Speech Pathology | Supervision | Lived Experience | Neurodivergent affirming | Nature Informed
Rachel Fletcher
Everyone Communicates Differently
+ Neurodivergent-led Speech Pathology (16+)
+ Telehealth Online Australia Wide
+ Nature Based Therapy
+ Affirming Supervision
+ Coming Soon: Rooms in Melbourne Northern Suburbs
About Rachel Fletcher
I’m Rachel (she/they), a Neurodivergent Speech Pathologist based in Naarm/Melbourne.
I support neurodivergent teens and adults (16 and up), with communication, executive functioning and self-advocacy.
Sessions can take place in the comfort of your own space via telehealth or may take place in a sensory-friendly community garden, coming soon to northern suburbs Melbourne.
My approach is neurodivergent-affirming, client-led and grounded in lived experience. Support that meets you where you are!
Outside of work I enjoy:
- Being in nature
- Spending time with animals
- Reading
- Craft & creative projects
- Gardening & therapeutic horticulture
How I Support
- Embracing your communication: By nurturing understanding, acceptance and unmasking in your own way
- AAC tools fit for you: Finding or adapting communication systems that support autonomy and ease
- Sensory and Executive Functioning: Exploration of how these show up in communication
- Self-Advocacy and Access: Increasing knowledge in navigating systems and being heard
Special Interest Areas
- Alternative & Augmentative Communication (AAC)
- The Double Empathy problem
- Advocacy & self-advocacy training
- Executive functioning & metacognitive strategies
- Communication partner training
- Environment assessments & recommendations
- Mealtime enjoyment & dignity support
Values
- Neurodivergent-Led: This practice is owned and operated by a Neurodivergent (AuDHD) Speech Pathologist. Lived experience informs how I communicate, adapt sessions and prioritise authentic connections.
- Neurodivergent-Affirming: I recognise neurodivergence as a form of human diversity, not a deficit to be “fixed” . I work in ways that honour each person’s natural communication, processing and sensory preferences.
- Relationships-first: Trust, safety and genuine rapport are foundational. I strive to build respectful, low-pressure relationships with clients, support networks and colleagues.
- Sensory-Friendly: Whether online, or in person, I aim to create calm, flexible spaces, free from harsh lighting, unnecessary perceived or real pressures, and overwhelming demand.
- Trauma-Informed: I acknowledge the impacts of trauma and systemic oppression on people’s access to healthcare and communication. My practice aims to avoid coercive or compliance-based approaches.
- Client-Focused: “Therapy goals” are shaped by what matters to the client, not neuro-normative checklists. Support is focused on real-life communication, wellbeing and self-determination.
- Sustainable and Boundaried: I aim to model healthy boundaries, rest and pacing, for myself and those I work with. This includes being transparent about my availability, scope and season structures.
Supporting Neurodivergent Teens and Adults
I work with neurodivergent adults and teens (16+) who want collaborative, identity-affirming support. Many of my clients experience communication differences, social fatigue, healthcare anxiety, or want help navigating everyday communication challenges.
- Autism & ADHD
- Intellectual Disability
- Acquired Brain Injury
- Parkinson’s & Dementia
- Late adolescents (16+)
- Young adults
- Adults of all ages
In Practice: Nature, Communication & Everyday Supports
A glimpse into the sensory-friendly, nature-based and ND-led spaces I work in
Supervision | Education | Training
Clinical Supervision for Speech Pathologists:
Neurodivergent-led, reflective, safe supervision for early-career, solo, or neurodivergent clinicians wanting support that aligns with:
- Affirming practice
- Self-care
- Realistic pacing
- Identity-first frameworks
Student Supervision & Mentoring:
Support and mentoring for speech pathology students, including:
- Telehealth placements
- Nature-based practice conversations
- Learning about ND-affirming approaches.
Education & Training:
Workshops and presentations for community organisations, neurodivergent events, aged care, community gardens, and allied health teams.
Topics include:
- Neurodivergent affirming communication
- Sensory-friendly service design
- Nature-based therapy principles
- AAC for adults
- Supporting neurodivergent students on placement.
My Philosophy
Nature doesn’t have to be outdoors!
In our neurodivergent-led and affirming speech therapy sessions, we often bring nature in, through plants, natural textures, or even LEGO builds.
This LEGO® sunflower activity was a perfect blend of a client’s special interest and biophilic design, the idea that natural shapes and colours, even indoors, can support calm, attention, and wellbeing. We used AAC to model words like colours and sizes of pieces, turning each piece into an opportunity for shared joy and communication.
Whether inside or outside, nature supports connection!
LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this site.
Availability & Fees
- Telehealth appointments available now
- Nature-based and rooms based sessions open later in 2026
- Supervision & training available Australia-wide
- NDIS self-managed, plan-managed, Medicare or Private paying accepted
- Full fee schedule provided on enquiry
Bookings
What to Expect
Send an enquiry using the form below.
Optional Intro call: A free 15-minute Zoom call to check fit and to answer any questions.
Initial session: Gentle, sensory-aware, no pressure.
Ongoing support based on your energy, goals, and preferences.
Booking Enquiry Form
