When People Can’t Understand What Your Child Is Saying
Does your child leave off the ends of words? Substitute one sound for another? Find that strangers — or even family members — struggle to understand them? These are common signs that a child may benefit from speech sound support.
Paul Riley from Southern Cross Speech Pathology provides mobile speech sound therapy for children across Wyndham, visiting your home, your child’s school, or another convenient location across Werribee, Point Cook, Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit, Truganina, Wyndham Vale, Manor Lakes and Williams Landing.
What Are Speech Sound Difficulties?
Speech sound difficulties are problems producing the sounds of a language clearly and accurately. They are among the most common reasons families seek speech pathology support, particularly for children in the early school years.
There are two main types:
Articulation difficulties — trouble producing specific sounds physically. For example, a child may not be able to produce the “r” sound clearly.
Phonological difficulties — patterns of sound errors that suggest a child hasn’t fully developed the sound system of their language. For example, consistently leaving off the final sound of every word.
Both respond well to the right support.
Speech Sounds in Multilingual Children
Children growing up with more than one language at home may show speech sound patterns that reflect both languages — this is completely normal and is not a disorder. Paul has extensive experience working in culturally and linguistically diverse contexts and can help families understand what is typical for a multilingual child and what might benefit from support.
When Should I Be Concerned?
Every child develops speech sounds at their own pace. If you have any concerns about how clearly your child is speaking — whether they’re a toddler, a school-aged child, or a teenager — it is always worth seeking an assessment. Early support generally leads to better outcomes, but it is never too late to get help.
What Does Therapy Look Like?
Speech sound therapy is typically play-based for young children — engaging, positive and built around activities your child enjoys. Paul works collaboratively with families, providing strategies you can use at home between sessions to support progress.
Book a Speech Sound Assessment in Wyndham
Paul currently has immediate availability across Wyndham. Call 0494 102 108 or email info@southerncrossspeech.com.au to book today.