Isabella & Jack’s Story

Two little voices learning to be heard.

Having two children with speech delays enrolled in the Talkabout specialist language programs that TSH provides, has had a profoundly positive impact on their development, our family dynamic and the broader community that supports them.

Through consistent, targeted intervention, both my children have shown remarkable improvements in both their communication and language skills – gaining not only vocabulary and articulation but also confidence, self-expression and social connection.

The structured environment of the Talkabout program has provided each of my children with both individualised and group attention tailored to their unique needs, while also fostering peer interaction that encourages modelling and cooperative learning. Watching them support and learn from each other has also deepened their sibling bond and created a sense of mutual encouragement and achievement.

When we started our journey with our first child Isabella, we were lost and in a downward spiral of despair. We had no idea where to start or how we could get her help. Once we found TSH and what they had to offer, we were immediately greeted with encouragement and hope for the future. From the initial intake for both children, right through to entering their classrooms, everyone involved has always taken the time to listen to our concerns and spend the time helping us navigate these concerns.

Isabella has been in the Talkabout 4 Kindergarten program since the beginning of 2025, whilst Jack has been in the Talkabout 2 Therapeutic Playgroup (for children aged between 18 months – 2.5 years old) since the end of March 2025. We have seen huge improvements from both children from where they started to where they are now. They are by no means out of the woods yet, but through early intervention and with the help of their teachers and fellow educators, they are very much on their way to success.

For our family, the staff at TSH has provided valuable guidance, tools and reassurance, empowering us to better understand and support our children’s journeys. It has helped us to reduce our stress and frustration, transforming daily interactions into opportunities for growth and connection.

On a broader level, our experience highlights the importance and effectiveness of early intervention. These programs not only address speech and language concerns but also lay the foundations for long-term academic, emotional and social success. It is a testament to how access to the right support early on can change the trajectory of a child’s life and their families and why such programs are essential for similar families navigating these challenges.

I believe that grants in general would play a pivotal role in sustaining and expanding access to these critical services – not only for our children, but for countless other families navigating similar challenges. Continued funding ensures that children with speech delays can reach their full potential, contributing to stronger educational outcomes, healthier family systems and more inclusive communities.

We wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for our beautiful TSH family consisting of (but not limited to) – Sarah Polden, Caris Reid, Danielle Douglas, Emily Schmidt, Annaka Keene, Emma Lessing, Joanna Twomey, Sonya Manners, Nicole Stone, Michelle Jamison and Belinda Leksas. I cannot thank these amazing people and TSH enough for all they have done for myself and our family. We will be forever grateful. Thank you.

Jessica – Isabella & Jack’s Mum.

“These programs not only address speech and language concerns but also lay the foundations for long-term academic, emotional and social success. It is a testament to how access to the right support early on can change the trajectory of a child’s life and their families and why such programs are essential for similar families navigating these challenges.”