DD - Can you call the places where you are on the waiting list and ask to be put on a list to call if there are any cancellations? Thats how dd got into her paed physio so quick at the hosp.

Also - Have you spoken to the daycare centre about your concerns? They should have access to services and may be able to point you in the direction of community based free or cheap services.

Can you get a referral from your GP to a good paediatrician who may be able to help you and explain your financial situation and you may be able to be bulk billed.

I know speech (and all therapies) can be very expensive if going privately, but it doesn't mean you are going really frequently all the time. Depending on what they think your DS needs, they may give you and the daycare exercises/ techniques/things to do at home with him and then see them only every 1-2/3 months. Also if you are already on the public waiting list maybe a few private lessons will make a bit of difference until you can get into the public ones?

I know in NSW depending on the child's needs the waiting lists can be up to 2 years for speech, so its not really something you want to be leaving that long.

I wish there was something I could do to reassure you, I guess all I can say is as an Early childhood teacher, Early intervention is the best and I have never met a parent who regretted paying for therapies (though I understand easier said than done.) We go to a paed very frequently for dd's reflux and have done since she was tiny and he doesnt bulk bill so we have spent a small fortune.