Finding your child's voice
A free guide to speech pathology for parents who aren't sure what to do next
Every child communicates in their own way, using words, gestures, sounds, expressions or behaviour to show what they need.
But what do you do when something doesn’t seem quite right about your child’s communication? Maybe a kindy teacher has said something, or you’ve noticed that other kids the same age seem to communicate more clearly and easily. It can be difficult to know whether to wait, who to speak to, or whether your concern is serious enough to act on.
Finding your child's voice is a short, practical guide written by the Headstart speech pathology team. It's designed to help you know what to look for at different ages and understand the range of support available from speech pathologists if you decide to seek input.
Download the free guide
What the guide covers
Speech pathology is broader than most families expect. The guide explains:
- What speech pathologists support beyond speech sounds, including language, literacy, social communication, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and feeding
- Communication milestones by age, and how to tell when it's worth exploring further
- How communication difficulties can show up in everyday situations at home, school, and kindy, including some that families don't immediately connect to communication
- How therapy supports real goals: joining in at school, managing mealtimes, following instructions, asking for help
- How speech pathologists work alongside OTs and psychologists at Headstart, so you're not coordinating care between separate services
- Funding pathways explained in plain language: NDIS, Medicare, private health, and self-funded options
- What the upcoming Thriving Kids program might mean for families of children under eight.
It may be time to seek guidance if your child…
- Gets frustrated when trying to express what they need
- Is hard to understand compared to other children their age
- Isn't meeting several communication milestones
- Goes quiet in group situations or struggles to join in with peers
- Finds reading, writing, or following classroom instructions difficult
- Has a very restricted diet or finds mealtimes consistently stressful
- Becomes overwhelmed or withdrawn when communicating
A speech pathologist can help you understand what's happening and what support would be useful for your child's age, needs, and everyday environment.
Download the free guide
About Headstart
Headstart is an Adelaide allied health practice with clinics in Wayville and Gawler. Our team of speech pathologists, psychologists, and occupational therapists works with children, teens, and adults across South Australia.
Care is neuroaffirming and family-centred. We work at your pace, involve you in every stage, and set goals that matter for daily life. Telehealth appointments are available where appropriate.
You may already be eligible for funded support
Families can access speech pathology at Headstart through NDIS funding, Medicare GP care plans, private health insurance extras, or self-funded appointments. The guide covers each option in plain language.
From October 2026, the Thriving Kids program will give eligible families of children under eight direct access to allied health services outside the NDIS. We'll keep families informed as more details become available.
Get your free copy
Your details are kept private. We'll only use them to send your guide and respond to any enquiry.
We’re here wherever you are
Our admin team hears from families at every stage: those who have a clear concern, and those who are still trying to work out whether to act.
Either way, we're happy to talk it through.
Enquire about speech pathology
Disclaimer
All information is general and not intended as a substitute for professional advice.