The Beaches Reading, Speech & Language Clinic

Get to know The Beaches Reading, Speech & Language Clinic

From The Beaches Reading, Speech & Language Clinic's website.

• Our approach

  Therapy is tailored to each child's unique needs and interests, integrating speech pathology with special education and early intervention principles. Sessions use both standardised and informal assessment methods to identify specific areas of concern, followed by strength-based learning that incorporates the child's individual interests. The clinic offers flexible service delivery options including in-clinic sessions, Telehealth appointments, and on-site visits to schools and daycare centres, ensuring families can access support in the most convenient way. Tracey takes a warm, individualised approach that focuses on helping children improve their communication and literacy skills at their own pace. No GP referral is required to access services, making it easier for families to begin their child's communication and learning journey.

• Working with families

  Open communication with parents and carers is central to the clinic's approach, beginning with detailed case history discussions at the initial assessment that include your observations of your child's development and concerns. Tracey provides both verbal feedback at the end of assessment appointments and a comprehensive written report to help you understand your child's strengths and needs. She is happy to share assessment findings and recommendations with other professionals in your child's life—doctors, allied health practitioners, and teachers—to ensure coordinated, collaborative care. Throughout therapy, you remain a key partner in your child's progress, with Tracey tailoring her strength-based approach to incorporate your child's interests and your family's priorities. The clinic is available by phone and email for any questions or concerns, ensuring you receive the support and information you need every step of the way.

• Meet the team

  The clinic is led by Tracey Hawthorne, a highly skilled Speech-Language Pathologist and Literacy Specialist with extensive experience as a Special Educator and Early Interventionist. Tracey is a certified practising Speech-Language Pathologist and active member of Speech Pathology Australia, demonstrating her commitment to professional excellence. She holds specialised expertise in literacy, dyslexia diagnosis and remediation, and is certified as a Hanen It Takes Two To Talk interventionalist. With decades of experience in the disability sector since the 1990s, Tracey brings empathy and strength-based learning approaches to support children with a wide range of needs, from autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities to traumatic brain injury and other conditions.

• Your first visit

  The first appointment (or initial assessment, which typically takes 1-2 visits) begins with a detailed case history discussion covering medical, language, social and developmental history, as well as any previous diagnoses. Standardised and informal assessments are then used to assess the specific areas of concern you've identified. At the end of the assessment, Tracey provides verbal feedback and follows this with a written report detailing findings and recommendations. If you have a recent Speech Pathology report (less than 12 months old), Tracey is happy to work from this report instead, following an in-depth discussion with you to set goals and begin therapy promptly. With your permission, Tracey can also share feedback with other professionals involved in your child's care, such as doctors, allied health practitioners, and teachers.