ABOUT US
OUR MISSION
MEET KATE | DIRECTOR
Kate is a passionate advocate for neurodivergent individuals and a firm believer in the power of inclusive, strengths-based support. She completed her Bachelor of Business at the University of Tasmania (2008) and her Master of Speech Pathology at the University of Queensland (2012), and now leads the Speechcare team as Director.
She is deeply committed to increasing community understanding of communication differences and disorders. She works closely with workplaces, schools, and early education settings to build inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. She also supports organisations in creating policies that reflect ethical and evidence-based practices.
ORGANISATION PROFILE
Speechcare is a private speech pathology practice based in Carina that provides a range of clinic-based and school-based services to children and schools.
We service clients on self- managed NDIS plans and offer some home-based services.
Speechcare was established in 1992 by Alison Jackson and has over 30 years of proven experience, expertise and capacity in delivering evidence-based speech pathology services.
Speechcare is comprised of a dedicated group of speech pathologists who aim to assist our clients to achieve optimum outcomes in communication skills in verbal and written communication.
Our experienced team provide comprehensive evaluations of speech, language, literacy, voice, feeding, swallowing and fluency and tailor speech treatment programs to suit families’ and individual’s specific needs.
Speechcare speech pathologists are highly qualified and regularly participate in professional development activities to ensure they are abreast of the most up to date, evidence based and best-practice speech pathology.
LIVED EXPERIENCE INFORMED PRACTICE
Speechcare management decisions around client care are made based on the lived- experience model.
Clinicians utilise this model, alongside our values, to make ethical and appropriate client-care decisions.
Management and clinical decision-making remain aligned.
OUR VALUES
Lived Experience
- Valuing the lived experience of our clients and their families.
- Seeking community engagement and opinions to inform decision-making.
- Always asking questions and knowing that clients are the experts of their lives and their needs.
Evidence-Based Practice
- Using and understanding the evidence and how it should inform our practice.
- Valuing the existing evidence and understanding current limitations of evidence with regards to practice.
Practice-Based Evidence
- Using our own and others experience as clinicians working with families to understand the most appropriate and effective strategies and applying this to our practice.
Safety as a Priority
- Emotional and physical safety for clients, staff and clinicians in all aspects of service delivery
Continued Learning
- Accepting mistakes as learning opportunities and seeking continued learning, training and education opportunities and skill development in order to facilitate improved care.
Functionality
- Setting therapy goals based on functional goals as determined by the current evidence, lived experience and client needs. Encouraging acceptance of self and others.
Dynamic Delivery
- Continuous reevaulation of therapy goals, delivery and outcomes, systems and procedures to facilitate equal access for all. Flexible assessment delivery models to ensure accuracy and safety.
Advocate with Kindness
- Encouraging a team approach and meeting all stakeholders where they are. Providing flexible and strength-based supports. Advocating for clients’ needs.
OUR APPROACH & ENDORSEMENTS
FAQs
What is Speech Pathology?
Speech Pathologists support individuals of all ages with challenges related to communication and swallowing. This includes:
- Speech sound development
- Language comprehension and expression
- Social communication
- Literacy
- Stuttering and fluency
- Feeding and swallowing difficulties
How Can a Speech Pathologist Help My Child?
Speech Pathologists support more than just speech sounds. We help children with:
- Language skills – understanding and using words, sentences, and concepts
- Social communication – conversation skills, interpreting non-verbal cues
- Literacy development – phonological awareness, reading and writing
- Stuttering and fluency
- AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) – supporting non-speaking or minimally speaking children
- Feeding and swallowing support, where needed
- Self-identity and advocacy skills, especially for neurodivergent children and teens
- Support to access talking therapies and mental health treatment – helping children build the tools to participate in therapeutic settings
What Does Neurodiversity-Affirming Mean?
We embrace neurodiversity—the idea that neurological differences like autism, ADHD, and other conditions are natural human variations.
Our neurodiversity-affirming approach means we:
- Value and support each person’s authentic self
- Work with strengths, not against differences
- Prioritise autonomy, communication choice, and respectful care
- Do not use therapies that suppress natural behaviours or promote masking
What is ABA and Why Don’t We Endorse It?
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a behaviour-based intervention often used with autistic children. However, many autistic individuals and professionals have voiced concerns about its focus on compliance, masking, and suppressing natural behaviours.
As a neurodiversity-affirming clinic, we do not provide or recommend ABA. We use respectful, collaborative, and strengths-based approaches that centre the child’s well-being and autonomy.
How Can I Refer?
You can access our services in several ways:
- Self-referral – contact us directly (no referral needed)
- Through a GP, paediatrician, or educator
- Via NDIS funding – we accept plan-managed and self-managed participants
Is There a Waitlist?
No! We currently have no waitlist and are committed to offering timely support when it’s needed most.
