My Speech Pathology Tasmania

15/04/2026

𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗻’𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲
Parkinson’s Disease can change the way someone speaks, communicates, and swallows - but speech pathology plays a key role in keeping these skills strong and safe for as long as possible.

Speech pathologists can support people with Parkinson’s by helping with:
Speaking more clearly: Techniques that reduce mumbling, slurred speech, or fast speech patterns.
Improving voice loudness: Parkinson’s often causes a softer voice — therapy can help strengthen and project the voice more effectively.
Supporting safe swallowing: Assessments and targeted strategies help reduce coughing, choking, and difficulties with eating or drinking.
Building better breath control: Working on breathing patterns helps support clearer, more steady speech.
Boosting everyday communication: Practical strategies, cues, and (when helpful) communication aids support confidence in conversations.

Every person’s needs are different, and therapy is tailored to their goals, abilities, and daily routines.

If you’d like to learn more or book an appointment, call (03) 6431 8411 or visit www.myspeechpathology.org.au

11/04/2026

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗻'𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆

Today, the 11th of April, is World Parkinson's Day and we here at My Speech Pathology Tasmania acknowledge and recognise not only the struggle and hardship brings to those who have it through their speech but also the resilience and continuous growth of those to adapt and challenge it head on.

Find out about Parkinson's through Parkinson's Australia at https://www.parkinsons.org.au/ and we hope you can watch this informative video from them about those who have it and how they are more than their Parkinson's.

Today, on World Parkinson’s Day 2025, we proudly launch "I Am More Than My Parkinson’s", a campaign dedicated to empowering, connecting, and advocating for t...

10/04/2026

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲
Supporting someone with dementia often means adjusting the way we communicate — and small changes can make daily interactions calmer, clearer, and more connected.

Here are some gentle, practical strategies to help communication feel easier for both you and the person you’re caring for:
Get their attention first:
Use their name, make eye contact, and reduce background noise so they can focus on your voice.
Keep language simple:
Short sentences, clear instructions, and one idea at a time help reduce overload.
Use visual cues:
Gestures, pointing, showing objects, or using written reminders can support understanding.
Allow extra time: Give the person plenty of space to process and respond — rushing can create stress.
Validate feelings: Even if words get muddled, emotions are real. A calm tone and reassuring body language go a long way.
Redirect, don’t correct: If confusion arises, gently guide the conversation rather than pointing out mistakes.

Speech pathologists can support families, carers, and professionals with tailored strategies to make communication more successful and meaningful.

For guidance in dementia communication, call our office on (03) 6431 8411 or visit www.myspeechpathology.org.au

09/04/2026

𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 & 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀
If your job relies on your voice, it’s one of your most important tools — but it’s also one of the easiest to strain. Teachers, coaches, support workers, and anyone who talks all day can experience vocal fatigue, hoarseness, or even long-term voice concerns.

Here are a few simple habits that can help protect your voice through busy days:
Stay hydrated: Your vocal cords need moisture to move freely. Sip water regularly across the day — not just when you feel dry.
Use your breath: Good breath support reduces strain. Try speaking from the diaphragm to avoid “pushing” your voice.
Warm up your voice: Just like warming up before exercise, gentle hums and lip trills can prepare your voice for a full day of talking.
Reduce background noise: Whenever possible, minimise the need to “speak over” loud environments. Even small adjustments make a big difference.
Rest your voice: Short, intentional voice breaks help prevent fatigue and keep your voice healthier in the long term.

If you notice ongoing hoarseness, pain, or voice loss, a speech pathologist can help assess what’s going on and support a healthier, stronger voice.

If you’d like to learn more or book an appointment, call (03) 6431 8411 or visit www.myspeechpathology.org.au.

03/04/2026

𝗡𝗘𝗪: 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 (𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟭 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲)
Great news! From 1 March 2026, Medicare has expanded funding to support speech pathology services for children and young people under 25.

Medicare now supports assessment and therapy for:
Stuttering
Speech sound disorders (including articulation, phonological issues, apraxia and dysarthria)
Cleft lip and/or palate
What’s covered?
Up to 8 assessment sessions (50 minutes each)
Up to 20 treatment sessions (30 minutes each)
These are a lifetime allocation and do not reset each year, remaining available until the client turns 25.
How do you access services?
You will need referral is required from a GP, specialist or consultant physician

It is important to note that item numbers and rebate amounts remain the same.

