Early Start Speech Pathology

10/04/2026

We are so proud to support Saxon and his family and all the great work he is doing for others. His kind nature and drive to help others is a testament to his family and support network. Congratulations Saxon!!

Here is a wonderful Easter story received from staff at Ronald McDonald house.

Saxon has been saving his own pocket money in order to purchase items for families staying at Ronald McDonald House, supporting those who are going through incredibly challenging times.

Yesterday, Saxon and his parents generously delivered a donation of Easter eggs and snacks for the families staying at Ronald McDonald house. His thoughtful gesture ensures that children and their loved ones who are unable to return home over Easter can still feel a sense of joy and inclusion during this special time. Along with his parents, one of Saxon’s teachers supported and enabled this initiative, which speaks volumes about the community that Saxon is involved in.

What makes this act even more remarkable is that Saxon uses his own money to give to others. This is a powerful reflection about his character, empathy, and genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of those around him.

The staff at Ronald McDonald house first met Saxon when he himself was undergoing treatment for brain cancer. Throughout his treatment, Saxon consistently showed concern for others, and he worked hard to stay engaged with his education. Despite facing such significant personal challenges, he remained eager to learn and always strived to do his best.

We have so many awesome students and staff at GTHS.

06/04/2026

EASTER COLOURING IN WINNERS 🎨🐣🍫
Monroe Warners Bay, Seth Lambton, and Oliver at Maitland!
we hope you loved your winning Easter Hampers 💜

02/04/2026

We wish everyone a safe and happy easter weekend with your friends and family. Early Start will be closed Good Friday and Easter Monday and we will be back in the office from Tuesday 7th April.

01/04/2026

Everyday, not just today, we admire the achievements of our clients who are neurodivergent. From being leaders at school, to being friendly in the playground. We recognise that everyone's brains work differently and that all children have a way of being themselves and that is a superb quality to have.

29/03/2026

Important language used in the classroom
Wow, I can’t believe a few of my little owls are about to complete Term 1 of Kindergarten. After talking with parents and some of their teachers, often the biggest challenge is the understanding of multi-step conditional directions often used in the classroom setting
💜Before you sit down at your desk please get your homework out of your bag and put it on my desk,
💚 After you have finished your work, please put it in your tray
💜 Stand behind your chair when you come into the classroom

Here is to building on these skills in Term 2.
Jane

25/03/2026

SHOUT OUT WEDNESDAY! CLAIRE OUR ENGLISH ROSE 🌹 (named by a wonderful client's carer)
CLAIRE is the glue that holds all our appointments together and the calm to all of our stressors and dysregulation. Claire works Monday to Friday at the Warners Bay clinic and is the voice you hear when you call Early Start for the first time. She manages the diaries, takes the payments, and plans our days x 10 therapists across 3 locations. Sounds a bit chaotic right? Well this little lady does this, with a smile on her dial, Ed Sheeran on the radio, and afew coffees to stay calm.
When Claire is not in the office, she loves a good concert, caravanning in her new wheels and spending time with her two beautiful daughters, her husband, and pup.

23/03/2026

Afew Easter and April School Holiday Groups have been announced. See Flyer below.

23/03/2026

In the last few weeks, Hannah has been working with multiple children to identify what communication system is best for that individual child. Many factors need to be considered when looking at alternative communication systems such as apps or high technology systems including the child's skills, their personality, but also how are do they process information to be able to communicate.
On this particular day, requesting was the goal using the AAC system. This clever child requested 'more' as well as colours of the magnet tiles. He then gestured to Hannah's badge that has the owl on it. He then placed the badge on top of his house because that is where you would find an owl. He then managed to type into the communication system 'owl' and looked so proud of himself for this big achievement. We can't wait to see how these children progress in the coming months.

19/03/2026

April and Easter School Holiday Groups Announced. Call for your spot today.

19/03/2026

MEET THE TEAM THURSDAY JULIA
I really need to update this profile image as Julia arrived to Early Start fresh faced and has grown so much as a therapist in the 2 years she has been with us.
Julia is the therapist who flies in and out of the clinic and I never know where Julia can be found. Julia works from the Warners Bay clinic Monday to Thursday and sees her clients of an afternoon across many schools, home and daycares. She is sweet and warm and kind, and her clients always leave the clinic smiling and regulated. Julia loves working with the early intervention caseload and you will find all the books, bubbles, puzzles and cause and effect toys in her cupboard.

"Has anyone seen my golden pop up pirate? I can't find it"
"...go look in Julia's cupboard" 🤣😘

17/03/2026

Like breathing, swallowing is essential to everyday life. People swallow between 500–700 times a day, around three times an hour during sleep, once per minute while awake and even more during meals.

Over one million Australians have a swallowing difficulty (also known as dysphagia).

Dysphagia can occur at any stage of life. However, the knowledge of dysphagia and its implications remain largely unknown for most Australians.

If you have trouble swallowing or eating, consult a speech pathologist for guidance.

17/03/2026

PLAY - WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE FOR YOUR KIDDOS? Admiring the beautiful patterns and colours this little one created with our toys in a recent session. 💜🧡💚