04 May Left Behind: Families of Children with a Common Speech Disorder Miss Out on New Medicare Support
The Federal Government has announced a major funding boost for children with speech disorders—but there’s a glaring omission that has parents and experts deeply concerned.
Funding Boost Leaves Out One in 14 Kids
While children with conditions like stutters, cleft lip/palate and speech sound disorders will soon receive up to eight fully funded assessments and 20 Medicare-supported therapy sessions, children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) have been left out.
DLD is a lifelong disability that makes it difficult for children to understand and use language. It affects about 1 in 14 people, yet it remains largely unknown and underfunded. Most families dealing with DLD are forced to pay for therapy privately—if they can afford it at all.
Speech pathologist Dr Shaun Ziegenfusz, a leading advocate for children with DLD, said the omission is heartbreaking.
“While the new funding is a great step for some, it’s incredibly disappointing that the DLD community has once again been overlooked,” he said.
“DLD is seven times more common than autism, yet barely anyone knows about it—and families are carrying the cost alone.”
At present, children with DLD can only access five partially funded sessions under Medicare, and only if referred by a GP. It’s not enough to make meaningful progress.
Sadie’s Story: ‘I Get Confused and I Don’t Like It’
Nine-year-old Sadie Lyons-Gardner is one of the many Australian children living with DLD.
“It’s not easy,” Sadie says. “People have to repeat things to me too much. At school, I don’t understand so I copy from my classmates all the time. I don’t like it. It’s because I get confused.”
Diagnosed in 2023, Sadie now needs regular speech therapy and occupational therapy for her low muscle tone—another condition that often coexists with DLD.
Parents Carry the Financial Load Alone
Sadie’s mum, Gail Lyons, says paying for therapy is an ongoing financial struggle.
“We just can’t afford all the sessions Sadie needs. My other two kids need healthcare too, but everything we have goes to Sadie—and even then, it’s not enough,” she said.
“The government’s decision is placing an unfair financial burden on everyday families. Sadie is a kind, caring child who deserves the same support as others. But right now, she’s being let down.”
Gail’s partner is working long hours to try to cover their medical costs. “To have more Medicare-funded treatment would be a huge relief,” she said.
Experts Urge Government to Rethink Medicare Gaps
Dr Ziegenfusz and the DLD Project Foundation have written to health ministers across the country, asking for DLD to be included under the new Medicare M10 funding for speech disorders.
“We’re urging the Government to give these young people a fair go,” he said.
“Early intervention can make all the difference. With the right support, children with DLD can thrive in school, work, and life. They deserve better.”
For more information, visit https://thedldproject.com/the-dld-project-foundation/