What about other speech needs?
Other speech needs (such as Developmental Language Disorder) may still be supported under a Chronic Condition Management Plan, which provides up to 5 Medicare-rebated sessions per year.

If you’d like to learn more or book an appointment, call (03) 6431 8411 or visit www.myspeechpathology.org.au.

18/03/2026

𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗺: 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗰𝗰𝘂𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can impact communication, social interaction, and daily routines. Speech pathologists play a key role in helping individuals develop functional communication skills - whether through spoken language, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), or visual supports.
Our work often involves collaboration with Occupational Therapists (OT) to ensure therapy is holistic. While OTs address sensory and functional needs, speech pathologists focus on:
Building expressive and receptive language
Supporting social communication and conversation skills
Creating strategies for communication in everyday environments

This combined approach helps clients communicate effectively while managing sensory challenges and daily living skills.

If you’d like to learn more or book an appointment, call (03) 6431 8411 or visit

Official NDIS provider offering comprehensive speech-language pathology services for all ages, including assessments, therapy, and education.

04/03/2026

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗜𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 “𝗦𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻”
People who stutter are often told to “slow down” - but stuttering is far more complex than speaking too quickly.
Stuttering involves timing, coordination, tension, and confidence, and every person’s experience is unique.

Effective support focuses on:
Understanding the pattern of stuttering, not just the moments of disfluency
Building confidence and reducing communication anxiety
Developing practical strategies for smoother, easier communication
Supporting emotional wellbeing, especially for children and teens
Empowering families to respond in helpful, pressure-free ways

Speech pathologists work collaboratively to help people communicate in ways that feel natural, comfortable, and confident.

If you’re concerned about stuttering in yourself or someone you care about, early and supportive intervention can make a real difference.

If you’d like to learn more or book an appointment, call (03) 6431 8411 or visit www.myspeechpathology.org.au.

03/03/2026

𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗮: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆
Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) is a neurological condition that gradually impairs language skills, including speaking, understanding, reading, and writing. Unlike stroke-related aphasia, PPA is progressive, meaning symptoms worsen over time.

Although there is no cure, speech pathology can help maintain communication and quality of life by:
Conducting detailed language assessments to identify strengths and areas of need
Developing strategies to support everyday communication for as long as possible
Introducing alternative communication methods such as visual aids or AAC devices
Providing education and practical tools for families and caregivers

Early intervention is essential to help individuals and their support networks adapt and plan for future changes.

If you’d like to learn more or book an appointment, call (03) 6431 8411 or visit www.myspeechpathology.org.au.

11/02/2026

𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗱𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀
Speech therapy isn’t just for children - adults can experience speech and language difficulties too. These challenges may arise after a stroke, due to voice changes, stuttering, or other presenting concerns.

Our speech pathologists can explore person-centred strategies to help. It’s never too late to seek support. Every step forward makes a difference.

Call us on (03) 6431 8411 or visit www.myspeechpathology.org.au to book an assessment.

04/02/2026

𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹

The start of a new school year is exciting - but it can also reveal challenges with speech and language that impact learning and confidence. Communication skills are the foundation for success in the classroom.

Why it matters:
Speech clarity can help children participate in discussions and answer questions confidently.
Language skills are essential for reading, writing, and understanding instructions.
Social communication can support friendships and positive interactions with teachers and peers.

When these skills are delayed, children may feel frustrated, fall behind academically, or experience social challenges. Early support makes a difference. Speech pathologists can assist to assesses and identify difficulties, and also use evidence-based strategies that can help develop communication skills.

Call us on (03) 6431 8411 or visit www.myspeechpathology.org.au to book an assessment.

03/02/2026

What did you do to recognise Physical Disability Awareness Day today?

30/01/2026

𝗪𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗔𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀
Whether it’s for yourself, a family member, or a client, our team at My Speech Pathology Tasmania is ready to support you. We work with people of all ages to improve:
Speech clarity
Stuttering
Language and literacy skills
Swallowing safety
Confidence in communication

If you think speech pathology could help, referrals are welcome – or you can contact us directly. Together, we’ll create a plan tailored to your goals.

Call us today on (03) 6431 8411 or visit www.myspeechpathology.org.au to get started.

Official NDIS provider offering comprehensive speech-language pathology services for all ages, including assessments, therapy, and education.