How To Choose the Right Speech Pathologist For Your Child
- Brooke Dawson
- Aug 19
- 8 min read
Updated: Aug 21
Choosing a speech pathologist for your child is a big decision.
You’re not just picking someone with the right training. You’re choosing a person who will work closely with your child and family. The right fit can make all the difference in how safe your child feels, how much progress they make, and how supported you feel along the way.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
Note: In Australia, people often say speech therapist, but the formal title is speech pathologist.
Step 1: Decide Where Therapy Will Happen
Where therapy happens can make a big difference.
Common speech therapy settings in Australia include: clinic, home, school, and telehealth therapy. But there’s no one “best” option. It’s about what works for your child and your family.
Here's a comparison of pros and cons for the different settings at a glance:
Setting | Pros | Cons |
Clinic-Based |
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At Home |
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School/Childcare |
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Telehealth |
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✅ Questions to ask:
Do you offer sessions in different places (clinic, home, school, online)?
Which setting do you think would suit my child best?
💡 Parent tip: Many parents think online speech therapy only works for older kids. But it can also work really well for toddlers and preschoolers. Especially when parents are part of the session and strategies are used in play at home.
Step 2: Explore Therapy Styles
Speech therapy in Australia can look different depending on the therapist and your child’s needs. Here are some of the main styles you might come across:
Play-Based Therapy
Looks like: Sessions that feel like play, using games, toys, and pretend play. The child leads the activities (aka the therapist follows what the child shows interest in), and the therapist builds skills into whatever activities they engage in together.
Why it works: Children learn best when they’re relaxed and engaged. Play feels fun and safe, which makes it easier for new skills to stick.
Keep in mind: Progress may not always look “direct.” It might not seem like drills or hard work, but the learning is happening through play.
Structured Therapy
Looks like: Step-by-step activities, flashcards, worksheets, and repetition. The therapist leads the session and follows a clear plan.
Why it works: Some children thrive with clear goals and predictable routines. Structured practice can give lots of opportunities to repeat and master a skill.
Keep in mind: Some children may find it repetitive or less motivating if there isn’t enough variety or fun built in.
Parent Coaching
Looks like: The therapist spends time teaching parents how to use strategies in everyday life. This could include mealtimes, during reading, or while playing at home.
Why it works: Children learn the most from the people they spend time with every day. When parents use therapy strategies at home, progress can be faster and more natural.
Keep in mind: Parents need to feel ready to join in and practise between sessions. It can feel like extra effort at first, but it pays off.
Blended Therapy Approach
Looks like: A mix of play, structure, and parent coaching. The therapist adjusts what they do depending on the child’s needs and how they’re responding that day.
Why it works: This approach gives flexibility. It allows the therapist to use different tools and styles until they find what works best.
Keep in mind: It can take some time to find the right balance for your child and family.
✅ Questions to ask:
What does a typical session with you look like?
Do you use different approaches depending on the child?
How do you involve parents in the therapy process?
Step 3: Choosing a Speech Pathologist with the Right Experience
When choosing a speech therapist, it’s important to look beyond the title.
All speech therapists are trained across many areas, but that doesn’t mean we all work in the same way or have the same interests. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Check the Basics
Make sure your therapist is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) and a member of Speech Pathology Australia (SPA). This means they’ve met professional standards and are required to do ongoing training every year.
Understand the Wide Scope
Speech pathology is a very broad field. It covers speech sounds, language, stuttering, voice, literacy, feeding, social skills, and more. At university, paediatric speech pathologists are trained in all of these. But only to a starting level. For example, some courses spend just a few weeks on stuttering across the whole degree.
Passion and Ongoing Training Matter
Most therapists go on to focus on the areas they see most often, or the ones they’re passionate about. A therapist who loves literacy and has done extra courses in it will give a very different experience than someone who hasn’t. That’s not a bad thing! It’s just not possible for every therapist to stay up to date in every single area.
Match Your Child’s Needs
If your child has more common needs, like speech sound difficulties or early language, most generalist therapists will be a great fit. But if your child has more specific or complex needs (like stuttering, feeding difficulties, or needs a communication device), it’s worth finding a therapist who has extra training in that area.
Think About Waitlists vs. Fit
Sometimes the goal is simply to get started after a long wait. That’s okay. Speech therapy of any kind is often better than none. But if you have the choice, think about whether the therapist has the right experience for your child’s needs, not just the first available spot.
✅ Questions to ask:
Are you a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist and a member of Speech Pathology Australia?
Do you have experience with children who have [my child’s challenge]?
What areas of practice do you enjoy working in most?
Have you done extra training in [stuttering/literacy/feeding/etc.]?
