How do we know if a child actually needs speech therapy?

One of the most important steps in the speech therapy process is the initial assessment.

Before therapy is ever recommended, we complete a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment to determine:
• Whether therapy is required at all
• And if it is required, exactly which areas need to be targeted

We use standardised assessment tools that are grounded in strong research. These tools use what’s called normative data — which means your child’s skills are compared to what is expected for children of their exact age.

And when we say exact age, we mean specific age. Not just in years — but in years and months.

Children develop rapidly. A few months can make a big difference in speech, language and literacy skills. That’s why these tools are designed to compare your child’s performance to large Australian research samples that show what is considered “average” development for each specific month of age.

Not every child assessed will require ongoing therapy.
Assessment guides every recommendation.

Early identification and evidence-based decision making are at the heart of what we do — ensuring children who truly need support receive it, and those who don’t are appropriately reassured.

Our priority is always the same:
Providing the right support, to the right children, at the right time.

If you have questions about your child’s development, we’re always happy to talk 💛