Speech Therapy
Neurodiversity-affirming speech pathology service designed for teens and adults who have communication and swallowing difficulties.
For many neurodiverse people,
communication can feel
overwhelming and frustrating...
especially in environments that aren’t designed for their needs.
This can show up as:
Behaviours that signal unmet needs when words aren’t accessible (such as hitting, running away, or damaging property)
Difficulty understanding language or following spoken instructions
Frustration, anxiety, or shutdown during conversations
Communication styles that are often misunderstood by others
Difficulty initiating communication, even when there is a strong desire to connect
Challenges entering the workforce, or starting and sustaining relationships
Neurodiversity-Affirming Speech Therapy
Have past therapy experiences felt unsafe, rigid, or non-affirming? Our approach is different.
Expand Vocabulary and Expression
Build the words, language, and confidence to express your thoughts, feelings, and needs more clearly.
Supported, Authentic Communication
Communicate in a way that feels true to yourself, without pressure to mask, perform, or meet others’ expectations.
Validation for All Communication Styles
Every form of communication is valid —spoken, gestural, AAC or written. Your preferred methods are honoured and supported.
Reduced Anxiety and Frustration
Learn strategies to feel calmer and more confident in conversations, reducing the emotional stress that often comes with communication challenges.
Stronger Emotional Literacy
Accurately name, understand, and express feelings (“I feel…”, “I need…”) to increase self-awareness and reduce powerlessness.
Confidence in Everyday Life
Increase participation in education, work, relationships, and community life. Develop job interview skills, work readiness, and first-time workforce entry.
Who This Support Is For
This support may be helpful if you or your loved one:
- Is autistic, ADHD, have an intellectual disability or learning difference
- Is non-speaking, selectively speaking, or experiences verbal shutdown
- Has a neurological condition (e.g. Parkinson's Disease, Stroke, Dementia) and having difficulty communicating or with eating & drinking
- Wants a safe, trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, compassionate approach
We are a registered NDIS Service Provider, providing services to participants who are self-managed, plan-managed and NDIA-managed.
What to expect
Sessions are 50 minutes and can be held online, in person at my Randwick, Sydney clinic (available Mondays & Tuesdays). I also offer home visits for clients based around Northern Beaches and North Shore.
First Session:
A gentle, collaborative session focused on understanding communication goals, preferences, and building safety and rapport through observation and conversation.
Ongoing Sessions:
Personalised speech therapy support paced to your needs, using real-life practice, AAC or visual tools, regulation strategies, and optional family involvement.
Additional Services:
Functional assessments, NDIS-compatible reports, and support with work readiness, job interviews, and community participation.
FAQs
Is this service only for non-speaking clients?
No. This service supports all types of communicators, including non-speaking, selectively speaking, and verbally expressive individuals who experience communication challenges.
Does this service include support with AAC or alternative communication?
Yes. We explore a range of communication options such as AAC, visuals, writing, signing, or gestures to find what feels most accessible and supportive. Many clients have had aids recommended before that are sitting in a drawer. Sometimes it doesn’t suit them or it’s not what they’re naturally drawn to. I never force clients to adopt something that doesn’t work for them and instead listen, observe and find the best fit that they will actually use.
But my teen/adult child doesn’t talk- will this even help?
Communication is more than speech. We explore multiple and alternative means of expressing- including AAC, gesture, visuals, body language- and help find what feels safe, accessible and empowering.
What if AAC or therapy hasn’t worked in the past?
There are multiple options available. I can help you explore and find the most suitable option for your loved one. Having the tool is just one piece- building comfort, confidence and personalisation around it is where meaningful expression begins.
Will this really make a difference in everyday life?
All our work is real-world relevant- from helping ask for a break at work, to advocating in a school setting, to managing overwhelm in conversations. We personalise so it is relevant to your life.
Do you offer formal assessments and reports?
Yes. I offer functional assessments that guide therapy and can provide written reports upon request.
What will sessions actually work on?
Sessions focus on building functional communication skills that support everyday needs, emotional expression, and participation in daily life. Sessions are client-led based on your unique set of needs, so no session looks completely the same. This is not a cookie-cutter approach. I will take your case history, understanding what you’ve done before, what has worked and what hasn’t to ensure our sessions are beneficial.
What changes might we notice over time?
Over time, clients may experience reduced frustration, clearer expression of needs, increased confidence, and greater ease in everyday communication.
Ready to
BEGIN YOUR SPEECH THERAPY JOURNEY?
Take the first step toward confident, authentic communication and finding the words that truly reflect who you are.