Paediatric Speech Pathology Adelaide | Speech Therapy for Children and Young People
Thrive Health Therapies provides expert children’s speech pathology services throughout metropolitan Adelaide at home, in the community, and at our Findon clinic. Our speech pathologists provide individualised, family-centred and neurodiversity-affirming care to help children reach their full potential. We are dedicated to enhancing the lives of children who are facing challenges to help them reach their goals.
What is Paediatric Speech Pathology?
Paediatric speech pathology focuses on assessing and treating children with communication and feeding challenges, including speech, language, social communication, and swallowing issues. Speech pathologists work with children to develop essential skills for effective communication and safe eating. Through tailored therapy, they support children in overcoming difficulties, enabling better interaction with family, friends, and the community.
At Thrive Health Therapies, our approach is child-centred and family-focused. We provide evidence-based interventions tailored to each child’s unique needs, helping them build critical communication and feeding skills that improve their daily lives.
Why Early Speech Therapy is Important
Early intervention can significantly improve a child's ability to express themselves, interact with others, and build confidence. Research shows that children who receive speech therapy at a young age develop stronger communication skills, setting a foundation for success in school, relationships, and daily life.
At Thrive Health Therapies, we emphasise the importance of identifying and addressing speech and language challenges as early as possible. The earlier a child receives support, the easier it is to build essential skills and prevent long-term communication difficulties. Our team of highly trained speech pathologists works closely with families to provide personalised therapy tailored to each child's specific needs.
How Early Intervention Helps Children Thrive
Enhances Communication Skills – Early speech therapy helps children understand and use language effectively, whether through verbal speech, sign language, or alternative communication methods.
Boosts Social Confidence – Children with speech difficulties may struggle with making friends or participating in group activities. Early intervention helps them develop the skills needed to interact confidently with peers.
Prepares for School Success – Strong language skills are critical for learning, reading, and writing. Children who receive early support are better prepared for school, leading to improved literacy and academic performance.
Reduces Frustration and Behavioural Issues – When children struggle to communicate, they may become frustrated or act out. Early therapy helps reduce communication-related frustration, improving behaviour and emotional well-being.
Supports Long-Term Development – Language and communication skills are essential throughout life. Addressing issues early minimises the risk of speech difficulties persisting into adolescence and adulthood.
Who Do Our Paediatric Speech Pathologists Support?
Our skilled team works with children and teenagers experiencing a range of challenges, including:
Speech and Language Delays or Disorders: Helping children who struggle to articulate words, form sentences, or understand spoken language.
Developmental Conditions: Supporting children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, or other developmental disorders.
Social Communication Difficulties: Assisting children in improving their ability to interact with others, including making friends and understanding social cues.
Stuttering and Fluency Issues: Providing strategies and exercises to manage stuttering and improve speech fluency.
Speech Sound Disorders: Addressing articulation and phonological disorders to improve pronunciation and clarity.
Swallowing Challenges: Supporting children with difficulties chewing, swallowing, or transitioning to new textures due to medical, developmental, or sensory issues.
Physical or Neurological Conditions: Working with children affected by conditions such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, prematurity, or traumatic brain injuries.
How our Paediatric Speech Pathologists Support Children & Teenagers in Adelaide
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Speech
Pronounce speech sounds accurately (articulation) and organise these sounds into patterns (phonological processes) to form words.
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Receptive Language
Ability to understand and comprehend language.
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Expressive Language
Ability to communicate thoughts, desires, ideas, and feelings effectively to others.
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Stuttering/ Fluency
Ability to join together speech sounds and words with fluent, smooth, and clear movements.
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Literacy
Reading and writing skills which play a crucial role in development, education, employment and overall well-being.
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Social Communication
Developing the skills needed to build and maintain relationships, express themselves, and participate in social activities.
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Multimodal Communication
Ability to communicate using a variety of methods such as pictures and choice boards, sign language or AAC.
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Play
Ability to engage in purposeful play, use imagination, and interact with others to develop social, cognitive, and communication skills.
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Dysphagia/Swallowing
Ability to safely and efficiently swallow food, liquids, and medications, ensuring proper digestion and airway protection.
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Feeding Support
Safe and effective intake of food and liquids, promoting nutritional intake and fostering independence during mealtime.
Children's Speech Therapy Assessments and Reports We Offer
At Thrive Health Therapies, we specialise in providing evidence-based speech pathology assessments and reports tailored to the unique needs of children and teenagers, including:
Swallowing Assessments: Comprehensive evaluations to manage chewing, swallowing, and transitioning to new textures or foods.
Speech and Language Assessments: Identify and address speech delays, articulation issues, and language development challenges.
Social Communication Assessments: Evaluate difficulties in social interactions and pragmatic language skills.
