Yarn Speech, a first-of-its-kind digital solution, is reshaping how Australian families access vital speech pathology services.
Developed by Oxford-educated speech pathologist, Rebecca Keeley, Yarn addresses a pressing issue: speech therapy wait times across Australia can stretch up to 4 years (Speech Pathology Australia, 2023).
“Speech pathology should be accessible no matter where you live,” says Ms Keeley, highlighting the significant barriers rural and remote families face, despite the dedicated efforts of speech pathologists across the nation.
The innovative app offers evidence-based daily activities, designed specifically for children aged 0 to 3 years, to bridge the critical gap between referral and treatment.
This solution comes at a pivotal time as Australia grapples with a shortage of allied health professionals, exacerbated by increasing waitlists and practitioner burnout (Australian Department of Jobs and Skills, 2025).
Yarn not only supports families with practical tools while waiting for in-person therapy but also aids the workforce by providing an additional layer of support.
As the only early language app developed by qualified speech pathologists, Yarn’s rotating daily activities empower parents to guide their children toward their first words, ensuring no developmental time is lost.
Currently available on the iOS App Store, Yarn Speech will soon be accessible on Google Play for Android users.
Key Features:
- Evidence-based activities designed by qualified speech pathologists.
- Daily activities to assist children aged 0-3 years.
- An accessible solution for rural and remote families.
- Immediate support while awaiting in-person therapy.
For more information, visit the Yarn Speech website or YouTube channel.
