Services for Families

Marion Langdon often uses books in her treatment of young children

Kids in the Hills Speech Pathology provides assessment and therapy for children aged 2–8 years, supporting their development in communication, particularly speech sound pronunciation. Services are delivered from the Ferny Grove clinic in a welcoming and child-friendly environment.

Every child and family is different, so I take the time to create a therapy plan that works not only for your child’s speech and communication needs, but also for your family’s routines and goals.

Therapy is generally goal-focused, with sessions delivered in therapy blocks to help your child achieve specific outcomes. This may involve weekly or fortnightly sessions across one or a few school terms, or a block of more intensive sessions during the school holidays. Planned breaks are often included to allow your child time to consolidate new skills while maintaining motivation and enjoyment in therapy.

For some children, only a few sessions may be needed alongside home practice activities between appointments. We are able to accommodate this approach when it suits your child’s needs.

Therapy also includes support for parents, with practical strategies and activities that can be used at home to help your child continue learning and practising new skills every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Speech pathology focuses on helping children develop communication skills. This includes speech sounds, language, literacy, social skills, stuttering, voice, and feeding skills. At Kids in the Hills Speech Pathology, Marion’s main area of interest and experience is  working with children who have difficulties with speech pronunciation. However, she can also support your child with accompanying difficulties they may experience with their language and/or literacy skills.

Marion mostly works with children from 2-8years, although sometimes she sees children a little older depending on their speech difficulties.

No, a referral is not required. You can just call and make a booking or fill out the contact form. However your child may be eligible for Medicare rebates if you obtain a referral from your GP through the Chronic Condition Management Plan and/or M10 referral.

The first appointment usually includes:

Parent discussion about concerns and background history

Getting to know your child through games and activities.

Assessment of your child’s speech – this may be a formal assessment or more play-based depending on your child

Feedback with parents as to findings and recommendations. If there is time, some home activities may be provided as well, or this may be provided in a follow-up session.

Sessions are either 30 or 45 minutes depending on your child’s needs and age. It is also dependent upon how many goals are being worked on within a session. This can be discussed as part of the initial appointment as to what might work best for your child.

This will depend upon the nature and severity of your child’s speech difficulties. Marion takes the approach of offering specific goal-based therapy blocks usually scheduled around the school terms, rather then ‘ongoing therapy’ indefinitely. Intentional breaks are also scheduled to help your child consolidate new skills and maintain their interest and motivation in therapy sessions. 

Children with significant speech pronunciation difficulties will usually see more rapid progress with their speech if they attend for weekly sessions initially. However all family circumstances are different, so during the initial assessment your child’s needs and how that fits your family’s priorities and availability will be discussed. Then we can work out a plan moving forward that suits you.

For some children it may also be providing home activities in between sessions if they’re not able to regularly attend with follow-up appointments as required.

Absolutely! Parental involvement can significantly support your child’s progress with their speech sounds. Marion works with you to provide practical strategies and activities tailored to your home environment, ensuring they suit your family’s needs and routines.

Fees vary depending on the type of service provided. Click here for a brief guide. Please contact the clinic for further details regarding pricing and funding options.

Payment is required on the day of your appointment through EFTPOS facilities at the clinic. The following rebates may be available:

  • NDIS clients who are self-managing or plan-managing  
  • Your child may be eligible for some Medicare rebates, if they have a referral from your GP.
  • Private health insurance may provide a rebate depending on your level of cover

Contact the clinic via phone, or the contact form on this website. Marion will then be in contact with you shortly to discuss your needs and arrange an appointment time. Note that her current clinic days are Tuesdays and Thursdays.