Services Page

Speech Pathology Services

Cath Black Speech Pathology provides tailored services to help families understand and support their child’s communication and developmental needs. With over 20 years of experience and a commitment to neuroaffirming practices, Cath offers practical, compassionate guidance that builds on each child’s strengths. Services include autism assessments, personalised parent programs, therapy, and documentation support.

Children’s Autism Assessment

Cath Black provides the speech pathology component of a multidisciplinary autism assessment, taking a tailored, neuroaffirming approach to meet each child’s communication style and developmental needs.

What You Can Expect

• Neuroaffirming, Up-to-Date Knowledge: Cath combines the latest evidence with her extensive professional and lived experience of autism and ADHD, offering assessments grounded in understanding and empathy.

• Clear, Practical Reporting: Accessible and informative, the assessment report offers insights into your child’s communication profile, social communication style, and autistic qualities.

• Collaborative Assessment: Designed to integrate seamlessly with input from psychologists, paediatricians, and other specialists as part of a broader autism assessment.

Find out more about the Autism Assessment process with Cath by clicking here or arrange a complimentary 10-minute chat via the Contact page.  

LIFT Program: Learning and Insight for Flourishing Together

The LIFT Program is a tailored 1:1 service designed to support parents in understanding their autistic child following a recent or suspected autism identification (diagnosis), including insights into how their nervous system influences their responses and development. Through structured themes and personalised sessions, this program equips parents with neuroaffirming, practical insights and strategies to help their child thrive.

FoundationPackage ( 6-Sessions)

Covers six foundational themes related to your child’s development, creating a clear understanding of their nervous system and individual needs.

• Autism: Myth Busting and the impact of underlying neurology.

• Autistic Language Development: Explore differences in language development styles and the impact on effective communication.

• Helping my child feel 'Just Right' (Part 1): Understand the impact of autistic social differences on your child's ability to be regulated.

•  Helping my child feel 'Just Right (Part 2): Understand the impact of autistic sensory differences on the child's ability to be regulated.

• Helping my child feel 'Just Right (Part 3): Understand the impact of the autistic need for predictability on the child's ability to be regulated.

• Creating Joy and Peace at Home: Find the fun in your home and explore ways that allow you to enjoy your child.

Extension Package (10-Session)

Includes the six foundational sessions plus four customised sessions based on family goals and your child’s unique development.  This may include further exploration of the following topics that are relevant to your child and family.

• Parenting Styles that support your child's underlying neurology.

• Further understand how autistic Social Communication is different to  neurotypical communication.

• Additional ways to support my child's language development.

• Getting Help: What therapy and how much therapy should my child  attend.

The LIFT Program is designed to meet your family’s specific needs, helping you gain insight into your child’s development and create a supportive, neuroaffirming environment.

Therapy Support

Cath Black Speech Pathology offers individual therapy sessions to support children’s speech, language, and social communication development. Therapy sessions are held at the Altona North, Victoria office and are designed to align with each child’s personal goals, developmental stage, and family needs.

Documentation

• Short Reports or Letters: Available upon request.

• Comprehensive Reports: Provided following assessments or for specific requirements, such as funding applications through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

• NDIS Referrals: Supporting documentation available to assist with funding access.

Collaboration Opportunities

Cath welcomes collaboration with other assessing professionals, including paediatricians, psychologists, and psychiatrists. If you’re interested in working together, please contact her.