Thriving Kids gives children aged 0 to 8 access to funded speech therapy, no diagnosis needed.
Dr Lauren works with a small number of families and has limited availability.
2024 Dean's Award The University of Queensland
Thriving Kids is a $2 billion government program launching in October 2026. It gives children aged 0 to 8 with speech, language, or developmental concerns access to funded early intervention. GPs, schools, and health providers like Speech Clinic deliver the program.
Your child works one-on-one with Dr Lauren, who plans each session around their needs. She uses play-based activities, structured exercises, and parent coaching to build your child's communication and language skills. Choose mobile sessions, school visits, or online speech therapy from anywhere in Australia.
Watch your child's eyes light up as stories come alive on screen, nurturing their language skills and igniting a love for reading.
Interactive Storytelling
Language development
Phonological awareness
Vocabulary building
Early literacy skills
Face-to-face care that feels personal, despite the distance. Dr Lauren has adapted her techniques to create engaging online sessions that children look forward to.
Speech Articulation
Fluency
Social communication skills
Voice therapy
Tailored Interventions
Every child deserves early access to speech therapy. Thriving Kids aligns with our commitment to reach more families, earlier.
Dr Lauren Crumlish Founder & Speech Pathologist This program catches speech and language challenges early, when communication support can make a real difference. If your child is a late talker, struggles to be understood, or finds social settings hard, Thriving Kids opens the door to funded help.
Children who struggle with sounds, forming sentences, following directions, or saying what they mean can access funded speech therapy through Thriving Kids.
Children with mild to moderate autism who need help with social communication, language development, or putting words together can access funded support through this program.
If your child is not hitting speech or language milestones for their age, this program offers a clear pathway to developmental support and early intervention, no diagnosis needed.
Thriving Kids is needs-based, not diagnosis-based. Your child does not need a formal label to get help. A GP, child health nurse, or teacher can refer your child for speech therapy, and that referral opens the door to funded support.
Aged 0 to 8 years
Referral from GP, school, or health nurse
Mild to moderate developmental concerns
No formal diagnosis required
Speech, language, or communication needs
Available across Australia
We're Here To Guide You Through Thriving Kids
If you have concerns about your child’s speech or language development, the Thriving Kids program may offer a funded pathway to communication support. Speech Clinic is here to help families understand their options and take the first step.
Ask your GP, child health nurse, or teacher about Thriving Kids, or submit an application for consideration.
Dr Lauren completes a full assessment of your child's speech and language skills, pinpointing where early intervention will help most.
Dr Lauren creates a tailored plan based on your child's results, with clear speech therapy goals and evidence-based methods.
Your child starts regular speech therapy sessions, in-clinic, at school, or online, with progress tracking and parent coaching to support growth at home.
The Thriving Kids program is rolling out in stages across Australia. Here are the key facts every parent should know:
Unlike the NDIS, Thriving Kids does not require a formal diagnosis. If your GP, teacher, or child health nurse thinks your child needs speech therapy, that referral is all it takes to access funded support.
The program supports children aged 0 to 8 with speech delays, language concerns, or mild to moderate developmental needs. Early communication support during these formative years plays a key role in your child's language development.
Thriving Kids speech therapy is delivered through mainstream health and education providers. Speech Clinic is preparing to offer these services via telehealth across Australia.
The program launches in October 2026, with full national implementation targeted for January 2028
$2 billion in federal funding with matching state commitments supports the program
Services will be delivered through GPs, schools, community health providers, and allied health clinics
Dr Lauren brings years of experience in paediatric speech therapy and a genuine passion for helping families access the right support.
Backed by Research
Research consistently shows that online speech therapy can be just as effective as traditional in-person sessions for many children. It ensures the continuity of care for hundreds of thousands of Australian patients.
What does this mean for your family? It means that distance is no longer a barrier to top-quality care. Children in rural areas, those with mobility challenges, or families juggling busy schedules can all access expert speech therapy without compromise.
The benefits go beyond convenience. Many children feel more comfortable and confident in their home environment, leading to more engaged sessions and faster progress. Plus, parents report feeling more involved in their child’s therapy, gaining skills to support communication development every day.
As technology advances, so does the quality of online therapy. Interactive tools, games, and activities specifically designed for virtual sessions keep children motivated and learning.
At Speech Clinic, Dr Lauren follows this research closely, continually refining her approach to provide effective, evidence-based care for your child.
For such areas, Dr Lauren ensures that careful clinical planning, optimisation and evaluation occurs to ensure that the service is tailored for every individual child. It is critical that all therapy is tailored for each individual child and that time is taken to reflect upon whether a particular therapy approach and delivery option are suitable. Speech Clinic™ undertakes frequent reviews regardless of whether intervention is provided in the home environment or via telepractice.
A Certified Practising Speech Pathologist with additional accreditations
Customised assessments and interventions for your child's individual needs.
Mobile and telehealth services. Flexible scheduling to fit your family's lifestyle.
Proven therapies like Lidcombe and Hanen. Best practices for optimal outcomes.
From professional insights to simplified explanations, these resources offer valuable knowledge for parents, educators, and professionals alike.
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You’ll need a device with a camera and microphone (computer, tablet, or smartphone) and a stable internet connection. We recommend an internet speed of at least 1.5 Mbps upload and download, though a minimum of 600 Kbps can work. Most modern devices are suitable, but we’ll guide you through testing your setup before your first session to ensure smooth communication.
Dr Lauren uses various interactive digital tools and activities tailored to each child’s interests and needs. For example, she uses interactive book reading where your child can see Dr Lauren and the book simultaneously. Her approach is designed to make therapy feel like play, keeping children motivated and involved throughout the session.
Online therapy can address various speech and language issues, including speech sound disorders, language development, fluency (stuttering), and social communication skills. During the initial assessment, Dr Lauren will discuss whether online therapy is the best option for your child or if other approaches might be more beneficial.
Yes, we understand busy schedules! We offer before and after school appointments, as well as weekend slots, to accommodate your family’s needs.
Clinical Research & Insights
Evidence-based articles on speech, language and communication development, written for families and professionals.
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Understanding Paediatric Speech & Language Disorders
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Dr Lauren works with a small number of families and has limited availability. Tell us about your child to be considered.
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