Speech pathologists help children communicate, understand language and eat and drink safely. This guide explains what paediatric speech pathology involves, how to spot when your child might benefit, and how to choose the right provider in Perth — including the practices featured on this page.
Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health (Noranda & Malaga, WA) offers Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech Pathology and Exercise Physiology for children, adults and older adults. Facilities include a kids therapy gym and sensory room. Telehealth available for physiotherapy. No NDIS registration or waitlist details specified.
NDIS-registered provider in Wembley, WA supporting ages 0-17 with autism, developmental delays, motor and speech challenges. Offers speech pathology, occupational therapy, psychology, physiotherapy, ESDM early intervention, telehealth, home/school visits, and immediate physiotherapy availability.
Perth-based paediatric speech pathology for children and young adults, offered via mobile, home, school, daycare and telehealth visits. NDIS self-managed and plan-managed clients welcome, plus private and Medicare clients. No waitlist mentioned.
Multidisciplinary paediatric practice in Wembley & Currambine, WA, offering Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy, plus Autism Diagnostic Assessments by a Speech Pathologist and Registered Psychologist. Serves toddlers to secondary students; also provides services in local schools and feeding support via partnership.
Mobile speech pathology provider offering home and school visits for children aged 2-12 in City of Swan WA area. NDIS registered, provides early intervention, school-aged and neurodiversity-affirming therapy. Founded 2000.
Multidisciplinary Perth CBD practice offering Speech Pathology, OT, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Dietetics, Music/Art Therapy, Social Work, Counselling, Audiology, Support Coordination, Plan Management and Positive Behaviour Support. Physiotherapy treats from 1-day-old babies to adolescents. NDIS plan management and funding assistance offered; no telehealth or waitlist details specified.
Boutique NDIS allied health provider in Perth metro (North Perth, WA), established 2022, offering Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology with a flexible, identity-centred, participant-focused approach. No specific ages, telehealth, or waitlist details mentioned; no named practitioners listed.
Paediatric therapy provider offering speech pathology, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy in clinic and community settings (home, school, park). Uses play-based, neuroaffirming approaches, including AAC supports.
Speech pathologists (sometimes called speech therapists) support far more than just how words sound. In children, their work commonly covers:
Many speech pathologists also support children who use alternative and augmentative communication (AAC), such as picture systems or speech-generating devices.
Every child develops at their own pace, but it can be worth booking an assessment if you notice things like:
If you're ever unsure, a chat with your GP, child health nurse or a speech pathologist can help. Early support is generally more effective, so it's better to ask sooner rather than wait and see.
Speech pathologists work with children of all ages — from babies with feeding difficulties, through toddlers and preschoolers building early language, to school-aged children and teenagers working on speech, social communication or literacy. There's no minimum age to seek advice.
The first session is usually an assessment and a chance to get to know your child and your concerns. Expect the therapist to:
You'll often receive a summary or report and, if therapy is recommended, a plan with goals. Bring along any previous reports, your child's favourite comfort item, and a list of your questions.
As a general guide, private speech pathology sessions in Australia often range from around $180 to $240+ per hour, with assessments and detailed reports sometimes costing more. The NDIS publishes price caps for registered providers, and many speech pathologists set fees in line with these. Costs vary between practices, so always confirm current fees and what's included before you book. This is general information only, not a quote.
Under the NDIS, speech pathology is usually funded through the Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living budget. This can cover assessments, therapy sessions, reports and, in some cases, therapy-related travel or telehealth. If your child isn't on the NDIS, you may be able to access some support through Medicare (with a GP referral and care plan) or private health extras — check the details with your provider and fund.
This page features providers across the metro area, from Wembley, Joondalup and Nedlands to Booragoon, Osborne Park, Innaloo, Stirling, Mirrabooka, Armadale and Hamilton Hill. When comparing them, consider:
Taking the time to ask these questions helps you find a provider who suits your child, your budget and your family's routine.
Or read the full speech pathology guide, or browse all Perth providers.
If your child is hard to understand, slow to develop words, struggling to follow instructions, stuttering, or having trouble eating and drinking, an assessment can help. When in doubt, speak with your GP, child health nurse or a speech pathologist directly — early advice is always worthwhile.
As a general guide, private sessions often range from around $180 to $240+ per hour, with assessments and reports sometimes costing more. The NDIS publishes price caps that many providers follow. Always confirm current fees with the provider, as costs vary. This is general information, not a quote.
Yes. Speech pathology is usually funded under the Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living budget, which can cover assessments, therapy and reports. NDIA-managed plans require an NDIS-registered provider, while plan-managed and self-managed plans generally offer more flexibility. Check your plan details with your provider.
Waitlists vary between practices and can be lengthy for children's services. It's best to contact providers directly and ask about the wait for both a first appointment and ongoing sessions. Some clinics may offer telehealth or cancellation lists to help you start sooner.
Many do. Telehealth can be a convenient option for follow-up sessions, families in outer suburbs, or when clinic waitlists are long. Ask each provider whether telehealth is available and whether it suits your child's age and needs, as some goals are better supported in person.