Optimal Speech Pathology

16/04/2026

03/04/2026

Most people think of tremor or walking changes when they think of Parkinson’s — but changes to speech and voice can actually be some of the earliest signs.

A softer voice, monotone speech, mumbling, talking too quickly, or feeling like it takes more effort to speak can all be early communication changes seen in Parkinson’s.

Often, family members notice these changes first.

Early support from a speech pathologist can help people maintain communication, confidence, and quality of life.

With our BEYOND VOICE launch at the end of 2025, we are proud to continue supporting PD patients across so many parts of Sydney. One of the programs we use to support our patients is the SPEAK OUT! therapy program from Parkinson Voice Project - 8 years and going strong!

03/04/2026

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month!! Thinking of all of our inspiring clients with Parkinson's Disease - you continue to inspire us with your ongoing commitment to Speech Therapy and your motivation to live well with PD. Parkinson's NSW

03/04/2026

We have some more exciting news at Optimal Speech Pathology - this month we welcome our newest clinician, Josie Deng!! 🙌🙌 and we can't wait for you to meet her!

Josie completed her Bachelor’s degree in Applied Science (Speech Pathology) from The University of Sydney in 2017. Over the past 8 years, she has had the pleasure of working in both metropolitan and rural Australia to provide care across acute, inpatient rehabilitation, chronic care, and palliative care settings. Josie has also gained extensive experience working in the field of lifelong disability to support adolescents and young adults in achieving meaningful goals.

She is certified in providing both LSVT-LOUD and SpeakOut! programs, with additional post graduate credentials from The University of Sydney in working with Functional Neurological Voice Disorders. As a multi-lingual therapist (fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin), Josie is passionate about enhancing healthcare access and health literacy for the multi-cultural population.

A very warm welcome to the lovely Josie - we can't for you to work with our beautiful clients!

03/04/2026

From 10 swallows to 4 in just 2 weeks 🤯🔥

Using the Bisskapp device and intensive skill-based therapy, this client made huge gains in swallow timing and control.

At the start, it took 10 swallows to get through a 1/4 Salada biscuit. Two weeks later? Just 4.

He also noticed less food and drink coming out through his nose — a big win for confidence and comfort.

His favourite insight:

“I need to swallow before I reach the orange box.” (in reference to skill-based training program on the Bisskapp device)

That moment when the timing clicks is everything 🙌

The graph says it all — skill levels climbed fast, with more challenging targets becoming easier session by session. Consistency + feedback = serious progress. Swallowing TechnologiesOptimal Speech Pathology

03/04/2026

Re-sharing this! Only one weekend to go before our wonderful Colleen will be sharing her insights on the Better Conversations Program for Parkinson's, and will be co-presenting with the brilliant Phillipa Clay, researcher and program developer from the University College London - if you haven't registered, here is the link: https://pdwarrior.com/insight-registration PD Warrior Global Tribe

Only 18 days to go!! Register here for the brilliant Insight into PD conference. Optimal SP presentation is all set! Register here https://pdwarrior.com/insight PD Warrior Global Tribe

31/03/2026

It was so wonderful presenting at the Parkinson’s Symposium this morning - Christina and Colleen presented alongside Anneke (Clinical Specialist, Swaltech) on BiSSkApp and home-based swallowing rehabilitation in Parkinson’s - this has been a game changer for our Parkinson’s cohort and so great to see that positive functional impact this is having on those Parkinson’s clients that have participated in the intensive swallow therapy via BiSSkApp.

So great to also meet our colleagues and clients attending the symposium today Parkinson's NSWSwallowing Technologies

26/03/2026

Great opportunity!

Dysphagia is common in Parkinsonian syndromes - but often under-recognised in clinical work-up. Join ARCademy on 7 April for a free live Neuro Lecture with Neurologist & Movement Disorders Specialist, Professor Florin Gandor exploring:

🧠 Laryngopharyngeal Dysfunction in Parkinsonian Syndromes: What Clinicians Need to Know

📅 7 April | ⏰ 6pm AEST
💻 Live Webinar Online

A practical, clinician-focused session examining dysphagia phenotypes, diagnostic biomarkers and treatment considerations.

👉 Register Here: https://arcademy.com.au/evening-lectures/

24/03/2026

Only 18 days to go!! Register here for the brilliant Insight into PD conference. Optimal SP presentation is all set! Register here https://pdwarrior.com/insight PD Warrior Global Tribe

20/03/2026

Voice patient kicking goals with home practice on Plasticise! Result - voice holding up well with three days of teaching noisy littlies!

18/03/2026

This week is Brain Injury Awareness Week. Are you looking after your brain? Be active
Prioritise sleep
Socialise
Challenge yourself
Eat healthily
Protect your head!