Specialist Speech Pathology for Complex Needs
Collaborative, person-centred support for communication, connection, and participation.
What do our Speech Pathology Services offer?
SAL Consulting’s Speech Pathology team brings deep expertise in supporting individuals with complex communication and swallowing needs across the lifespan. Our approach is person-centred, trauma-informed, and grounded in evidence-based practice—ensuring that our interventions are tailored, respectful, and clinically robust.
Working closely with families, carers, other professionals, and the broader SAL Consulting team, we aim to build a holistic understanding of each person and develop functional, meaningful strategies that support participation and quality of life.
How does it work?
Our Speech Pathologists provide assessment, intervention, and consultation for children, young people, and adults who require support with:
Eating and drinking (dysphagia) management
Language and literacy development
Communication-related behaviours of concern
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), including high-tech solutions
Social communication and relationship-building skills
Participation in daily routines, school, and day programs
We are experienced in working with individuals who may have:
Developmental or intellectual disability
Profound and multiple disabilities
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Dual diagnosis and co-occurring mental health needs
Ageing-related challenges in older people with lifelong disability
Social, emotional, or behavioural challenges
Complex trauma histories
Contact with the community justice system
Our Clinical Approach.
We integrate communication development with an understanding of the individual’s broader emotional, cognitive, and behavioural needs—recognising the intersections between communication, regulation, and relationships. Our team engages in regular professional development and supervision, ensuring our practice remains current, reflective, and responsive to the needs of the human services sector.
Contact us to get started:
Child & Adolescent Speech and Language
Strengths-based, trauma-informed support for communication development.
What do our Speech and Language Services involve?
SAL Consulting’s Speech Pathology team offers individualised, person-centred assessment and intervention for children and adolescents with speech, language, and communication needs. Our clinicians understand the developmental and relational impacts of early adversity and bring a trauma-informed lens to every aspect of our work.
We tailor each assessment to the needs of the child or young person, using a flexible mix of formal tools and informal, creative assessment processes to gain a complete picture of their strengths and challenges
How does it work?
We recognise that speech and language development can be deeply affected by early life experiences, developmental conditions, and social-emotional factors. Our speech pathologists are skilled in identifying and responding to:
Delays or disorders in speech and language development
Communication challenges linked to trauma or attachment disruptions
Difficulties engaging with learning or relationships due to language barriers
What happens next?
Following assessment, we provide a comprehensive written report with clear recommendations and a tailored intervention plan. Our therapy sessions are:
Child-focused and strengths-based
Designed to engage the child meaningfully in the process
Built around collaboration with the child’s support network (including families, carers, educators, and allied professionals)
Geared towards embedding practical communication strategies into everyday routines
Our goal is to strengthen the child’s communication skills while equipping their environment to support growth and connection.
Complex Communication Needs
Empowering individuals through accessible, meaningful communication strategies.
How do we approach Complex Communication Needs?
We believe communication is a human right—regardless of an individual’s abilities or diagnosis. Our speech pathology team has extensive experience working with children, young people, and adults with complex communication needs, and we understand how deeply communication is linked to behaviour, relationships, participation, and quality of life.
We work holistically with the person and their support network to identify and embed communication strategies that are practical, respectful, and effective—supporting each person to express themselves and connect with others in meaningful ways.
How does it work?
We recognise that behaviour is communication, and that improving someone’s ability to communicate can lead to:
Reduced behaviours of concern
Increased engagement in daily activities
Stronger relationships
Greater autonomy and wellbeing
Our team is trained and experienced in a range of approaches, including:
Intensive Interaction principles
Multi-sensory communication strategies
Key Word Sign (formerly Makaton)
No-tech AAC systems such as PODD, PECS, and symbol/photo-based tools
Simple voice output devices (e.g. Big Macks, Step-by-Step Communicators)
High-tech AAC devices with customised vocabulary and access methods
Complexity specialists.
We also work with individuals and teams to assess and adjust the communication environment, recognising that inclusive environments are key to supporting participation and reducing barriers.
Whether you’re supporting someone with a profound disability, dual diagnosis, or complex trauma background, we’ll help you find communication pathways that build connection and confidence.
Mealtime Management
Safe, dignified, and inclusive mealtimes that support health, independence, and quality of life.
What is Mealtime Management?
For individuals with complex needs, mealtimes can be more than just a routine—they can be a source of risk, anxiety, or exclusion. SAL Consulting’s Speech Pathology team provides comprehensive mealtime assessments and management plans to support safe, enjoyable, and person-centred eating experiences.
We take a holistic, team-based approach, recognising that effective mealtime support must consider the whole person—not just what’s on the plate.
How does it work?
We work with individuals and their support networks to understand every aspect of the mealtime experience. Our assessments and plans include considerations such as:
Food and fluid consistencies for safe swallowing (dysphagia management)
Positioning and equipment needs to optimise safety and comfort
Communication support to help the person express preferences and needs
Environmental factors that support or hinder mealtime participation
Medication administration in the safest and most appropriate way
Participation in meal-related activities, including planning, preparation, and clean-up
Strategies for community settings such as restaurants, BBQs, and social events
Our goal is to ensure that mealtimes are safe, inclusive, and empowering, while respecting the individual’s preferences, cultural practices, and autonomy.
Collaborative, Integrated Practice.
We work closely with:
Dietitians
Occupational Therapists
Physiotherapists
Behaviour Support Practitioners
Other allied health and clinical professionals
This collaborative approach allows us to develop and implement cohesive, responsive support plans for people with:
Complex health presentations
Sensory processing challenges
Physical disability
Behavioural support needs
Dual diagnosis and trauma histories