Speech Club
Speech Club provides Speech Pathology services to NDIA, Plan and Self Managed NDIS participants.Communication for Real Life
Speech pathology that helps adolescents and adults communicate with greater confidence and independence in everyday life.
Speech Club provides practical, individualised speech pathology support for adolescents and adults with communication difficulties.
Our focus is not simply what a person can do in a therapy session. We want to help people develop communication skills they can use in the real world — at home, at work and in the community.
We work alongside participants to identify the communication skills that matter to them and provide practical opportunities to develop, practise and use those skills in everyday situations.
NDIS Registered Provider
Functional Communication
Building communication skills that make everyday life easier
Communication affects almost every part of our lives.
It allows us to express what we want, understand other people, make decisions, develop relationships, participate in the community and find and maintain employment.
For some people, these everyday communication situations can be challenging.
Speech Club provides individualised support to develop practical communication skills that can be used across different people, places and situations.
Support may include:
expressing needs, ideas and opinions
understanding instructions and information
asking questions
requesting assistance
making choices and decisions
starting and maintaining conversations
communicating with unfamiliar people
recognising and repairing communication breakdowns
developing confidence communicating independently
understanding social communication
self-advocacy
using communication technology or AAC
transferring communication skills into everyday life.
Communication and Community Participation
Putting Communication into practice
Being able to demonstrate a communication skill during a therapy activity doesn't necessarily mean someone can use that skill independently in everyday life.
Speech Club places a strong emphasis on generalisation.
Where appropriate, intervention can occur within everyday community environments, so participants have opportunities to practise communication with different people and in different situations.
Goals might include learning to:
approach someone and ask for assistance
communicate with unfamiliar people
participate in conversations
understand and follow information
make arrangements
solve problems through communication
advocate for yourself
manage misunderstandings
participate more independently in the community.
The environment is selected according to the participant's individual goals, interests, abilities and support needs.
Areas We Support
Speech
Speech Club also provides assessment and intervention for adolescents and adults experiencing speech difficulties.
Support may include:
Speech Sound Difficulties
Assessment and intervention for persistent speech sound difficulties affecting intelligibility and confidence.
Stuttering
Individualised assessment and evidence-based intervention for adolescents and adults who stutter.
Speech Intelligibility
Support for people whose speech can be difficult for others to understand, including development of strategies to improve communication effectiveness.
Literacy
Speech Club provides individualised literacy intervention for adolescents and adults experiencing difficulties with reading and spelling.
Intervention can focus on developing the literacy skills required for everyday life, education and employment.
AAC and Communication Technology
Some people benefit from alternative or additional ways of communicating.
Speech Club can assess, trial and support the implementation of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
A major focus is ensuring that communication systems are not simply available to the participant but are actually useful in everyday life.
Support can include communication systems, communication apps and other technology appropriate to the participant's individual needs.
How We Work
Individualised
Every participant has different communication needs, interests and goals.
Intervention is developed around the individual rather than requiring the participant to fit within a predetermined therapy program.
Functional
We prioritise communication skills that make a meaningful difference to everyday life.
Practical
Skills are practised in situations where participants are actually likely to need them.
Collaborative
Where appropriate, we work with families, support workers, employers, educators and other members of the participant's support team.
Outcomes Focused
Goals are designed to demonstrate meaningful changes in communication, participation and independence.
Adult Communication Support
Appointments are available both in person, and via Telehealth.
As a dedicated speech pathologist, I offer expert care for a range of communication and swallowing disorders. I'm excited to introduce expanded services to better support my clients and the community.Communication difficulties can continue throughout adulthood or occur following an injury, disability or change in circumstances.
Speech Club provides individualised assessment and intervention based upon the communication demands of the person's everyday life.
The aim is to identify communication barriers and develop practical strategies that increase participation, confidence and independence.
Communication difficulties can continue throughout adulthood or occur following an injury, disability or change in circumstances.
Speech Club provides individualised assessment and intervention based upon the communication demands of the person's everyday life.