💡 Parent tip: It’s not rude to ask these questions. In fact, it should be encouraged. You deserve to know who is working with your child. A good therapist will welcome your questions, because it’s about finding the right fit, not taking things personally.
Step 4: Consider the Practical Details
The best therapist for your child also has to work for your family’s everyday life.
Here are some things to think about:
Location: Is the clinic close by, or will you spend lots of time travelling?
Availability: How long is the waitlist? Can the therapist offer a regular time that suits you?
Session length: Sessions might be 30, 45, or 60 minutes. What would your child manage best?
Frequency: How often does the therapist recommend sessions? Weekly, fortnightly, or something else?
Cost: What are the fees, and what does that include (e.g., reports, resources, emails)?
Funding options: Can you claim NDIS speech therapy, Medicare items, or private health?
Duration of therapy: How does the clinic plan therapy over time? Are you signing up for ongoing weekly sessions, or for shorter blocks (e.g., 10 weeks) with breaks to review progress?
Cancellation policy: What happens if your child is sick or you need to miss a session? Some clinics charge a fee for late cancellations, while some will offer make-up sessions.
Family schedule: Will this time work week after week? Will it clash with school, work, or other activities?
✅ Questions to ask:
What is your current availability?
How long are your sessions, and how often do you recommend them?
What are your fees? Do you accept NDIS, Medicare, or private health rebates?
💡 Parent tip: Practical details matter because therapy works best when it’s realistic and sustainable. The right plan should fit your child and your family. Not leave you feeling stretched too thin.
Step 5: Look for Connection and Fit
Connection is the most important part of speech therapy.
Children make the most progress when they feel safe and happy with their therapist. When that trust is there, goals can be built naturally into play and everyday activities. And therapy feels fun instead of like hard work.
Parents should feel comfortable too. You deserve to feel heard, included, and supported. Therapy works best when it’s a partnership between you, your child, and the therapist.
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut.
Even if you’ve waited a long time for a spot, it’s okay to stop and look elsewhere. Forcing therapy that isn’t a good fit can leave your child frustrated and may even create negative feelings about therapy itself. Especially when parents are involved in the process.
✅ Questions to ask:
How do you help children feel safe and comfortable in sessions?
How do you include parents in the therapy process?
What do you think makes a good “fit” between a therapist and a family?
💡 Parent tip: You’re not being difficult if you decide to change therapists. The right fit makes all the difference, and a good therapist will support you in making the best choice for your child.
Tying It All Together
Choosing the right speech pathologist for your child is about more than ticking boxes.
It’s about finding someone who feels like the right fit for your child and your family. When you think about the setting, the approach, the therapist’s experience, the practical details, and most importantly, the connection, you’ll be in a strong position to make the best choice. Remember: you’re allowed to ask questions, you’re allowed to trust your instincts.
And, you’re allowed to seek out the therapist who is best for you.
FAQs: Choosing the Right Speech Therapist
What does a speech therapy session look like?
It depends on your child’s needs. Some therapists use play, some use structured tasks, and some coach parents to use strategies at home. For younger children, speech therapy often looks like play-based activities, while online speech therapy sessions can be flexible and fit into daily routines. At Little Gumnut Speech, sessions are designed to be fun, engaging, and practical for your family.
(Stay tuned — we’ll be sharing a full guide on different therapy styles soon.)
What age should I take my child to a speech therapist?
There’s no “too early” to start. If you’re worried about your child’s speech, language, or communication, it’s best to book an assessment. Early intervention helps children build skills faster, and even toddlers can benefit from speech therapy strategies at home.
How do I know if a speech therapist is the right fit for my child?
Look for someone who makes your child feel safe and comfortable, and who includes you in the process. A good fit is just as important as the therapist’s training or experience. If something feels off, it’s okay to try a different therapist.
Is online speech therapy effective for children?
Yes. Telehealth can be just as effective as in-person therapy. It allows strategies to be built into your child’s home routines and can even reduce pressure for children who find face-to-face interactions tricky. Many families find it more flexible and easier to manage.
Next Steps: Support for Your Family
Choosing a speech therapist can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to figure it all out alone. Here are some ways we can make it easier:
Learn more about our approach: Visit our Services page to learn more about how we do telehealth speech therapy at Little Gumnut Speech.
Ask us directly: If you have a question that wasn't covered here, send us a note through our Contact page.
See if we're the right fit: Book a free intro call here. We can chat about your child, answer your questions, and help you decide if our approach feels right for your family.
Written by Brooke, Certified Practising Speech Pathologist and founder of Little Gumnut Speech. We provide telehealth speech therapy across Australia, helping families feel confident, supported, and empowered at every step.
Last updated 20 Aug 2025.
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