Speech therapy for kids in Perth and Bunbury
Helping children find their voice
Every child deserves the ability to communicate confidently, and our speech therapy services support kids in Perth and Bunbury with all kinds of speech, language, and communication challenges. Our NDIS-approved allied health professionals offer tailored interventions designed to help children improve their speech clarity, language comprehension, and social communication skills.
Why speech therapy is crucial for child development
Speech and language are incredibly important to a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. Research shows that anywhere up to 19% of children between 2 and 7 experience speech and language delays that, if left untreated, can impact their ability to learn, interact, and function day-to-day.
It makes sense that, according to Speech Pathology Australia, language disorders can lead to long-term educational challenges, increased behavioural concerns, and reduced social engagement. However, with early and consistent speech therapy intervention, children can significantly improve their ability to communicate, comprehend language, and express their thoughts effectively.
Early intervention doesn’t just impact school success – it can also influence a child’s self-esteem, relationships, and overall quality of life. Language is the foundation of social interaction, and children who cannot express themselves effectively may withdraw from peer interactions, leading to social anxiety and frustration. No child deserves to go through this, which is why we offer dedicated speech therapy for kids in Perth and Bunbury.
In addition to academic and social benefits, speech therapy also aids in:
- Emotional regulation – Helping children articulate their feelings instead of expressing frustration through tantrums or outbursts.
- Cognitive development – Strengthening memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities.
- Independence – Encouraging children to communicate their needs clearly at home, in school, and in the community.
Signs your child may need speech therapy
Every child develops at their own pace, but persistent difficulties with speech and language development may indicate the need for professional support. If you think your child may benefit from speech therapy, it’s always worth seeking professional advice before taking any action. As a parent, having a diagnosis can help set your mind at ease. However, broadly, our speech therapy services in Perth and Bunbury may be suitable for kids who experience:
1. Delayed speech development
• Misses key speech milestones (e.g., not babbling by 12 months, limited words by 18 months, or no simple sentences by 2 years).
• Has difficulty imitating sounds or responding to name calls.
2. Difficulty pronouncing words
• Struggles with articulation – substituting, omitting, or distorting sounds.
• Produces speech that is difficult to understand by unfamiliar listeners after age 3.
• Continues making speech sound errors beyond expected age ranges (e.g., mispronouncing “r” or “s” after age 5).
3. Limited vocabulary or difficulty forming sentences
• Uses very few words for their age (e.g., fewer than 50 words at 24 months).
• Has trouble putting words together into meaningful sentences (e.g., “want cookie” instead of “I want a cookie”).
• Shows frustration when unable to express thoughts clearly.
4. Stuttering or fluency issues
• Frequently repeats sounds, syllables, or words (e.g., “I-I-I want that”).
• Prolongs sounds (e.g., “Mmmmmommy, I want…”).
• Shows visible struggle or frustration when speaking.
5. Problems understanding language
• Struggles to follow simple instructions (“Go get your shoes”).
• Has difficulty answering questions or understanding storytelling.
• Often asks for repetitions or seems confused when spoken to.
6. Social communication challenges
• Has trouble making eye contact, taking turns in conversation, or understanding social cues.
• Struggles to engage in pretend play or initiate interactions with peers.
• Avoids speaking or seems disinterested in social interactions.
7. Swallowing and eating
Many people don’t realise that speech therapists can help children, including NDIS participants, who experience issues with swallowing, drinking and eating. These difficulties are often the result of weak oral motor skills, and our speech pathologists are equipped to help kids develop them – often through strengthening relevant muscles. When a child is having these kinds of challenges, it can show up in several ways, including:
• Mealtime tantrums
• Fussy eating
• Vomiting or coughing excessively
• Refusing food and drink
• Limited food choices
• Chewing challenges (such as with tough or more textured foods)
• Taking a long time to eat
How speech therapy at LifeLift can help
At LifeLift, we take a holistic and child-centred approach to speech therapy, tailoring our methods to suit each child’s unique needs. Our therapy programs focus on fun and evidence-based techniques that improve their communication skills – while keeping them engaged at the same time.
Our speech therapy services include:
1. Speech sound development
Helping children articulate words clearly by correcting mispronunciations and improving speech clarity.
2. Language skills improvement
Enhancing both expressive language (speaking) and receptive language (understanding spoken words) through structured learning strategies.
3. Fluency and stuttering support
Guiding children to manage stuttering or disfluencies through breathing techniques and structured speech patterns.
4. Social communication skills
Developing confidence in social interactions, teaching children how to engage in conversations and interpret social cues.
5. Literacy and phonological awareness
Supporting reading and writing skills through phonics-based techniques, especially for children with learning difficulties like dyslexia.
What to expect from a LifeLift speech therapy session
Our speech therapy services for kids in Perth and Bunbury are designed to be interactive, engaging, and structured. Here’s what a typical session involves:
- Initial assessment – Understanding your child’s specific challenges through observation and testing.
- Personalised therapy plan – A customised intervention plan tailored to your child’s needs.
- Engaging therapy activities – Fun exercises, games, and practical strategies to encourage speech development.
- Parental guidance and home strategies – We equip parents with techniques to support their child’s progress at home, and may recommend assistive technology, including augmentative and alternative communication, such as speech-generating devices, to aid your child’s development.
Sessions can be conducted in clinics, schools, early learning centres, or home settings, depending on what works best for your child.
Choosing a speech therapy clinic in Perth & Bunbury
When selecting a speech therapy provider for your child, it’s important to choose a reputable, qualified, and evidence-based clinic. Not all services offer the same level of expertise, and working with NDIS-registered, Speech Pathology Australia-accredited therapists ensure your child receives the best care possible.