The aim is to identify communication barriers and develop practical strategies that increase participation, confidence and independence.
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Practise. Participate. Become more independent.
Some participants understand communication strategies but have difficulty applying them independently.
Communication mentoring provides opportunities to practise functional communication skills in everyday situations with appropriate support.
The focus is on gradually reducing assistance and increasing the participant's ability to manage communication situations themselves.
Communication mentoring may target:
confidence
independence
conversation
problem solving
self-advocacy
social communication
community participation
employment communication
generalisation of previously learned communication strategies.
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Discover the power of your voice with Speech Club's specialised services for Parkinson's disease. Our expert speech pathologist is here to help you reclaim clear, confident communication.
Benefits of Speech Pathology for Parkinson's:
Improved vocal strength and clarity
Enhanced communication confidence
Preservation of speech and swallowing function
Personalized therapy approach
SPEAK OUT!® Program
As a registered provider of the SPEAK OUT!® program, we offer evidence-based therapy designed specifically for individuals with Parkinson's. This program focuses on speaking with intent, combining speech, voice, and cognitive exercises to preserve and improve your communication skills.
SPEAK OUT!® Program Highlights:
Typically 8-12 individual therapy sessions over 4 weeks
Daily home practice to reinforce skills
Transition to weekly group sessions for ongoing support
Proven to help maintain or improve swallowing function
Don't let Parkinson's silence your voice. Join Speech Club today and speak out with confidence!
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Communication Mentoring
Practise. Participate. Become more independent.
Some participants understand communication strategies but have difficulty applying them independently.
Communication mentoring provides opportunities to practise functional communication skills in everyday situations with appropriate support.
The focus is on gradually reducing assistance and increasing the participant's ability to manage communication situations themselves.
Communication mentoring may target:
confidence
independence
conversation
problem solving
self-advocacy
social communication
community participation
employment communication
generalisation of previously learned communication strategies.
Early Onset Dementia Support
For individuals facing the challenges of early onset dementia, my specialized support can make a significant difference in maintaining communication skills and quality of life. I work closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care for my clients.
My approach includes:
Detailed assessment of communication and swallowing skills to assist in differential diagnosis
Post-diagnostic rehabilitation with direct therapy for impairments such as word-finding difficulties
Training in compensatory strategies to maintain function, including the use of cue cards and memory books
Education and support for family members and caregivers
Parkinsons Disease
Discover the power of your voice with Speech Club's specialised services for Parkinson's disease. Our expert speech pathologist is here to help you reclaim clear, confident communication.
Benefits of Speech Pathology for Parkinson's:
Improved vocal strength and clarity
Enhanced communication confidence
Preservation of speech and swallowing function
Personalized therapy approach
SPEAK OUT!® Program
As a registered provider of the SPEAK OUT!® program, we offer evidence-based therapy designed specifically for individuals with Parkinson's. This program focuses on speaking with intent, combining speech, voice, and cognitive exercises to preserve and improve your communication skills.
SPEAK OUT!® Program Highlights:
Typically 8-12 individual therapy sessions over 4 weeks
Daily home practice to reinforce skills
Transition to weekly group sessions for ongoing support
Proven to help maintain or improve swallowing function
Don't let Parkinson's silence your voice. Join Speech Club today and speak out with confidence!
Chronic Refractory Cough
Persistent coughing can significantly impact quality of life. I am trained to assess and treat chronic refractory cough using evidence-based techniques.
My treatment approach may include:
Vocal exercises to improve laryngeal function
Breathing techniques to reduce cough sensitivity
Strategies to manage triggers and minimize cough episodes
Paradoxical Vocal Fold Movement (PVFM)
PVFM can be a challenging condition to diagnose and manage. I offer specialized care for individuals experiencing this disorder.
