The Learning & Literacy Clinic

Get to know The Learning & Literacy Clinic

From The Learning & Literacy Clinic's website.

• Our approach

  The clinic uses an integrated speech pathology and literacy approach grounded in evidence-based interventions. Sessions combine strategies from speech pathology, education, and psychology to address reading, writing, spelling, and communication skills. The team applies techniques such as systematic synthetic phonics, articulation therapy, phonological awareness training, and comprehension interventions tailored to each person's learning style and developmental stage. Assessments using standardised tools like TILLS, WRMT-3, MOTIF, and SAST pinpoint individual strengths and challenges, enabling therapists to create personalised treatment plans targeting specific needs.

• Working with families

  Family involvement is central to the clinic's collaborative approach and is identified as key to success. The team works closely with families, educators, and other professionals involved in supporting the individual's learning journey, ensuring consistent support and open communication. The clinic provides regular updates through detailed progress reports and meetings with families, uses standardised assessments and regular progress monitoring to track growth, and provides tailored resources, activities, and guidance for home support. The team emphasises they are always available to answer questions and provide support to parents and carers.

• Meet the team

  The team comprises Certified Practising Speech Pathologists with extensive experience in supporting diverse learning needs. Lachlan Heiner is the Clinical Director and Senior Speech Pathologist holding a Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) degree. Monica Antolini, Mackayla Paul, and Zara Limmer-Rhodes are Speech Pathologists, all with Bachelor degrees in Speech Pathology (Honours) and CPSP certification. The team has documented experience working with dyslexia, developmental language disorder, ADHD, ASD, speech-sound disorders, and learning difficulties. Sarah Brittain provides administrative support. The clinic emphasises that all team members are trained in evidence-based assessments and current research practices.

• Your first visit

  The first appointment begins with a comprehensive assessment designed to identify the client's strengths, challenges, learning style, and goals. The team uses standardised evidence-based assessments including TILLS, WRMT-3, MOTIF, and SAST, along with speech and language tests, to comprehensively evaluate and pinpoint the root of literacy challenges. Based on this detailed assessment information, therapists develop a personalised treatment plan targeting the specific needs identified. This initial consultation and assessment process ensures the clinic understands the individual's unique profile before treatment begins.