a Speech Pathologist and a Speech Therapist… these terms are used interchangeably. Speech Pathologists also sometimes refer to themselves as “Speechies” for short ;-)