My PVFM treatment program includes:
Comprehensive evaluation, with referrals for laryngeal endoscopy when necessary
Behavioural intervention with vocal exercises and relaxation techniques
Education on trigger awareness and episode management
Collaboration with other specialists for a multidisciplinary approach
Personalised, Evidence-Based Care
As a solo practitioner, I'm committed to providing personalised, evidence-based care to help my clients overcome communication and swallowing challenges. I take pride in offering individualised attention and developing strong therapeutic relationships. Contact me today to learn more about how I can support you or your loved one's speech pathology needs.
Adolescents and Young Adults
Speech Club provides Speech Pathology services to NDIA, Plan and Self Managed NDIS participants. Speech Club takes a child-led, play-based approach to build rapport and trust because it is the best way to get results.Preparing for life beyond school
The transition from school into adult life can create a completely different set of communication demands.
Young people may suddenly be expected to communicate with employers, service providers, businesses and unfamiliar members of the community with much greater independence.
Speech Club can help adolescents develop the functional communication skills required for this transition.
Rather than focusing solely on traditional therapy tasks, intervention can increasingly focus on how communication skills are used in everyday adult life.
This may include preparation for:
Employment • Further education • Community participation • Relationships • Independent living • Self-advocacy
Communication for Employment
Developing communication skills for the workplace
Finding and maintaining employment involves much more than completing the practical requirements of a job.
Communication is an important workplace skill.
Speech Club can support adolescents and adults preparing for employment, entering the workforce or experiencing communication difficulties within an existing workplace.
Intervention may target:
understanding workplace instructions
asking for clarification
communicating with supervisors
communicating with colleagues
participating in workplace conversations
understanding workplace expectations
explaining when something has gone wrong
requesting assistance
communicating during job interviews
telephone communication
problem solving
self-advocacy
managing communication breakdowns
developing greater independence at work.
Where appropriate, intervention can occur within the participant's actual workplace or employment environment.
Selective Mutism: Breaking the Silence
Selective mutism is a complex anxiety disorder that affects a child's ability to speak in certain social situations, despite being able to communicate comfortably in others. I help young people overcome this challenging condition.Understanding Selective Mutism
Selective mutism typically emerges between ages 3 and 6, affecting approximately 1 in 140 children in their first three years of primary school. While it can be a daunting diagnosis, it's important to know that selective mutism is treatable with the right approach and support.
Our Approach to Treatment
I utilise evidence-based strategies that include:
Sliding In
A gradual approach to help children transition from speaking in comfortable settings to more challenging ones.
Graded Exposure
Carefully introducing children to increasingly challenging situations to reduce anxiety.
Anxiety Management
Teaching techniques to help children cope with anxiety in social settings.
Communication Skill Development
Enhancing overall language and social communication abilities.
Why Choose My Speech Pathology Service?
Expertise
Michael is specially trained in treating selective mutism and stays current with the latest research and techniques.
Holistic Approach
We consider all aspects of a child's life, including family dynamics and school environment.
Individualised Treatment
Each child's plan is tailored to their specific needs and challenges.
Collaborative Care
We work closely with psychologists, educators, and families to ensure comprehensive support.
What to Expect
Treatment for selective mutism is a journey that typically takes one to two years. However, with patience and consistent effort, children can make significant progress. My goal is to help your child become a confident and effective communicator in all settings.
Take the First Step
Don't let selective mutism hold your child back. Contact us today to schedule an assessment and learn how our speech pathology services can help your child find their voice.
Remember, with the right support, children with selective mutism can overcome their challenges and thrive in social and academic environments.
How do we start?
We chat on the phone and organise an initial visit.
Before embarking on our collaborative journey, I initiate a phone call. This serves the purpose of ensuring compatibility between us, recognising the pivotal role of a strong therapeutic relationship in overall therapy outcomes. Key considerations include:
Are our communication styles in sync?
Are you comfortable providing constructive feedback?
Do you trust me enough to consider and implement my suggestions?
These factors, rooted in the foundation of our relationship, are integral to the success of our therapeutic journey. While the aim isn't necessarily to understand everything within 60 minutes, this initial interaction allows us to assess the potential for a robust therapeutic relationship.
Please fill in the contact form and I will contact you to discuss any availability.