Literacy and Phonological Awareness Assessments: Identify and address challenges in reading, writing, and phonological processing.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Assessments: Determine the suitability of communication devices or methods for children with significant communication needs.
How We Deliver Children’s Speech Therapy
Thrive Health Therapies is dedicated to providing accessible and flexible children’s speech therapy for families across Adelaide. We offer:
Community-Based Therapy: Our team conducts in-home, school, and kindergarten visits throughout metropolitan Adelaide, ensuring children receive care in familiar environments.
Clinic-Based Therapy: Our Findon clinic offers a specially designed space for children, with fun and engaging equipment and resources to support diverse therapy needs.
Telehealth Services: We also offer comprehensive telehealth services, providing clients with convenient, video-based therapy consultations for those who may have difficulty travelling to our clinic or prefer the convenience of remote support.
Funding Options for Paediatric Speech Therapy
We accept a variety of funding options, making occupational therapy accessible for everyone:
Private Health Insurance
Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans (GP Team Care Arrangements)
Why Choose Thrive Health Therapies for Children’s Speech Pathology in Adelaide
No wait time: We can start working with paediatric clients straight away!
Experienced Clinicians: Our speech pathologists are senior clinicians with years of experience working with a wide range of presentations.
Extensive Coverage in the community: We serve a large geographical area, providing speech pathology across all of metropolitan Adelaide from Gawler to Aldinga. We see clients at home, in their school or kindergarten, or at a location convenient to them. Learn more about our service areas.
Clinic space: Our fully accessible clinic in Findon has been specially designed to be appropriate for a wide range of presentations and disabilities. Learn more about our paediatric therapy spaces.
Individualised care: Every client receives a personalised therapy plan based on their unique needs and goals.
Neuroaffirming Practice: We provide compassionate and affirming services to support and empower neurodiverse individuals.
Multi-Disciplinary Approach: We offer a wide range of allied health services under one roof, allowing for a holistic approach to your health. Learn more about our team.
NDIS Provider: We provide services to National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants.
LGBTQIA+ Friendly: We celebrate, value and include people of all backgrounds, genders, and sexualities, Our Findon clinic is a welcoming, safe and inclusive space for all LGBTQIA+ people and families.
FAQs About Paediatric Speech Pathology in Adelaide
If you can’t find an answer to your question, please contact our friendly team on 0474 248 081 or email enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com
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Paediatric speech pathology involves assessing and treating children facing communication and feeding challenges, such as difficulties with speech, language, social interaction, and swallowing. Speech pathologists help children build vital skills for clear communication and safe eating. Through personalised therapy, they assist children in overcoming these challenges, enhancing their ability to connect with family, friends, and the wider community.
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At Thrive Health Therapies, our speech pathologists support children and teenagers with a range of needs. We provide support to a variety of diagnosis including autism, developmental delay, and other developmental or neurological conditions.
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Thrive Health Therapies provides allied health services in Adelaide to all ages, from newborns to seniors! Our therapists have experience in a wide range of conditions and diagnosis, ensuring we can help you find a therapist who is the right fit for you.
We accept referrals from a wide range of funding sources, including the NDIS, home care packages, Department of Veterans Affairs, Chronic Disease Management (previously known as EPC) and private clients. Learn more about our accepted funding sources.
As a NDIS registered provider we are also able to accept participants who have chosen to have their funds managed by NDIA.
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If you are funded through Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) or Chronic Disease Management (CDM) we need the appropriate referral documentation from your GP.
For all other funding sources you can refer yourself or your child directly via our online referral form, or reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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Referring is easy! You can find our paediatric referral forms here and our adult referral forms here.
If you have any questions prior to referring please reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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We support adults and children with:
Psychosocial Disability
Intellectual Disability
Autism
Global Developmental Delay
Spinal Cord Injury
Acquired Brain Injury
Multiple Sclerosis
Stroke
Cerebral Palsy
Amputation
Parkinson's Disease
Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Motor Neurone Disease
Genetic Conditions
Vision or Hearing Impairment
Amputees
Other Physical/Intellectual Impairments
And more! Feel free to enquire here.
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No! We can start working with new clients right away.
Once we have received a referral form with all of your details, we are able to book an Initial Assessment as soon as possible, depending on your availability.
You can find our paediatric referral forms here.
If you have any questions prior to referring please reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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We accept referrals from a wide range of funding sources, including the NDIS, home care packages, Department of Veterans Affairs, Chronic Disease Management (previously known as EPC) and private clients. Learn more about our accepted funding sources.
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Prices vary between services. Our therapists work with you to ensure you get the best program of services within your budget allocation.
Please contact us for a personalised quote.
Get started with paediatric speech pathology today!
Referral Form
Fill out our easy online referral form and we’ll be in touch!
