Little Communicators Group: Why Early Language Support Matters
The Little Communicators Group Perth is a small-group speech therapy program for children aged 2–4 years with limited language, delivered by experienced speech pathologists at Perth Speech Therapy.
For some children, language doesn’t come easily. They may understand more than they can say, use only a few words, or become frustrated when they can’t communicate their needs. While many families are told to “wait and see,” research consistently shows that early, targeted support leads to better outcomes — especially when language difficulties are present.
At Perth Speech Therapy, our Little Communicators Group is designed specifically for children aged 2–4 years with limited language, providing early support in a nurturing, play-based environment.
Why Early Language Development Is So Important
Language is more than just words. It underpins:
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emotional regulation
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social connection
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play skills
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learning and attention
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later literacy and academic success
Children use language to make sense of the world. When language is delayed, children may:
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become frustrated or overwhelmed
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struggle to interact with peers
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rely on behaviour instead of words
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withdraw socially
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), early intervention for children with language delays can significantly improve communication outcomes and reduce long-term difficulties:
🔗 https://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/early-intervention/
Why Small Groups Work So Well for Young Children
Small group therapy offers unique benefits that cannot always be achieved in one-to-one sessions alone.
1. Targeted Intervention in a Real-World Context
In small groups, speech pathologists can:
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carefully select children with similar language needs
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target individual goals within shared activities
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model language naturally during play
Children don’t just hear words — they see how language is used with others, which helps skills transfer into everyday life.
2. The Ability to Slow Down and Model Language
Young children with limited language often need:
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slower speech
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repetition
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simple, clear sentence structures
In small groups, clinicians can:
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slow interactions down
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model short, meaningful phrases
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repeat language across multiple play opportunities
This supports children to process, understand, and eventually use language themselves.
3. Learning to Use Language, Not Just Say Words
Language is social. Children learn:
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turn-taking
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joint attention
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listening and responding
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communicating for different purposes
Group settings allow children to practise these skills in context, supported by a clinician who actively guides interactions rather than leaving children to “figure it out.”
The Raising Children Network (Australia) highlights that children learn language best through responsive, interactive communication:
🔗 https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/development/language-development
Why “Wait and See” Isn’t Always the Best Advice
While some children do catch up naturally, research shows that children with early language delays are at increased risk of:
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ongoing communication difficulties
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challenges with literacy
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social and emotional difficulties
The CDC emphasises that early identification and support can change developmental trajectories:
🔗 https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/whyActEarly.html
Early support doesn’t mean labelling a child — it means giving them the best chance to thrive.
Parent Coaching: A Core Part of Our Program
At Perth Speech Therapy, we believe parents are the most important part of a child’s progress.
That’s why parent coaching is built into our Little Communicators Group.
Parents are supported to:
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understand how language develops
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use simple strategies during everyday routines
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model language effectively at home
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reduce frustration for both parent and child
When parents feel confident supporting language at home, progress is faster and more meaningful.
Who Is the Little Communicators Group For?
This group is designed for children aged 2–4 years who:
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use few words
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struggle to combine words
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become frustrated when communicating
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find it hard to interact with peers
All groups are:
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small and carefully matched
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clinician-led
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structured and goal-focused
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play-based and engaging
Giving Your Child the Best Start
Early language support is not about pressure or comparison. It’s about supporting your child at the right time, in the right way.
Small group therapy allows children to:
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hear language used naturally
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practise communication with peers
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build confidence in a safe environment
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develop skills that support school readiness and relationships
If you have concerns about your child’s language development, you don’t have to wait.
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American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
https://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/early-intervention/ -
Raising Children Network (Australia)
https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/development/language-development -
CDC – Why Early Intervention Matters
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/whyActEarly.html
📍 Little Communicators Group
Ages 2–4 years
📍 Location: UNit 1 595 Canning Hwy Alfred Cove &
Ground Floor 55 Salvadore Rd Subiaco
🧠 NDIS supported
📞 0412 256 656
Contact Perth Speech Therapy to find out whether this group is right for your child.
Little Communicators Group Perth FAQs
What is the Little Communicators Group Perth?
The Little Communicators Group Perth is a clinician-led small group speech therapy program for children aged 2–4 years with limited language. Sessions are play-based and designed to build early communication skills and confidence with peers.
Who is the Little Communicators Group best suited for?
This group is ideal for toddlers aged 2–4 who use few words, struggle to combine words, find it hard to express needs and wants, or become frustrated due to limited language.
Why choose a small group instead of only one-to-one speech therapy?
Small groups help children practise communication in real-life social situations. In a supported setting, our therapists can slow down, model language, and help children use new skills with peers through turn-taking, listening, and responding.
Is parent coaching included?
Yes. Parent coaching is a core part of the Little Communicators Group Perth. We show parents practical strategies to support language development at home so progress continues between sessions.
How are children placed into groups?
Children are matched by age, stage of language development, and support needs. Groups are kept small so the speech pathologist can provide targeted intervention and guide interactions closely.
Where is the Little Communicators Group located?
The Little Communicators Group Perth is available through Perth Speech Therapy at our Alfred Cove and Subiaco clinics.
Do you support NDIS participants?
Yes. Perth Speech Therapy supports NDIS-funded children and can align group goals and parent coaching strategies with your child’s NDIS plan goals where appropriate.
Do I need a referral to join?
No referral is required. You can contact Perth Speech Therapy directly to discuss whether the Little Communicators Group Perth is suitable for your child.
How do I know if my child needs speech therapy at age 2–4?
If your child has limited words, isn’t combining words as expected, becomes frustrated communicating, or you’re concerned about language development, early support can help. Our team can guide you on next steps and whether a group or one-to-one program is best.