O'Connell Speech Pathology

09/11/2025

As the school year winds down, many children are preparing for big transitions — starting school, moving to a new grade, or even meeting new teachers and friends.

These changes can bring excitement (and a few butterflies!), but strong speech, language, and social communication skills help kids feel confident and ready for what’s next 💬💛

Our team at O’Connell Speech supports children across the Illawarra with skills that make transitions smoother — in the classroom, on the playground, and beyond.

Here’s to finishing the year strong and stepping into the next one with confidence 🌟

Book an appointment with us in the new year | 4200 9545

02/11/2025

At O’Connell Speech, we’re proud to provide speech pathology services to children and families right across the Illawarra — from Wollongong to Kiama and everywhere in between!

Our experienced team offers support in the clinic for a variety of communication and learning needs, with flexible therapy sessions.

Whether your child needs help with speech sounds, language, literacy, or social communication — we’re here to help them find their voice 💬✨

26/10/2025

Did you know?

We work directly with teaching staff at many public and private schools 💬

If you are a teacher and your school is seeking training and support to assist with meeting the need of students with speech and language difficulties, we would love to work with you.

We can tailor a program that meets your individual school’s needs.

Feel free to contact us for services and how we can help in the next school year.

Call us on 4200 9545 💬

19/10/2025

Milestone Monday 🌟
As children become teens, communication skills take on a new shape.

By the teenage years, we expect young people to:
🗣 Express complex thoughts and opinions
🤝 Understand sarcasm, humour, and social cues
📝 Organise ideas clearly for essays and presentations
💭 Navigate tricky conversations with peers and adults

If your teen finds it hard to express themselves, struggles with social communication, or avoids speaking in class — a Speech Pathologist can help them build the confidence and skills they need for life beyond school.

Get in touch with us today | 4200 9545

22/09/2025

Thank you TPS for inviting us to work with you to support your students. A great initiative!

Supporting Student Growth in Speech 🌱

Mrs L recently met with Speech Pathologist Nicoletta from O’Connell Speech Pathology to strengthen our speech support program. Nicoletta observed sessions in action and provided feedback to refine practice – something we do regularly to ensure our programs remain effective.

The results speak for themselves: students are thriving, and this collaboration is making a real difference. 👏

At Tarrawanna Public School, we’re proud to partner with external experts so every child is known, supported and given the tools to succeed.

TPS | Staff
NSW Department of Education

08/09/2025

💬 Understanding Stuttering

Stuttering is a common speech difference that affects the flow of speech. It often includes repetitions (like “b-b-ball”), prolongations (holding a sound), or blocks (pauses when trying to speak).

Many children go through normal periods of disfluency as they develop language skills, but for some, stuttering is persistent and can affect confidence and communication.

Speech pathologists work with children who stutter to build fluency, reduce anxiety around speaking, and help them communicate comfortably and confidently.

Remember, stuttering is just one way of speaking—and Speech Pathologists can assist children in overcoming this communication challenge.

01/09/2025

At O’Connell Speech Pathology, our friendly and experienced team is here to support your child’s communication journey every step of the way. 💬💛

We believe that with the right guidance and care, every child can find their voice and express themselves with confidence in their language and communication.
Together, we create a welcoming space where families feel supported, heard, and empowered.

Because communication is at the heart of connection, and we’re here to help it grow. 🌱✨

25/08/2025

🗣️ Speech Pathology Week 2025 | Impact through Communication

This week is Speech Pathology Week, endorsed by Speech Pathology Australia. At O’Connell Speech Pathology, we’re proud to support every voice, every story, and every connection to help children grow with their communication skills.

This week, we celebrate the incredible impact that speech and language therapy has in helping children and families unlock confidence, build relationships, and open doors to new opportunities.

Because communication isn’t just about words—it’s about connection, independence, and belonging. 💬💛

18/08/2025

🏠 Speech Pathology Tips for Parents: Supporting Communication at Home

You don’t need special tools to help your child’s speech and language skills—everyday moments are full of opportunities! Here are some simple ways to support communication at home:

✅ Use visual aids like pictures or gestures to help your child understand and express themselves.
✅ Incorporate storytelling during play or reading time to build vocabulary and imagination.
✅ Give your child choices (“Do you want the red cup or the blue one?”) to encourage decision-making and language use.
✅ Be encouraging and supportive—celebrate efforts and progress, no matter how small.

Little steps make a big difference! 💬💛

11/08/2025

🌟 Milestone Mondays with O’Connell Speech Pathology

Did you know? By ages 3 to 4, most children can use sentences of 4 or more words and are understood by strangers about 75-90% of the time. They start asking lots of “why” and “how” questions as their language skills grow!

This stage is key for developing vocabulary, grammar, and storytelling skills—building blocks for successful learning and social connection.

If you’re wondering how to support your child’s speech and language at this exciting stage, we’re here to guide you! 💬✨

29/07/2025

Communication Tips Tuesday!

Did you know that reading with your child can significantly improve their language
skills? Here are some tips to make shared reading fun and effective:
1. Choose books with intriguing pictures (to capture your child's interest)
2. Text that is simple!
3. Spark conversation! (ask open-ended questions related to the story /
illustrations)
4. Point to the words as you read them, helping your child understand the
relationship between words and their meanings.
5. Make the experience interactive by usings sound effective and different
character voices.

These 5 tips can help children develop their language!

Call us today! 4200 9545

22/07/2025

Communication Tips Tuesday!

How can we help children who can’t find the words they want to say?

One of the best things you can do is give them a helping hand. Give children a
‘binary’ choice. This is a strategy speech pathologists recommend like ‘Do you want
milk or juice?’. It gives children a structured way to provide a verbal response.

Get in touch with us today! 4200 9545