The Communication Clinic Speech Pathology Services

05/12/2025

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05/12/2025

A quick update on the week in NDIS.

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30/11/2025

Stevie is one of the bravest people I’ve (Cat) had the privilege to connect with. He has highlighted very clearly the inefficient and over spending with the NDIS budget doesn’t sit with providers (who are repeatedly being dragged through the mud and under a microscope) but with the agency. He spent funding from his inaccurate plan to get a behaviour assessment to provide to the NDIS to prove he didn’t need behaviour supports. The burden this need to justify already well documented and assessed conditions to get appropriate supports was enormous. His story is a powerful one but unfortunately not uncommon. With the use of AI to build plans, requests and review access and eligibility there are so many errors and people being put at risk. That burden of care has just simply shifted to the health system as people’s conditions decline without the appropriate supports. Fund people adequately and appropriately and we reduce that $ figure enormously, reduce the strain on our health system and have people engaging in life and employment. Why wouldn’t you want the agency working effectively 🤷‍♀️ It’s all of our money they’re throwing away with these inaccuracies and more importantly they’re putting lives at risk.

“When Stevie Howson got his NDIS plan, it looked like it had been written for someone else – an autistic person with challenging behaviours.

It included $3000 for speech therapy and $15,000 for behavioural support.
At the time he was an adult living in his own home and holding down a mainstream job.

What he actually needed and asked for was a wheelchair, physiotherapy and support at home, due to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a devastating connective tissue disorder, which had robbed him of his mobility.

He’d also asked for some therapy due to a late diagnosis of autism.
The 34-year-old from Armidale in NSW, later found autism had been assigned as his “primary disability” and believes his plan was created by an algorithm, somehow “generated through automation”.”

Read the full article in the comments.

20/11/2025

Given the recall of coloured sand from a range of retailers this last week we wanted to assure our clients we do not use coloured sand at the clinic. For a list of recalled items, information on how to get a refund and how and where to throw them out, visit https://www.productsafety.gov.au/recalls

24/10/2025

If you’re heading to the protests in Canberra on Monday to Stop the NDIS Cuts, or watching via zoom, our friends at Two Way Street have made some chat resources so everyone can be involved in the conversation. Download them here: https://twowaystreet.com.au/product/web-free-stop-the-ndis-cuts-protest-ald/

22/10/2025

Get ready for Halloween with the new Access Easy English stories to support everyone with prepping for the day. https://www.readee.com.au/things-you-like-to-do-halloween

15/10/2025

Registrations are closing soon for our Introduction to Auslan course. Madi has prepared an interactive course supporting participants to learn more about Auslan and helpful resources. With our kids learning Auslan in school, Auslan used within the disability and Deaf communities this is a great opportunity to learn more and start your journey with Auslan.
We are also so excited as Madi is currently completing her Auslan interpreter training.

07/10/2025

We are super lucky to offer an introduction to Auslan for parents and carers. Madeleine will bring her energy and phenomenal knowledge of all things Auslan to share with families and support people. Places are limited so get in quickly. Admin@thecommclinic.com.au

17/09/2025

I, Cat, was very fortunate some years ago to meet an amazing Speech Pathologist/ Teacher working as the Learning Support coordinator at a school a child, with very complex needs, I work with was transitioning to. She is passionate, knowledgeable and we are so fortunate to have her locally. She had set up such wonderful supports at the school that we sent our own son to the same school. With Kathryn’s support she helped him to feel safe and transition from school can’t and severe PTSD at even seeing kids in uniform, to successfully attending every day. Kathryn and John are phenomenal parents that have educated me about Childhood Dementia and have been brave and are sharing their story with the world so that others may benefit. It’s an important story and one that reinforces how essential it is to have specialised supports set up for assessment and treatment of complex conditions like childhood dementia. Today is Face It day to raise awareness of Childhood Dementia. Please read, learn and hug your kids tightly tonight because every day with them is precious. https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/wellbeing/young-siblings-diagnosed-with-childhood-dementia/news-story/0f15a5c17186f6bba88c033c956ab65b #
For those Speechies and teachers Kathryn’s business is Language and Learning I recommend any of her training or sign up for the Tier 3 Toolkit, you won’t be disappointed.

12/08/2025

Strive for Autism are holding a free seminar in Cessnock with guest speakers Daniel and Daryl Giles and Dr. Lee Sturgeon. This seminar will be held on Tuesday the 9th of September at Cessnock Leagues Club, arrive 5.30pm for 6pm start.

This is a FREE event but registration is essential. You can register by scanning the QR code on the flyer below.

For further information about this event please contact Maxine Baird at info@striveforautism.org.au or 0419 913 033

11/08/2025

Bear in the Big Blue House is a favourite of many people who receive speech pathology services from us. The Goodbye Song is actually our adult AAC Music groups final song, their choice. I think this sums up why it’s so comforting (from Australian Millennials) -
“Bear in the Big Blue House was a soft, slow, comforting hug of a show.
You’d come home, crash on the couch, and Bear would be there like, “Hey there, small human, let’s talk about feelings.”
The goodbye song at the end? Gut-wrenching. The Moon? Emotionally wise beyond reason.
This show taught emotional intelligence before we even knew what that was.”
We support adults and children with their special interests without judgement, so they can feel valued, safe and comfortable working with us.

06/08/2025

I, Cat, have been trying to upskill in my axe throwing. It’s not going well but some of the young people I work with are going really well. This young man was a first timer foam axe thrower and got double 7. What a legend 🤩