Authentic Connections Speech Pathology

Speech therapy that supports real connection

Neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy for children, teens,
and adults across Melbourne’s Inner West and North.

Meet Brendan

Your Future Speech Pathologist

Hi, I’m Brendan, the founder of Authentic Connections Speech Pathology. I work with children, teens, and young adults who need support with communication, speech production, social interaction, and everyday language skills.

My own neurodivergent experiences have shaped the way I approach therapy, with a strong focus on respect, flexibility, and real-life communication. My work is neurodiversity-affirming, which means building on each person’s strengths, respecting their communication style, and working towards goals that matter to them and their family.

I’m based in Sunshine and provide therapy across Melbourne’s Inner West and North, either at home, at school, or online.

Who Is Authentic Connections For?

I support individuals from early childhood through to young adulthood, across the stages where communication matters most.

Early Childhood

Therapy focuses on building foundational communication, play, and social engagement skills. Sessions are often play-based and interest-led, with caregiver involvement to support communication across everyday routines.

Primary School

Support focuses on language and literacy for learning, social communication, and helping children understand and express their thoughts and emotions in the classroom and with peers.

High School

Therapy targets emotional regulation, peer relationships, executive functioning, self-advocacy, and more complex language and academic communication skills to support success as they transition into adulthood.

Young Adults

Therapy supports communication for study, work, and relationships, including goal setting, planning, self-expression, and navigating complex social and workplace interactions.

Everyone’s communication journey looks different. If you’re unsure where you or your child fits, you’re welcome to reach out for a quick chat.

What makes Authentic Connections different?

Therapy is about more than speech sounds or worksheets. It’s about feeling understood, building confidence, and learning skills that matter in everyday life.

Neurodiversity-affirming approach

I support each person’s unique communication style, rather than trying to make them fit a single “normal” way of interacting.

Skills that matter in real life

We work on speech, language, literacy, fluency, social communication, and executive skills that actually help in everyday situations.

Collaborative, family-centered therapy

Parents, teens, and young adults are part of the process. We set goals together and adjust them as things change.

Safe and respectful therapy

Therapy is designed to feel safe, respectful, and engaging—especially for people who may have had negative experiences before.

What to Expect

Reaching out for support can feel overwhelming. My goal is to make the process simple, collaborative, and pressure-free. Here’s what it usually looks like:

Step 1 - Enquiry

Fill out the enquiry form with your contact details and a brief outline of your concerns, and I’ll get in touch with you.

Step 2 - Call

We’ll have a short phone call to talk through your needs, answer any questions, and make sure I’m the right fit for you or your child.

Step 3 - Forms

If we decide to proceed, you’ll complete a few intake forms to share important background information, strengths, challenges, and therapy goals. This step also includes the required consent and policy forms.

Step 4 - First Appointment

This session focuses on getting to know you or your child. I’ll complete an assessment or observation and develop a personalised, goal-focused plan.

Step 5 - Therapy Starts

Sessions focus on your specific goals in a supportive, collaborative environment, with regular check-ins to make sure therapy stays effective and meaningful.

Each step is designed to make therapy effective, supportive, and empowering.