Silent struggle ignored: Government overlooks common speech disorder in major speech funding plan

The Federal Government has announced a major funding boost for speech disorders — but it has overlooked a common disability: Developmental Language Disorder (DLD).

While children suffering from stutters, cleft lip/palate and speech sound disorders will now have access to eight Medicare-funded assessments and up to 20 treatment sessions, those with DLD are forced to pay for treatment privately.

Leading DLD expert, Chairperson of The DLD Project Foundation and speech pathologist, Dr Shaun Ziegenfusz said it’s frustrating that DLD has once again been left out.

“While it’s great news for people with other speech disorders, I am disappointed for the DLD community. DLD affects approximately 1 in 14 people, and most cases in Australia are undiagnosed,” Dr Ziegenfusz said.

“There are currently only five partially rebated speech pathology sessions available through Medicare for people with DLD who get a referral from a GP. This isn’t enough to see progress.”

DLD is seven times more common than autism, affecting two children in every classroom, yet most people have never heard of it.

People with DLD often find it hard to learn new words, remember what they’ve been told, follow instructions, and may struggle with reading, writing, and having conversations.

One of these children is 9-year-old Sadie Lyons-Gardner.

Sadie is impacted every day by DLD and struggles with simple things like forming friendships, communicating and learning at school.

“It’s not easy. It makes me angry that people have to repeat things to me too much,” Sadie said.

“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.”

Sadie was diagnosed in 2023 and requires ongoing speech pathology for DLD and occupational therapy to help with her low muscle tone (which often coexists with DLD).

Due to the enormous expense of private therapy, Sadie’s mum, Gail Lyons, said she can’t afford occupational therapy or frequent speech therapy sessions for her daughter.

“We don’t have the (financial) support right now, and I do worry that she will struggle to live on her own, find work, all these dreams you have for your children,” Ms Lyons said.

“The system places an unfair financial burden on the average family and the person who suffers is this sweet and caring 9-year-old. Sadly, Sadie's story is not even remotely unique. Children are suffering because of the choices and ignorance of adults.”

Gail has two other children who require health care, but the family’s private health budget is spent entirely on Sadie, and it’s still not enough.

“To have access to more Medicare funded treatment, it would be a huge relief because having a child with additional needs, the costs do add up. My poor partner is running himself into the ground to try and support us.”

Dr Ziegenfusz has written to every health minister in Australia, urging them to include DLD under the Medicare M10 Item Numbers. He is calling on the Federal Government to reconsider its decision to exclude DLD.

“We really want the Government to invest in these young people and give them a fair go. Early intervention is everything, and if they can access support now, they can become confident members of our society,” Dr Ziegenfusz said.

“They’ve been let down by their leaders and they deserve better.”

Please help us speak up for children with DLD like Sadie. Sign this petition to demand that the Federal Government expand their Medicare funding plan to include DLD.