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Not talking as much as other kids: what to look for and where to get help

Your child isn't talking as much as peers, is hard to understand, or struggles with words.

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Understanding speech or language delay

Many parents worry when their child talks or understands words differently from other children of the same age. This worry is normal, and help is available.

Every child learns at their own speed. But some children need extra support to learn to talk and understand. Early support can make a big difference.

Many allied health professionals in Australia work with young children in this area. You do not need a diagnosis to ask for help.

Speech delay or language delay?

People often use these words together, but they mean different things. A child can have one or both.

  • Speech is how a child makes sounds and words. For example, a child says "tat" instead of "cat", or strangers find it hard to understand them.
  • Language is how a child understands and uses words. For example, a child uses only a few words or finds it hard to follow simple instructions.

When to ask for help

Talk to a professional if your child:

  • does not babble (like "baba" or "dada") by 9 months
  • does not point, wave or show you things by 9 months
  • does not respond to sounds
  • does not say any words by 18 months
  • does not put two words together by 2 years
  • is hard for family to understand by 3 years
  • stops using words or skills that they used before. Do not wait. Talk to your GP or child and family health nurse.

Ask for a hearing test too.

Trust your instinct. If you are worried, it is always okay to ask.

Where to start

You can talk to your GP or your child and family health nurse. You can also contact a speech pathologist directly. You do not need a referral.

Services that can help

The services below most often help children with speech or language delay. Select a service to learn more.

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Providers who can help with speech or language delay

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Cost & funding

Fees depend on the service, the provider and the length of the session. Ask each provider for their fees before the first visit.

Medicare pays a rebate for some speech therapy sessions when your GP writes a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan and a referral first. Some private health extras policies pay part of the cost. The NDIS early childhood approach covers children younger than 6 with a developmental delay, or younger than 9 with a disability.

Thriving Kids started in October 2026 for children aged 8 and under with developmental delay or autism. It gives information and two phone lines: the Thriving Kids Autism Helpline (1300 654 789) and a child health nurse line (1800 882 436). From 1 January 2028, children aged 8 and under who apply for NDIS support will be assessed against new criteria. Children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism and low to moderate support needs will no longer be eligible for the NDIS. Thriving Kids will support them.

If your child has an NDIS plan that includes these supports, you can use it. If your plan is self-managed or plan-managed, you can also use providers that are not NDIS registered. If the NDIA manages your plan, you must use registered providers.

  • NDIS price limit

    $193.99 an hour

    Speech pathology, 2026–27.

  • Medicare rebate

    $63.40 a session

    Up to 5 sessions a year with a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan.

Note: NDIS price limits are the national maximums for NDIA-managed and plan-managed plans (NDIS Pricing Schedule 2026–27); remote areas have higher limits. Medicare rebates are from MBS Online, 1 July 2026. Providers can charge more than the rebate. Assessment fees come from provider websites in April 2026.

Work out what you might pay: cost calculatorRead our guide to NDIS early intervention funding

Frequently asked questions

When should I worry about speech delay?

Most children say around 50 words by age 2 and begin combining words into simple phrases. If your child is significantly behind these milestones or appears to be losing words they previously had, a speech pathology assessment is recommended.

Is speech delay a sign of autism?

Not necessarily. Many children with speech delays do not have autism, and autism can present without significant speech delay. A comprehensive assessment by a speech pathologist and, if indicated, a developmental paediatrician can help clarify the picture.

Will my child outgrow speech delay?

Some children do catch up naturally, particularly those with 'late talker' profiles. However, early intervention leads to better outcomes, so it's always worth seeking an assessment rather than waiting and watching.

Does my child need a referral to see a speech pathologist?

No. You can book a speech pathologist without a referral. To get a Medicare rebate, see your GP first: your GP can write a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan and a referral.

How many sessions will my child need?

This depends on the type of delay and how strong it is. After the first assessment, your speech pathologist suggests a plan and checks progress with you.

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