Speech Pathology
Welcome to Early Links Speech Pathology
The Early Links Speech Pathology Team includes over twenty speech pathologists and additional allied health assistants. We pride ourselves on our positive attitude and organised approach to therapy and focus on maintaining best practice in the supports that we deliver.
Our speech pathologists are experienced and passionate
Our speech pathologists have a wide range of experiences and are passionate about continuing their professional learning. They regularly undertake professional development to stay updated with the latest information and therapy approaches and ensure their clients receive the best therapy possible.
Additional skills and training within our team include:
Early communication
- Hanen: More than words
- Hanen: It takes two to talk
- Early Start Denver Model
Alternative and augmentative communication
- Pragmatic organisation digital display (PODD) alternative and augmentative communication
- Key word sign
- LAMP alternative and augmentative communication
- PECS (Picture exchange communication system)
Literacy/reading and writing
- Narrative intervention
- Literacy skills
- Sounds write
Paediatric feeding
- Paediatric feeding (Sarah Starr)
- Feeding therapy Australia training
- SOS (Sequential oral sensory) approach to feeding
Behaviour
- Executive functioning
- Childhood trauma: Speech pathology perspective
- Challenging behaviour and emotional regulation
Social skills
- Social thinking
Speech sounds
- Caroline Bowen speech sound training
- PROMPT
Additional screeners and/or assessments
- Hearing screenings
- Autism assessment (collaborative diagnosis with our Psychology Team)
What does a speech pathologist do?
A speech pathologist (sometimes also called a speech therapist) assesses, diagnoses, and treats a range of difficulties, including:
- Speech sound difficulties – using correct sounds for words
- Receptive language skills – understanding of words
- Expressive language skills – use of words
- Phonological awareness – understanding of how sounds combine to make words
- Literacy skills – reading and writing
- Social skills/social communication – understanding social rules and following them to interact with others.
- Alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) – using assistive technology and/or visual supports to supplement communication skills
- Fluency – using consistent, smooth, steady, and controlled speech
- Voice – using the voice to communicate.
- Paediatric feeding – supporting children to eat a range of foods and drinks
We love to work with clients, families, and carers to support the person as a whole. Speech pathologists in Australia have completed a university degree, and all Early Links speech pathologists are registered with Speech Pathology Australia.
Who can a speech pathologist help?
Our speech pathologists see a range of clients, from babies to young adults, and enjoy the variety these different life stages bring to how we deliver supports. Often, the families that access Early Links need additional supports from other therapists in our team, including occupational therapists, early intervention specialist teachers, psychologists, physiotherapists and creative arts therapists.
We enjoy collaborating closely with our therapy team to understand the client and their family as a whole and maximise the benefit of therapy.
Meet our friendly Speech Pathology Leadership Team
Elise
Speech Pathology Senior Leader
Grace
Speech Pathology Senior Leader
Emily
Speech Pathology Team Leader
Claudia
Speech Pathology Team Leader
Mel
Speech Pathology Team Leader
Larissa
Speech Pathology Team Leader
Danielle
Speech Pathology Team Leader
Brittney
Speech Pathology Team Leader
Which areas do our speech pathologists cover?
Aberdeen, Abermain, Bellbird, Beresfield, Bolwarra, Branxton, Cessnock, Chisholm, Cliftleigh, Dungog, East Maitland, Gillieston Heights, Greta, Heddon Greta, Hinton, Kurri Kurri, Laguna, Lochinvar, Lorn, Maitland, Morpeth, Muswellbrook, Paterson, Raworth, Raymond Terrace, Rothbury, Rutherford, Singleton, Stroud, Tarro, Telarah, Tenambit, Thornton, Vacy, Windella, Wollombi, Woodberry and more.
Telehealth sessions are also an option if appropriate for the individual or group participants instead of face-to-face sessions.
How do I start speech pathology with Early Links?
If you’re ready to get started or just want to find out more, you can use the form below to get in touch with us.
We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have, explain what would be involved and tell you all about the support we can offer.
Get In Touch
Please complete the form below to contact Early Links. Our friendly team will be very happy to assist you.
Contact us
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a speech pathologist and a speech therapist?
Essentially, there is no difference between a speech pathologist and a speech therapist, and people use the terms interchangeably. However, in Australia, we prefer the term ‘speech pathologist’ as it defines our scope of practice to assess and diagnose, as well as treat, a variety of difficulties that impact the ability to communicate, make needs and wants known, eat and drink safely, and participate in society.
When should I be worried about my child’s speech and language skills?
It is always tricky to know whether your child is ‘developing at their own rate’ or needs some support to develop their skills. Similarly, with adults, it can be challenging to make the step to seek help for communication and swallowing skills.
Speech Pathology Australia has developed a resource to indicate typical communication development in children 0 – 5 years, which can be a helpful first step in understanding how your child is tracking. They can be accessed at Speech Pathology Australia.
Why does a speech pathologist help with feeding?
When speech pathologists complete their university training, they develop a detailed underlying knowledge of head and neck anatomy, so they are well placed to understand how the anatomy interacts with voice and swallowing function. We also receive specific training in assessing, diagnosing, and treating voice and swallowing function conditions.
What is the difference between a speech pathologist and a tutor when it comes to reading and writing?
As speech pathologists, we have a deep understanding of how sounds and words interact to make meaningful sentences. Our four years of study covers linguistics, psychology, anatomy, and specific speech pathology courses.
Through this knowledge, we are well equipped to assess and accurately identify causes of difficulty with reading and writing, which results in more specific and targeted supports. We can also help train others in the client’s life to use successful strategies to support the person.
How can I pay for speech services?
Early Links currently accepts multiple payment options for therapy support services, including NDIS, Medicare rebates, fee for service and more. Get in touch with our team to find out more.