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Supporting Children Growing Up with More Than One Language

Multilingual development is not niche for me — it is my lived experience.

Many families wonder whether speaking two (or more) languages is confusing their child, whether they should drop their home language, or whether what they’re noticing is a cause for concern or simply part of bilingual development. If you’re asking these questions, you’re not alone. Growing up with multiple languages is a gift — but when worries arise, it can feel overwhelming. My role is to help you feel clear, confident and supported.
 

My approach is shaped by both personal and professional experience. I grew up bilingual (French and Brazilian Portuguese) and later learned Spanish and English. I'm now a parent and raise two multilingual children. I understand the beauty and complexity of multilingual families — the language switching, the cultural layers, and the desire to preserve heritage while making sure your child thrives. As a speech pathologist trained at the University of Sydney, I combine evidence-based practice with lived experience to support families in a way that is informed, respectful and practical.

What Makes Multilingual Development Different?

Children learning more than one language may:
 

  • Mix languages in the same sentence

  • Have stronger skills in one language than another

  • Take slightly longer to build vocabulary in each individual language

  • Use grammar patterns from one language in another
     

These are often normal parts of bilingual development — not signs of a disorder. However, sometimes genuine speech or language difficulties can occur in any language. The key is understanding and knowing how to differentiate.

How I Support Multilingual Families?

When possible, I gather information across all languages your child is exposed to — not just English.
 

This may include:

  • Parent interviews

  • Language samples

  • Collaboration with teachers

  • Dynamic assessment approaches
     

The goal is to determine whether we are seeing:

  • A language difference

  • A true delay

  • Or a speech sound difficulty

Contact

Spot on Health Hub
Shop 50 / 48-50 St Pauls Street 
NSW 2031 Randwick

Phone: 02 8015 7262

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