Kids Talk Speech Pathology

Get to know Kids Talk Speech Pathology

From Kids Talk Speech Pathology's website.

• Our approach

  Therapy is tailored to each child's strengths, interests and individual needs, using a family-centred approach that recognises parents and caregivers as essential partners. For younger children, sessions are play-based, encouraging learning through fun and meaningful interactions in a natural, supportive environment. Older children receive structured sessions combining table-top and literacy-focused activities. The clinician is trained in evidence-based approaches including DIR Floortime, the Lidcombe Program, Sounds-Write, and is a Hanen-certified speech pathologist. Across all ages, therapy is supportive of families, with education and home follow-up included to help children develop communication skills and reach their full potential.

• Working with families

  The practice works closely with families using a family-centred approach, recognising that parents and caregivers are essential partners in their child's development. Therapy sessions include education and home follow-up support to help families support communication and feeding skill development in everyday life. The clinician also collaborates with your child's school, daycare, and other health professionals to ensure a consistent and holistic approach to care. Goals are created in collaboration with parents as part of the individualised therapy plan, and results from assessments are discussed with you along with comprehensive written reports. This partnership approach ensures families understand their role in supporting their child's progress.

• Meet the team

  The practice is led by Lidia Zappala, a Speech Pathologist who graduated from the University of Queensland in 2000 with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology. She is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist and member of Speech Pathology Australia, bringing over 20 years of experience working with children under five and school-aged children across schools, community health, and private practice in Australia and England. Lidia maintains current evidence-based practice through ongoing professional development and is trained in multiple treatment approaches including DIR Floortime, the Lidcombe Program, Sounds-Write, and is a Hanen-certified speech pathologist. Her personal experience as a mother of two shapes her commitment to ensuring therapy is effective, supportive, and tailored to each child's individual needs.

• Your first visit

  The process begins with a comprehensive assessment lasting typically one hour, which may require one or two appointments depending on the areas being assessed. During this time, information is gathered from parents about the child's development, strengths, challenges, and specific concerns. A combination of standardised and informal assessment tools tailored to the child's age and needs are used to understand their communication abilities. Following the assessment, results and recommendations are discussed with you, and a comprehensive written report is provided. From this foundation, an individualised therapy plan with goals is developed in collaboration with parents to guide ongoing intervention.