Speech Pathologists support individuals who experience challenges with their communication, working with them to ensure they are equipped with the skills and confidence to communicate their way. They also support people who require specialist mealtime support.
But what does being a Speech Pathologist at the Association really mean and what does the role involve?
We spoke to Sarah – who has been part of our team for 8 years and currently supports adults with Autism – to learn more about why she loves what she does.
What’s the first thing you do when you start your day to get into “work mode”?
I like to enjoy a cup of tea while responding to a few emails.
Describe your role in 3 words:
- Diverse
- Supportive
- Collaborative
What is the best thing about your role?
The diversity, the flexibility, and the relationships I get to build with the people I support and their families.
Can you tell us what a day or week looks like in your role?
I am based at our Joondalup hub, but most days I’ll be out and about in the community. My role involves seeing and supporting 3 to 4 people per day, but before that my days typically start with responding to emails, checking my calendar, and preparing for my upcoming sessions.
Most of the people I support like to have sessions with me once a fortnight, and these look very different for each person. Some sessions are highly talk-based and can be more casual, like chatting over a cup of coffee at a local café; while other sessions are more structured and include visual communication supports like activity schedules, choice boards, and pre-developed therapy resources and activities. It all depends on the person and their specific needs and goals.
Most weeks involve team meetings and case conferences for the people I support in Shared Living. I really enjoy these as they are great opportunities for supporting teams to come together face to face and collaborate around that person’s progress and goals.
I’m also part of the Augmented and Alternative Communication (AAC) team, and we have monthly team meetings with other speech pathologists in the Association to discuss all things AAC. I love being part of the team – it helps me provide comprehensive and successful AAC referrals to those I support by keeping me up to date with the latest resources, tools, and information.
Why did you choose a career in Autism?
When I graduated university in 2016, I remember feeling like Autism was an area where I didn’t have enough knowledge and wanted to learn more. I reached out to the Autism Association of WA, was offered a Therapy Assistant position in Early Intervention, and the rest is history! I love working in this field and I am constantly learning.
What motivates you at work?
It sounds cliché, but truthfully, it is the people I support. I feel so honoured being allowed into so many people’s lives who feel comfortable sharing so much of themselves with me. Being a part of their journey long-term and witnessing their progress is the greatest feeling.
How do you like to spend time away from work?
Eating out and socialising with friends, spending time with family, taking nature walks with my partner and dog, and going out on the boat for snorkelling and fishing.
Tell us something no one knows about you.
I have two chickens, Doris and Margaret. Most people who work closely with me probably know this already, though!
Learn more about the different roles at the Association and how every person contributes towards supporting people with Autism and their families to live their best life.