Sprout Learning Speech Pathology

07/07/2025

Meet our newest (feathered) friend at Sprout!

She’s bright, cheeky, and full of mischief - you might spot her hiding in our reception area or peeking out to say hello as you arrive.

She’ll be here to greet families each day, but there is one problem… she doesn’t have a name yet!

Help us name our new bird! Drop your suggestions below ⬇️

07/07/2025

Did you know there is more than one way children learn to talk? 🧠

Some kids are analytic language processors, they build language one word at a time.

Others are gestalt language processors, they speak in chunks that carry emotional meaning.

Both pathways can lead to flexible, meaningful language. They just have different steps to get there.

Understanding your child’s language processing style helps us tailor therapy and support their communication journey with confidence. 🌱

10/06/2025

Two of our incredible speech pathologists, Jasmine and Danielle, completed the Hanen More Than Words 3-day training last week. 💬💛

More Than Words is an evidence-based, family-centred approach designed to support autistic children (or children who may benefit from social communication support) by empowering parents as active partners in the therapy process. It’s all about using everyday moments — mealtime, playtime, storytime — to build meaningful connection and communication. 🧸🍽📚

We’re so proud of Jasmine and Danielle for continuing to grow their skills with approaches that truly align with our values — warm, collaborative, and strengths-based.

04/06/2025

One of the most common questions we hear is: “Will learning two languages confuse my child?” The answer is no - bilingualism does not cause language delays or confusion. In fact, growing up with more than one language is a gift! At Sprout Learning, we’re here to support families raising confident, multilingual kids! 🌱

16/04/2025

Did you know that simply reading with your child (not just to them) can boost their language, vocabulary, comprehension and confidence?

This is called dialogic reading – a powerful, interactive way of reading where your child becomes the storyteller.

It’s especially helpful for:
👶 Children developing early language skills
🧠 Kids working on comprehension and narrative
💬 Late talkers or those with language delays
📖 And honestly… every child who loves stories!

We love using books in therapy sessions because they’re fun, engaging and accessible for everyone – whether from your home bookshelf or borrowed from your local library.

Swipe through for some easy tips to make shared reading even more meaningful and enjoyable. 💛

13/03/2025

One hour of speech therapy is just 0.59% of your child’s week.

We know that between school, work, and life’s endless to-do list, time together can feel limited. The juggle and mental load is real! 💚

That’s why we focus on empowering you with the knowledge, strategies, and confidence to support your child’s communication in the moments you do have. By building on their strengths and celebrating progress together, we make every interaction count - because you are their biggest advocate and most important communication partner. 💬🌱

And as always remember, you’re doing a great job! ❤️

05/03/2025

Many use the term speech and language interchangeably however they actually mean different things! Understanding the difference can help you better understand and support your child’s communication skills.

🎤 Speech = How We Say Sounds and Words
This includes pronunciation, speech fluency (stuttering) and voice quality.
📚 Language = The Words We Use and How We Put Them Together
This includes understanding and expressing thoughts.

A child can have speech difficulties without language difficulties - and vice versa!

If you have concerns about your child’s speech or language development, we’re here to help. 💚🌱

27/02/2025

Language matters. Words shape the way we think, feel, and support each other. ✨

In the world of speech pathology (and beyond!), we’re embracing more inclusive and neuroaffirming language to better reflect the identities and experiences of the people we support. Here are a few shifts we’ve made:

✅ Saying “autistic” instead of “person with autism” or “Autism Spectrum Disorder” (because many autistic people prefer identity-first language)
✅ Using “gestalt language processor” instead of “echolalic” (to honor natural language development)
✅ Replacing “high/low functioning” with terms like “support needs” (because functioning labels can be misleading and dismissive)

These changes might seem small, but they make a BIG difference in ensuring the people we support feel seen, respected, and understood. 🌱

17/02/2025

Speech Therapy, Your Way! ☀️💬

At Sprout Learning Speech, we know that every family is different, so we offer flexible ways to access speech therapy that suit you!

✨ In our Point Cook clinic – A welcoming space for face-to-face sessions.
💻 Online via Zoom – Convenient, effective therapy from the comfort of home.
🏡 In our local community – Supporting your child in real-world environments where they learn and grow.

No matter where we meet, we’re here to help your child thrive! 🌱💛 Book an appointment with us today – we’d love to support your family!

📞 Call us or 📩 DM us to get started!

Helping children and their families to communicate, connect and conquer their goals! 🌈❤️🌱

11/02/2025

✨Quick Tip: Ask Choice Questions✨

A tip to support early language development is to ask choice questions. When you offer two items, you model the target words, which makes it easier for your child to respond. ✨💬

1. Show the child the two options 🍎🍊
2. Ask your child which option they want❓💬
3. Wait and give your child an opportunity to respond ⏰

Additional tips:
- Try using an option that you know your child will like with an option that you know they will not like, e.g. ‘Do you want broccoli or chocolate?’ 🥦🍫
- Ensure that your child is motivated to respond, they are more likely to respond if they want one of the items offered😄🌈

🥳 Want more tips? Follow us for more speech, language and literacy insights ✨🌱

29/01/2025

Is your little one getting ready to start school? 🎒✨

Starting school is a big step, and strong language skills can help your child feel confident in the classroom! Here are 5 key skills that can support school readiness—plus some simple ways to practice them at home!

💬 Understanding and answering different types of questions
👂 Following complex instructions
📍 Understanding location words (like next to, behind)
⏰ Learning time concepts (like before, after)
📖 Telling a simple story

Swipe through for fun, easy ways to help your child build these important skills. 💛

Tag a fellow parent who’s preparing for the school journey! 🌱🌈