Speech Therapy for Kids near Forest Lodge

Supporting your child to grow their communication skills.

Communication support shaped around your child

We see communication as a fundamental right for every child. Whatever your child’s starting point, whether they need a little extra support, have developmental differences or disabilities, or experience the world in a neurodivergent way, we’re here to help them share their voice.

Every child who comes to Inner West Paediatrics works towards their own set of speech, communication and literacy goals, with our Forest Lodge speech pathologists using evidence-based therapy to support the journey.

Speech pathology support at Inner West Paediatrics

From speech and language to communication, voice, feeding and fluency, our speech pathologists work across assessment, diagnosis, treatment and intervention.

We also work with you and your child to address challenges relating to speech sounds, reading, writing, eating, play, self-advocacy, and social participation and inclusion. Our speech pathology services include:

In-person speech therapy

One-on-one speech therapy shaped around your child, in a welcoming space where they feel at ease.

Dedicated family advocates

If you’re in Forest Lodge, but can’t come to us, we can come to you.

We work with you

Through our online speech therapy service, children anywhere in Australia can connect with our team.

Where our support is focused

Language and Communication

We support children to build the language skills they rely on every day, including vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, and both expressive and receptive communication.

AAC Assessment and Intervention

Everyone deserves access to communication. We support children and young people to explore and use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) when it can help them communicate more effectively. Our speech pathologists work closely with families to assess, trial and implement AAC systems that meet each child’s individual strengths, preferences and communication needs.

Reading and Writing

We support children to develop the literacy skills they need for learning and everyday life, including reading, writing, spelling and phonological awareness. When appropriate, we can also work alongside your child’s school team to support their literacy development across home and the classroom.

Speech Sounds

We support children to build clear, confident speech, making it easier for them to be understood in everyday conversations.

Play

Children learn best through play, which is why our sessions are built around play-based activities shaped by your child’s interests and strengths. The result is a fun, engaging and low-pressure space where speech, language, communication and confidence may grow through meaningful interactions.

Stuttering (Fluency)

Our support for children who stutter centres on evidence-based, strengths-focused approaches that build communication confidence. Working alongside your child and family, we develop practical strategies for comfortable, confident communication in everyday settings.

Social Communication and Relationships

Home, school and the community are where children’s relationships take shape, and we support them to build meaningful connections across all three. Drawing on strengths-based, neuroaffirming approaches, we help children gain the skills and confidence to understand and express their feelings, advocate for their needs, and nurture positive relationships in ways that feel right for them.

Hanen Programs

It Takes Two to Talk®

Designed for parents of children from birth to 5 years who have been identified as having a language delay, the It Takes Two to Talk® program brings families together in a small group to learn practical, everyday strategies that support language development naturally throughout the day.

The program teaches you how to:

Recognise your child’s stage and style of communication to identify goals and meaningful next steps
Identify what motivates your child to communicate
Use the strategies to encourage interaction and build communication confidence
Adjust everyday routines to help your child take turns back and forth in interactions
Support your child’s understanding and use of language through responsive communication strategies
Use play and book sharing to foster communication, interaction and language development

Contact info@innerwestpaediatrics.com.au to find out when registrations open for our next It Takes Two to Talk® program.

More than Words

Parents and caregivers of autistic children, or children with social communication differences, are at the centre of the More Than Words program. It offers specific, research-based strategies to support your child’s social communication and play skills, all while strengthening your connection and adding more fun to your time together.

‍Through the program, you will learn:

What motivates your child to communicate
How to use your knowledge about your child to set appropriate and realistic goals
How to make interactions with your child last longer
Tips for using pictures and print to help your child’s understanding
Strategies for how to talk so that your child understands you
Strategies for providing new play opportunities for your child

Get in touch at info@innerwestpaediatrics.com.au to hear when registrations open for our next More Than Words group program.

Learning Language and Loving It®

Learning Language and Loving It® is an evidence-based program created for early childhood educators and professionals working with young children. It offers practical, responsive strategies that nurture language, communication and early literacy through everyday interactions, play and daily routines.Throughout the program, you’ll learn how to:

Recognise each child’s stage and style of communication.
Create everyday opportunities that encourage language learning and participation.
Use responsive interaction strategies to support communication and extend conversations.
Adapt the learning environment and daily routines to promote communication.
Support children’s social communication and interactions with their peers.
Build language and early literacy skills through play, shared book reading and everyday experiences.

Email us at info@innerwestpaediatrics.com.au to talk through a bespoke package for your education setting built around the Learning Language and Loving It® program.

Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy (PACT)

At its core, PACT puts parents in the driving seat of an evidence-based therapy program suited to autistic children aged 2–11 and children with social communication differences. Along the way, parents and caregivers come to understand their child’s communication style more fully and strengthen daily interactions using responsive, enjoyable strategies that foster connection and engagement.

