Fortnightly speech therapy is a common choice for families managing busy schedules, school demands, and NDIS funding limits. While it can feel more manageable, therapy frequency plays a major role in how quickly children make progress.
This doesn’t mean fortnightly therapy is wrong.
But it does mean expectations need to be realistic.
Why Speech Therapy Frequency Matters
Speech and language skills don’t improve overnight. They develop through:
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Repetition
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Consistency
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Practice over time
For many therapy goals — especially speech sound disorders, stuttering, and language development — regular weekly input is critical.
When sessions are fortnightly, several things tend to happen:
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Skills are practised less often
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Children may forget strategies between sessions
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More time is spent revising old skills instead of moving forward
Progress still happens — but it usually happens more slowly.
What We Commonly See With Fortnightly Speech Therapy
From a clinical perspective, fortnightly speech therapy often results in:
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A longer time to reach goals
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Increased risk of plateauing
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Children needing more prompting at each session
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Families feeling unsure whether therapy is “working”
Over time, this can actually cost more, because therapy needs to continue for longer to achieve the same outcomes.
NDIS Realities (and Being Honest About Them)
NDIS plans don’t always allow for weekly speech therapy — and that’s a real and valid constraint for many families.
Ethically, speech pathologists need to be honest about what different therapy frequencies are likely to achieve. Promising fast progress with limited therapy input isn’t fair to children or families.
Clear conversations about frequency, funding, and expectations help families make informed decisions and reduce frustration down the track.
If Weekly Speech Therapy Isn’t Possible, What Are the Alternatives?
If weekly sessions aren’t achievable, there are still ways to support progress.
Some families choose to:
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Do weekly sessions for a short block, then space sessions out
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Alternate face-to-face and telehealth sessions
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Include parent coaching sessions to improve carryover at home
These approaches can help maximise progress even when therapy frequency is limited.
The Bottom Line
It’s important to understand that fortnightly speech therapy usually results in slower progress compared to weekly therapy.
That doesn’t mean it isn’t worthwhile — but it does mean expectations need to match the level of input.
Speech therapy works best when families, therapists, and funding bodies all understand:
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What’s realistic
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What’s achievable
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And why certain recommendations are made
Open, honest conversations help families feel confident in their choices — and ensure therapy supports children as effectively as possible.
Call Perth Speech Therapy on 0412 256 656.
Location: Unit 1 595 Canning Hwy Alfred Cove 6154.