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What Is A Speech Pathologist?

A speech pathologist is a healthcare specialist who helps children and adults overcome communication and swallowing challenges.

Dr Lauren works with a small number of families and has limited availability.

Speech pathologist Lauren Crumlish stands smiling in front of a wall with hexagonal shelves displaying stuffed toys.

Dr Lauren's research
is published in

2024 Dean's Award The University of Queensland

What is a Speech Pathologist and When Should You See One?

A speech pathologist is someone who helps children with communication and language development. At Speech Clinic™, Dr Lauren works with children from birth to 18 years, supporting them in areas like speech clarity, language understanding, and social interactions.

Sometimes, kids might need a little extra help when it comes to speaking or expressing themselves. They may find certain sounds tricky to pronounce, or they might need guidance in using words to share their thoughts. That’s where a speech pathologist comes in. Dr Lauren’s role is to carefully assess each child’s communication needs and provide therapy that helps them with their goals.

Speech therapy can also support other developmental needs, such as building confidence in social conversations or joining in with peers. Speech pathologists even help with feeding and swallowing difficulties when needed.

As for when to see a speech pathologist, early support can make a big difference. If you notice any concerns with how your child is developing speech or language skills, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional.

Early intervention helps ensure kids feel confident in communicating as they grow, whether it’s at school or in everyday life. At Speech Clinic™, we make the process comfortable and accessible, offering Telehealth sessions to fit into your family’s routine.

Our Speech and Language Support

Speech Clinic™ Offers Assessments and Therapy for

  • Speech Sound Disorder

  • Language Development

  • Literacy Support

  • Fluency Therapy

  • Social Communication

  • Early Intervention Programs

  • Resonance Therapy

  • Social Skills Training

  • Feeding/​Swallowing Therapy

Speech Pathologist Lauren with her hands while speaking. A green plant is visible in the background.

Experience. Research. Care.

Leading Speech Clinic™ With Knowledge And Compassion

Dr Lauren Crumlish, founder and speech pathologist, brings a wealth of experience and passion to every therapy session.

  • Founder & Clinician
  • Doctor of Speech Pathology (PhD) from The University of Queensland (UQ)
  • Awarded the 2024 Dean’s Award for Outstanding Higher Degree by Research Theses
  • B.Biomed.Sc(Hons.1) MSpPathSt(Hons.1) PhD CPSP
  • Research Assistant at the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (UQ)
  • Casual Academic at The University of Queensland (UQ)
Medicare logo speech Pathology Australia logo Hicaps Logo
A woman and a child sit on a couch, smiling and facing each other. The woman has long hair, and the child has a top bun hairstyle, wearing a pineapple shirt and yellow pants. Bright indoor setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

We're Here To Answer Your Questions

What does a speech pathologist do?

A speech pathologist helps diagnose and treat communication issues, including speech clarity, language development, and social communication skills. They also assist with feeding and swallowing difficulties in children.

When should I consult a speech pathologist for my child?

It’s a good idea to consult a speech pathologist if you notice your child struggling with speech, understanding language, or having trouble communicating with others. Early intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes.

What is the difference between speech and language therapy?

Speech therapy focuses on how sounds are made, while language therapy helps with understanding and using words. A speech pathologist will assess which area your child needs support in and provide appropriate guidance.

Is speech therapy available online?

Yes, at Speech Clinic™, we offer Telehealth speech therapy sessions. This allows for flexible, convenient therapy from the comfort of home, making it accessible to families locally and internationally.

Clinical Research & Insights

Speech Pathology Research, Explained

Evidence-based articles on speech, language and communication development, written for families and professionals.

Explore All Articles
A young person with curly hair and braces, wearing a denim shirt and white headphones around their neck, smiles at the camera while holding eyeglasses in one hand. A young boy in a white shirt smiles while looking to the left. A person with long brown hair wearing a blue shirt stands indoors, with a bright window and shelves with various items in the background.
A child reaches for a pink teddy bear placed on a table next to a rainbow-shaped wooden toy. Framed floral artwork is visible in the background. A person with curly hair smiles while wearing a white t-shirt and headphones. They are seated indoors with a light-colored background. A young girl with long blond hair and a light purple shirt smiles while sitting on a couch, gesturing with her hand. A woman and a young boy sit outside on a blanket. The woman shows the boy an object, and they both focus on it intently. The background is grassy and blurred.
A person with long hair is looking up and laughing outdoors, wearing a black and white striped shirt. Greenery is in the background. A young boy with brown hair and a grey t-shirt smiling while wearing white earphones. A young child wearing a yellow shirt holds a colored pencil above a piece of paper, appearing focused on drawing. Another person's hand is partially visible beside the child. Small toy vehicles, including two larger trucks and two mini cars, are scattered on a textured brown carpet.
A young child with Down syndrome, wearing a striped shirt, sits on a couch, smiling and raising a hand while looking at an open laptop. A young girl with braided hair sits on a couch, smiling at the camera. She is wearing a green shirt and appears relaxed. A man in a white t-shirt is smiling and looking to the side, surrounded by large green leaves.

Work With Dr Lauren

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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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  • Evidence-Based Techniques
  • Comprehensive Assessments
  • Experienced Professionals
  • Child-Centred Care
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