Through video feedback, our PACT-trained therapists support you to tune into your child’s unique communication style and respond to it with confidence. Over the course of the program, you’ll learn practical, evidence-based strategies that nurture communication by working with your child’s individual strengths, preferences and needs across your daily family routines and interactions.

Contact info@innerwestpaediatrics.com.au to find out when registrations open for our next PACT program.

Is communication a challenge for your child?

No matter where your child is on their communication journey, our experienced team is here to walk alongside you with evidence-based, family-centred care.

Our approach to therapy

Every child is different, so our speech pathologists personalise a wide range of therapy techniques to suit you and your child. As well as being fully qualified and accredited, our therapists have extensive training and experience across the following:

- Hanen Programs® (It Takes Two to Talk, More Than Words, Target Word, Talkability, Learning Language and Loving It)
- Key Word Sign
- SOS Feeding Approach
- The Lidcombe Program
- DIR Floortime Principles
- Learn to Play approach
- Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy (PACT)
- Responsive Feeding Approach
- Sounds~Write
- Meaningful Speech for Gestalt Language Processors
- Occupational Performance Coaching
- High and Low Tech AAC implementation
- DTTC and ReST

Supporting your child through speech pathology

Speech clarity

We support children to develop speech that’s clear and confident, so being understood in day-to-day conversations comes more naturally.

Language Development

We support children to build the language skills they need to understand others, express themselves and communicate with confidence.

Fluency

For children who stutter or have other differences in fluency, we draw on evidence-based, strengths-focused approaches to build communication confidence.

Social communication

We help children grow the skills and confidence to communicate, connect and take part in ways that suit them.

Self-confidence and self-advocacy
By supporting your child’s communication in ways that work for them, speech pathology can help build confidence, foster meaningful connections and encourage participation in everyday life.

Answering your speech therapy questions

What is speech pathology all about?

Speech pathology centres on the assessment, diagnosis, management and, where possible, prevention of speech, language, voice and fluency disorders.

What does a speech pathologist support?

Speech pathology supports children to communicate in the ways that suit them best. Speech pathologists assess and offer evidence-based support across speech, language, communication, voice, fluency, literacy, feeding and swallowing, so children may take part in everyday life with greater confidence.

Do you offer toddler speech therapy in Forest Lodge?

Yes. We support children from infancy through to 18 years, including toddlers who are developing their early communication, language and speech skills. If you have concerns about your toddlers’ communication, early intervention can make a meaningful difference.

What kinds of conditions and disabilities do you support?

Children come to us needing communication and language support for many different reasons. Our speech pathologists have experience across a wide range of disabilities, such as autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, global developmental delay, ADHD, social-emotional difficulties, trauma, behavioural differences and other neurological disorders, along with articulation and stuttering difficulties.

Will speech pathology support my child at school?

Yes. Communication skills lay the groundwork for learning, so where appropriate, our speech-language pathologists partner closely with teachers and educators to support your child’s progress both in and beyond the classroom.

What length of time will my child need speech pathology?

No two children are the same. Our dedicated team keeps a close eye on your child’s progress and adjusts their therapy plan together with you as they grow, so the support they receive may always match where they are at that moment.

Which speech and occupational therapies do you offer?

Our paediatric speech therapists in Forest Lodge are highly skilled and pursue additional training across a range of areas to provide meaningful therapy. Some of the services and approaches we may offer include:

Hanen Programs® (It Takes Two to Talk, More Than Words, Target Word, Talkability, Learning Language and Loving It)
DIR Floortime Principles
Learn to Play approach
Key Word Sign
Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy (PACT)
SOS Feeding Approach
Responsive Feeding Approach
The Lidcombe Program
Sounds~Write
Meaningful Speech for Gestalt Language Processors
Occupational Performance Coaching
High and Low Tech AAC assessment, trial and intervention
Handwriting Without Tears programs
Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP Approach)
Toileting interventions
Zones of Regulation
Alert Program
Regulation and sensory supports

What funding options can I access?

To help the cost of speech pathology support, there are several funding options for therapy worth exploring, including the NDIS, Medicare and private health insurance.

What areas do you service?

We service areas around:

And more!

Other ways we can help your child

Occupational Therapy

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Speech Pathology

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Feeding Therapy

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Group Programs

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Orofacial Therapy

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Key Worker Service

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Allied Health Assistants

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Support Work

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What sets Inner West Paediatrics apart

Support you may rely on

Since 2015, we’ve supported more than 5,000 children and families, and that experience shapes every session we run.

Care under one roof

Because we offer a range of services under one roof, your child can be supported across multiple areas of need.

Flexible therapy delivery

At home, at school, in childcare or online, our team is here to support your child in the setting that suits them.

Support your child's communication with speech therapy in Forest Lodge

Your child’s way of communicating is unique to them. Whether they’re after a small amount of extra support or navigating more complex needs, help is close at hand with our experienced speech pathologists. We start with your child’s strengths and, working closely with your family, deliver practical, evidence-based support that builds everyday communication confidence.