Child & Family Health
Speech pathology for babies & children
Our speech pathologists help babies and children learn to communicate
and eat problem-free.
What we do
Speech pathologists help babies and children learn to understand and use words to communicate.
They help children who are difficult to understand, stutter and have voice difficulties.
Speech pathologists also help babies and children with feeding and swallowing problems.
Who we care for
Babies and children aged 0-7 years.
How to access this service
You can ask for this service by calling the Central Referral Service on 1800 600 681.
An administration officer will gather some information from you and pass your request on to the speech pathology team.
There may be waiting times for speech pathology services.
Service Providers please refer your clients using our referral form. We will confirm acceptance of your referral following receipt and review of eligibility.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the service provided?
Speech pathology services are usually provided at one of our Community Health Centres. Some visits may happen in your home or at a community venue such as your child’s preschool.
Contact us
Is there a cost for this service?
This service is free if you have a Medicare card and live, work or study in the Cumberland, Parramatta, Blacktown or Hills local council areas.
Who will I meet at my appointment?
You will meet your child’s speech pathologist. Speech pathologists have university qualifications in speech pathology.
Your speech pathologist might bring a student to your appointment. This student is studying speech pathology at university and is on placement with us to learn and gain experience.
What can I expect at my first appointment?
When you arrive at the Community Health Centre, a receptionist will greet you. The receptionist will let your speech pathologist know you have arrived, and will ask you to wait in the waiting area.
During the appointment, your speech pathologist will talk with you about your child’s medical, social and developmental history. They will ask you about your child’s strengths and areas where they are having difficulty. They will also play and interact with your child to see how they communicate.
Your speech pathologist will complete an assessment with your child.
They will then talk with you about your child’s goals and treatment options. Together with your speech pathologist, you will decide what you need to work on to help develop your child’s communication skills.
What do I bring to my first appointment?
To your first appointment:
- your Medicare card
- your child’s Blue Book (My Personal Health Record)
- please also bring copies (if any) of your child’s:
- reports or documents from your local doctor or paediatrician
- any hearing assessments
- assessments or reports from other health professionals your child has seen, e.g. psychologists, paediatricians, occupational therapists, speech pathologists
- reports of testing by a school counsellor, school reports from the last 12 months and any psychometric (IQ) testing reports
- we might send you a questionnaire to complete - please also bring this to your appointment
To every appointment:
- your child’s Blue Book (My Personal Health Record)
What is the Blue Book (My Personal Record)?
Your child’s Blue Book (My Personal Health Record) is given to you in the hospital after you’ve had your baby.
Notes about your child’s health and progress can be made in the Blue Book by you, a Child and Family Health nurse, your doctor or any other health professional your child sees.
The Blue Book has helpful information - look in the ‘Useful contacts and websites’ section and on the back cover.
The Blue Book is also available in other languages.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No. Referrals from a GP are not required.
Do you speak a language other than English?
A free and confidential interpreter service, including Auslan, is available. Ask staff to arrange an interpreter for you.
Child development describes the changes in your child’s physical growth. As children grow they also learn social, emotional, behaviour, thinking and communication skills.
Learn the Signs Act Early is a new tool in your child's Blue Book that you can use
tolearn about your child's brain and physical development.
We can help if you have questions about your child’s development.