The Speech Tree

12/03/2026

School holiday bookings are now open and we have three very different adventures on offer this break.

At Spy Academy, children step into the role of trainee spies. They’ll crack codes, solve missions, and work together to complete secret challenges that test their observation, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. It’s fast-paced, collaborative, and perfect for kids who love puzzles, mystery, and a bit of undercover action.

For children drawn to imagination and fantasy, Dragon Quest invites them into the world of dragon research. Together we explore where dragons might live, what powers they might have, and what makes a dragon friendly or fierce. Each child designs and creates their own dragon to take home while building ideas, sharing stories, and working with the group.

And for kids who love technology, design, and making things with their hands, Custom Keyboard Studio offers something completely different. Participants customise and assemble their own mechanical keyboard, learning how the components work while creating something unique they can actually use every day.

All of our holiday programs are designed by speech pathologists to be highly engaging, creative, and socially rich experiences. While the activities feel like pure fun, they naturally support communication, collaboration, flexible thinking, and confidence.

Places are limited and these groups tend to fill quickly. If one of these adventures sounds like the perfect fit for your child, now is a great time to secure a spot.

~ Frances 💬🌳

11/02/2026

I’m excited to announce that I am presenting at the 2026 Yellow Ladybugs Conference, a neuro-affirming and transformative conference running from 2-4 June 2026.

I’ll be discussing why behaviour systems like PBS often miss what autistic children actually need and how to shift towards connection and safety, alongside an incredible lineup of autistic presenters, professionals, and lived experience advocates. ~ Frances Brennan

You can join online from anywhere in the world with live and OnDemand access for 90 days.

If you are thinking about attending in person on day three, you will need to get in early as they sell out very quickly. Hybrid tickets include the Day 3 in Melbourne at Hyatt Place, Essendon Fields.

Get your ticket today at www.ylbconference.com and be part of this incredible conference. 💛

06/12/2025

We are hiring!

Hi Speech Tree friends! We are looking for a Client Experience Co-ordinator to join our front desk team, and I would love your help spreading the word.

As some of you may know, our lovely Celeste will be finishing up with us at the end of the year (😢), and so we are on the hunt for someone new to join our team and provide all the love and care that we have grown so used to having at the front desk at The Speech Tree!

- The role is full-time preferred, but part-time will be considered for the right person.
- Based at our Montrose clinic
- Above award hourly rate
- A genuinely supportive, neuro-affirming workplace (we also have a LOT of fun together!)

You can read the full job description and apply by clicking the link below!

Thank you for sharing this with your networks. Your support helps us find the right people who genuinely care about you, the families we support and the professionals we work with.

~ Frances 💬🌳

07/11/2025

Proud Speechie Moment!
Yesterday in our Branches Homeschool Program, we got to see some beautiful teamwork in action. One of our young people spent her session honing her fashion design skills — complete with a brand-new sketching table (built with the help of a creative peer!).
In return, she offered her support to another peer, helping with spelling as he worked on his Minecraft project.

Moments like these capture what Branches is all about — learners building community, sharing their strengths, and taking genuine interest in each other’s term portfolio projects. It’s such a joy to see confidence, creativity, and connection growing side by side.

03/11/2025

What does Monday look like at The Speech Tree? ☕ Staff coffee, story swaps, program prep, and a healthy amount of slime talk. Our clinicians bring creativity and care to every session. Because behind every therapy plan is a team who loves what they do. 💚

18/10/2025

Many families are hearing the term “Gestalt Language Processing” everywhere right now — but what does it really mean, and how does it fit into your child’s communication journey?

I’ll be joining the Belongside Families team to unpack what GLP actually looks like in practice, how to support your child’s language style in everyday life, and what to look for in therapy approaches that truly affirm and empower autistic learners.

This free webinar is open to all parents, educators, and professionals who want to deepen their understanding of language development for autistic children.

~Frances 💬🌳

📅 Monday 20 October, 8pm AEDT
🔗 Register via Belongside Families: https://events.humanitix.com/aswebinar2010

Does your child repeat scripts from their favourite TV show , phrases from YouTube videos or songs?⁠
⁠
Many autistic children are gestalt language processors—they learn language through chunks and phrases rather than single words.⁠
⁠
You might notice your child: ⁠
✨ Echoes what you say—word for word ⁠
✨ Repeats things in the exact same tone or pitch ⁠
✨ Uses the same phrases when they're happy, anxious, or sad⁠
⁠
This isn't something to "fix"—it's a natural pathway to communication.⁠
⁠
Join us for a free webinar with Speech Pathologist Frances Brenan from The Speech Tree as we explore:⁠
🔸 What GLP really is (and isn't) ⁠
🔸 How to support your child's language style in everyday life ⁠
🔸 What to ask your child's therapists about best practice support⁠
⁠
Gestalt Language Processing: Autism Webinar ⁠
📅 Mon, 20 Oct, 8pm AEDT ⁠
🔗 Register to attend live or receive the recording: https://events.humanitix.com/aswebinar2010

01/09/2025

Calling all young gamers - get ready for a thrilling afternoon of Mario Kart these holidays! There will be loads of fun and laughter and opportunities to connect with others while showcasing your Mario skills!

To secure a spot for your child, email admin@speechtree.com.au or call our clinic at (03) 9736 1069. 💬🌳

28/08/2025

Hey Nice Murals x The Speech Tree

We're so excited to be teaming up with Shannon from Hey Nice Murals to bring colour and creativity to The Speech Tree! In this holiday program, group members will connect and share ideas through co-creating a mural. We can't wait to see the finished design!

To secure a spot for your child, email admin@speechtree.com.au or call our clinic at (03) 9736 1069. ~💬🌳

26/08/2025

Out of This World: Slime Edition

These school holidays we're taking slime to the next level. Pirates, mermaids, space, dinosaurs or dragons - pick your theme and let the adventure begin! We'll be creating slime, connecting with others and having fun.

To secure a spot for your child,

25/08/2025

We're excited to welcome Stephanie to our team! Stephanie is a Speech Pathologist who is passionate about helping children and young people to develop their communication skills in a safe and supportive environment. Stephanie brings her warmth and fun to our team - we can't wait for you to meet her! Welcome Stephanie ~💬🌳

01/08/2025

That’s a wrap on our incredible holiday programs!

Our clients let their creativity run wild, crafting unique clay creations in a hands-on session full of imagination and fun.

A huge thanks to for hosting such a great day! 🎨🧱

24/07/2025

These are our themes for our social groups for Term 3 at The Speech Tree.

They commenced this week and our clients are ready for a term full of laughs, connection and good times! 👽🗺️💻🎨