Late talkers (0–3)
Building first words and phrases through play, with parent coaching so progress continues at home.
Speech pathology
Children’s speech pathology in Melbourne’s northern suburbs
Neuro-affirming speech and language support for late talkers, unclear speech, language and literacy, stuttering and AAC, with parents involved every step of the way.
Certified Practising Speech Pathologist28 years of paediatric experienceNDIS & private clients
Speech pathology at Wonderful Mind helps children who are late to talk, hard to understand, stuttering, or finding language and early literacy difficult. Our Certified Practising Speech Pathologist uses play-based, neuro-affirming therapy, including AAC and support for gestalt language processors, at our Doreen and Craigieburn clinics and by telehealth. NDIS and private clients welcome.
Is speech pathology right for my child?
Parents often contact us when their child…
- Is not using words by 18 months, or not putting two words together by two
- Is hard for family or teachers to understand
- Gets frustrated or has meltdowns when they cannot get their message across
- Repeats words or gets stuck at the start of words
- Has trouble following instructions or answering questions
- Is finding reading, spelling or sounding out difficult at school
What we help with
Speech pathology services
Speech sounds & clarity
Articulation, phonological delay and childhood apraxia of speech.
Language & literacy
Understanding, vocabulary, sentences, developmental language disorder and early reading skills.
Stuttering
Support for children who stutter, and their families.
AAC & gestalt language
Respecting every way a child communicates: key word sign, picture systems, speech-generating devices and gestalt language processing.
Social communication & executive function
Neuro-affirming support for conversation, self-advocacy, planning and organisation.
Our approach
Every way of communicating is valid
We are neuro-affirming, play-based and family-centred. Therapy is built around what your child enjoys, and parents are part of every session.
Because our speech pathology team works alongside our OTs, psychologists and play therapists, children with more than one area of need get joined-up goals instead of separate plans.
How it works
What to expect
- 01
First call
Our intake team asks a few questions and checks your funding.
- 02
Initial assessment
We play, observe and use standardised tools where helpful, and listen to your concerns.
- 03
Goals together
A short summary and agreed goals, in plain language.
- 04
Therapy & review
Play-based sessions, usually weekly or fortnightly, with home activities that fit everyday routines, and regular reviews.
Our speech team
Meet our speech pathology team
Michele Danneels
Senior Speech Pathologist
M.S. Speech-Language Pathology
Certified Practising Speech Pathologist
Our allied health assistant works under the supervision of our Certified Practising Speech Pathologist. Speech pathologists in Australia are certified through Speech Pathology Australia.
Fees
Speech pathology fees and funding
Speech pathology is available to NDIS participants (self-managed, plan-managed and NDIA-managed) and private clients. Private health insurance rebates may apply depending on your extras cover. Please contact us for current speech pathology session and report fees. See all fees.
Speech pathology questions
Do I need a referral to see a speech pathologist?
No. You can book directly. A GP referral is only needed if you want to claim a Medicare rebate under a care plan.
What age should my child start speech therapy?
There is no minimum age. If your child is not using words by 18 months, or not putting two words together by two years, it is worth booking an assessment.
Will my child just grow out of it?
Some late talkers catch up, but many do not, and it is hard to tell which without an assessment. Starting early is never wasted.
Is speech therapy covered by the NDIS?
Yes, when communication is part of your child’s NDIS goals. Children under 9 may also get support through the NDIS early childhood approach without a diagnosis.
What is gestalt language processing?
It is a way some children learn language in chunks or phrases first, often from songs or shows, before breaking them into single words. We support this style rather than trying to change it.
Do you see children who use AAC?
Yes. We help families choose, set up and use AAC (augmentative and alternative communication), from picture boards to speech-generating devices.
Do you offer telehealth?
Yes. Telehealth is available for many speech pathology sessions and for parent coaching.
Who will my child see?
Our Senior Speech Pathologist, Michele Danneels, a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist with 28 years of paediatric experience, supported by our speech pathology allied health assistant.
Speech pathology near you
Speech pathology across Melbourne’s north
Related services
Occupational Therapy
Sensory, motor, self-care and regulation support, built around play.
Psychology Assessments
Autism, ADHD, cognitive and educational assessments with clear, practical reports.
Early Childhood Intervention
Team-based NDIS early intervention for children under 9.
Not sure where to start?
Tell our intake team what you are noticing. We will match your child with the right clinician, or a small team if they need more than one kind of support.