What makes a reputable speech therapy clinic?
- Qualified Speech Pathologists – Ensure the clinic has AHPRA-certified, Speech Pathology Australia-accredited therapists.
- NDIS Registration – Clinics that are NDIS-approved providers, like LifeLift, meet rigorous national standards.
- Comprehensive Therapy Plans – A good clinic tailors individual therapy programs to each child’s needs.
- Family & School Integration – Clinics should work closely with parents, teachers, and caregivers to support a child’s speech development both at home and in school.
- Flexible and Accessible Services – The best clinics offer clinic-based, home-based, school-based, and telehealth therapy options.
At LifeLift, we offer all of these essential features. We’re trusted by families across Perth and Bunbury to provide high-quality, evidence-based speech therapy services to kids of all ages.
How speech therapy in Australia has evolved over the years
The field of speech therapy in Australia has seen significant advancements over the past few decades, evolving from basic pronunciation training to a more comprehensive, evidence-based, and multidisciplinary approach.
Key milestones in Australian speech therapy:
- 1970s – 1980s: Speech therapy in Australia primarily focused on articulation and pronunciation training, with some emphasis on language development. However, structured interventions for neurodevelopmental disorders like autism were still limited.
- 1990s: Australian universities expanded speech pathology programs, introducing more structured, scientific approaches to treating language delays, developmental disorders, and autism. Evidence-based interventions became more prominent.
- 2000s: Funding for disability services improved, making speech therapy more accessible. However, the NDIS was not introduced until 2013, with a national rollout from 2016.
- 2010s – Present: Telehealth and AI-driven speech therapy tools have made speech pathology more flexible, engaging, and effective, allowing children across regional WA to access expert speech therapy remotely.
Today, speech therapy is more advanced, accessible, and research-driven than ever before. With providers like LifeLift offering innovations like interactive speech therapy apps, AI-powered speech recognition tools, and remote telehealth options, families in Perth, Bunbury, and beyond have unprecedented access to high-quality speech therapy services for their kids.
Why choose LifeLift for speech therapy in Perth & Bunbury?
1. NDIS-registered and AHPRA-accredited therapists: We provide NDIS-funded speech therapy services, ensuring every child receives high-quality care. Our team consists of friendly, qualified speech pathologists who follow the latest research-backed methods.
2. Tailored and family-centred approach: We believe in a collaborative approach, working closely with parents, educators, and caregivers to create effective strategies that support speech development.
3. Convenient locations across WA: We offer flexible therapy options in Perth, Bunbury, and surrounding areas, with in-clinic and mobile therapy services also available.
4. Proven success in speech therapy outcomes: Our evidence-based therapy methods have helped hundreds of children improve their communication skills and gain confidence in expressing themselves.
What it means to be NDIS approved
LifeLift is a registered NDIS provider, which means our speech therapy services meet the highest standards of care and compliance set by the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Our NDIS-approved therapists work closely with families and NDIS participants to develop personalised therapy plans that align with their goals and funding requirements.
Being NDIS-approved allows us to offer flexible therapy options, including mobile speech therapy at home, school, or daycare. We also provide comprehensive communication and swallowing assessments, assistive technology recommendations, and ongoing progress reports to support participants in achieving their NDIS goals. Whether your child needs early intervention, ongoing speech support, or mealtime management, at LifeLift, we ensure that therapy is accessible, high-quality, and tailored to their needs.
FAQ about speech therapy for kids
● How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?
If your child has difficulty forming words, pronouncing sounds, understanding language, or social communication issues, an assessment with a speech therapist can help determine the need for therapy.
● At what age should a child start speech therapy?
Early intervention is key! Children can start speech therapy as early as 18 months if there are noticeable speech delays. The sooner therapy begins, the better the long-term outcomes.
● How long does speech therapy take?
The duration of therapy varies based on the child’s needs. Some children may see progress in a few months, while others require long-term therapy for continued development.
● Is speech therapy covered by the NDIS?
Yes! LifeLift is an NDIS-registered provider, and eligible children can receive funding for speech therapy services.
● Can speech therapy help children with autism?
Absolutely. Many children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) benefit from speech therapy, as it helps develop verbal communication, social skills, and language comprehension.
Other intervention services offered by LifeLift
In addition to speech therapy services, we offer all kinds of intervention to kids and adults in Perth and Bunbury. These include:
- Occupational Therapy – Helping children develop motor skills, sensory processing, and daily living abilities to improve independence.
- Physiotherapy – Supporting physical development, coordination, and muscle strength for children with movement difficulties.
- Psychological Therapy – Assisting children in managing anxiety, emotional regulation, and behavioural challenges.
- Dietary Support – Providing personalised nutrition plans to help children with sensory eating challenges, food aversions, and balanced meal planning.
Many of these services are delivered in tandem with speech therapy, as difficulties with speech and communication often intersect with motor skills, emotional regulation, and sensory processing challenges. By integrating multiple therapies, LifeLift ensures a holistic and well-rounded approach to helping children reach their full potential.
Don’t wait – book a consultation with LifeLift now
Helping your child communicate confidently starts with expert speech therapy. At LifeLift, we’re passionate about supporting kids across Perth and Bunbury to reach their full potential through tailored, engaging, and evidence-based speech therapy services.
Whether you want to come to us or prefer we come to you or your child’s school, we’re here to deliver quality care that you can trust. We can organise an NDIS-approved professional to see you within 7 days – so get in touch today.
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