Fun Speech Therapy for Toddlers that Turn First Words into Conversations

We specialise in speech therapy for toddlers, including early diagnosis and intervention at our centres in South West Sydney. We support children in improving overall communication, including non-verbal communication skills. Consult with certified speech therapists for an assessment today.

Schedule an Assessment for Your Toddler

What is Speech Therapy for Toddlers?

Speech therapy for toddlers plays a crucial role in supporting language skills, which are a vital part of early child development. While every child develops at their own pace, language is central to how toddlers express themselves and connect with others. With proper support, children can build these skills more confidently, and speech therapy offers gentle guidance for those who may need a little extra help along the way.

Toddler speech therapy often feels like play, with fun and age-appropriate activities designed to build both receptive language (understanding) and expressive language (speaking) skills. For some children, it may also include tools like augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

The process begins with an assessment by a speech therapist, also known as a speech pathologist, who tailors a plan to your child’s unique goals. From there, regular kids’ speech therapy, whether individual or group sessions, helps bring these strategies into everyday life.

When to See a Speech Therapist for Toddler Speech Therapy

From the very first year of life, babies start to communicate through gestures and by watching their parents’ facial expressions. They quickly learn that crying brings food, comfort, and companionship.

As they grow, infants begin to recognise the speech sounds that form words in their language. And by around six months, most babies can already identify the basic sounds that form their native tongue.

By around 12 months, most babies start to babble. At 16 months, they may say their first words and can follow simple directions. When a child has trouble talking (expressive language) or understanding others (receptive language), it may be a sign of speech or language delay.

Common signs of Speech Delays

If you notice your little one struggling to express themselves or having difficulty understanding what others are saying, it could be a sign that they need extra support. Speech therapy for toddlers can help address these challenges early on, giving your child the tools to communicate with confidence.

Some common signs of speech delays include:

If you notice any of these issues, don’t worry. Early intervention, which includes kids’ speech therapy, can make a big difference in helping your child thrive and make leaps in their communication skills.

Speech Therapy for Toddlers at BFAH

Parents want to be sure their child is working with a speech therapist who understands early development and uses techniques tailored to young children. At Brighter Futures Allied Health, we specialise in speech therapy for toddlers, offering play-based sessions that keep kids engaged, with additional support for families so that progress continues beyond our centres in South West Sydney.

Booking toddler speech therapy at BFAH entitles you to:

Experienced Speech Pathologists

Our speech therapists are Certified Practising Speech Pathologists (CPSP) registered with Speech Pathology Australia, the national peak body for speech pathologists in the country. We specialise in early intervention, with a particular focus on early childhood and family support.

Multi-lingual Support

Our speech therapists are primarily bilingual or trilingual, with staff conversational in English, Vietnamese, Cantonese, and Thai. This makes our speech therapy sessions more efficient, and we find that toddlers and young children are more comfortable conversing with us in this setting.

Family Training

We work closely with parents and carers to reinforce therapy goals at home and maximize the child’s progress. Our speech therapists offer guidance and support, enabling kids to continue building their communication skills beyond our centres.

Give Your Toddler the Best Start in Communication

Strong communication skills start in early childhood, and the sooner they’re supported, the more your toddler can grow and thrive. Specialised toddler speech therapy provides gentle, play-based guidance that makes learning fun while building the foundations for language and connection. With the right strategies and early intervention, children can gain the confidence to share their thoughts, connect with others, and enjoy the milestones of communication.

If you’re noticing signs of speech delay or simply want extra support for your child’s development, now is the time to take the next step. Schedule an assessment and discover how speech therapy for toddlers can turn first words into meaningful conversations.

Consult with a Speech Therapist

Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services. Simply request an appointment via phone or contact form on our website. 

Please complete the form to submit an enquiry.

Frequently Asked Questions About Speech Therapy for Toddlers

At what age should a toddler see a speech therapist?

If at 18 months your child isn’t babbling, using words, or following simple directions, they may benefit from a speech therapist consultation. Generally, most children say their first words by around 12 to 16 months, and delays beyond this age may indicate intervention is needed.

How to know if it’s speech delay or autism?

The key difference between speech delay and autism is that speech delay usually means a child understands what others are saying but has trouble using words clearly or building sentences, whereas autism affects not just speech but also social interaction and behaviour. Children with autism may also have difficulty with eye contact, responding to their name, or engaging in back-and-forth play.

Because some kids can have both a speech delay and autism, it’s best to seek guidance from a speech therapist or developmental pediatrician for a proper assessment. Early intervention is crucial and makes a big difference in helping your child thrive.

Does insurance cover speech therapy for toddlers?

Different options may cover speech therapy for toddlers depending on your situation. The NDIS funds therapy when a child has a developmental delay or disability, while Medicare’s Chronic Disease Management Plan provides rebates for up to five allied health sessions each year.