Speech therapy for young children with developmental delay

Communication is often where delay shows first

For many young children with global developmental delay, communication is one of the affected areas — and it's one where early speech pathology makes a real difference. The work meets the child where they are: building understanding before expression, using gestures and visuals, and growing communication in whatever form fits, including AAC when spoken words are slow to come.

What that looks like:

• Comprehension — understanding words, routines, and instructions
• Expression — first words, vocabulary, and combining words; or signs and AAC
• Early social communication — attention, turn-taking, and connection
• Play — the foundation language is built on

Parents are the engine

In the early years, language grows through everyday interaction, so the biggest lever is coaching parents. We show you how to model and expand communication during ordinary routines — meals, play, bath time — so your child gets rich language input all week, not just in session.

Part of a coordinated plan

Because GDD spans more than one area, speech rarely works alone. Hey Sprout's single intake coordinates speech with OT (fine-motor, daily living) and psychology (social, emotional) so you get one joined-up plan instead of three separate waitlists.

NDIS funding

Under the early childhood approach, children under six don't need a diagnosis to access early supports. If eligible, speech therapy is funded under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living. For families without NDIS funding, sessions are private-pay at the NDIS rate.