Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy for Springvale Families

Kids Connect Therapy is a short drive north of Springvale, straight up Springvale Road to Unit 4, 12 Compark Circuit, Mulgrave.

Join our waitlist Call (03) 9807 1114

Interpreters are welcome, and they're free

Springvale is home to large Vietnamese, Cambodian, Chinese and Afghan communities, and for many of the families we see, English is not the language they want to discuss their child's development in.

We welcome interpreters at every appointment, at no cost to you. Not just for the first session — for every session, for as long as you want one. Ask when you book and we'll arrange it.

We also encourage you to bring an advocate. That can be a family member, a friend, a community worker, a bicultural worker, or anyone else who helps you feel confident in the room. You do not have to do this alone, and you do not have to explain why.

Ask us to arrange an interpreter →

Two languages at home is not a problem

If you have been told your child's speech is delayed because you speak Vietnamese, Khmer, Mandarin or another language at home — that advice is wrong, and it has caused a lot of harm.

Bilingualism does not cause language delay. A real language difficulty shows up in every language a child speaks, and we assess accordingly. We will never ask you to stop speaking your language to your child. It's the language you're most expressive in, and it's how your child stays connected to their family.

Understanding the system

The Australian disability and therapy system is genuinely confusing, and it's more confusing again if you didn't grow up here. Some things worth knowing:

  • You do not need a diagnosis to get help. Children under 6 with developmental delay can access NDIS support without one.
  • You do not need a referral to see us. A referral is only needed if you want a Medicare rebate.
  • The NDIS is free to apply for. Nobody should charge you to help you apply. If someone has, that's a warning sign.
  • You can change providers. If a service isn't working for your family, you're allowed to leave.
  • Ask us anything, including about cost. We'd rather have a direct conversation about fees than have you not come.

Funding options explained → · NDIS →

What we help with

Speech and language delay · autism · developmental delay · speech sounds and being understood · sensory processing and regulation · motor skills · school readiness · literacy · feeding and mealtimes.

Getting here from Springvale

North along Springvale Road, across the Princes Highway, then into the Compark Circuit precinct. Free on-site parking, ground-level access, pram and wheelchair friendly.

Unit 4, 12 Compark Circuit, Mulgrave VIC 3170 · 8:30am–5:00pm Mon–Sat · Directions →

Questions from Springvale families

Do I have to pay for an interpreter?
No. We arrange it and there is no cost to you.

My child understands Vietnamese but only speaks English. Is something wrong?
That's a very common pattern for children with more English exposure outside the home, and it is not in itself a disorder. It's worth a conversation if you're concerned about the overall picture.

We don't have an NDIS plan and we can't afford much. Can we still come?
Call us and be direct about it. There may be a Medicare pathway, and we'd rather talk it through than have you assume the answer is no.

Also serving

Mulgrave · Clayton · Dandenong North · Glen Waverley