Profile

Profile Type

Niche, Hub or Small Provider

Nickname

SLCN

Display Name

SLCN

General

Trading Name

Supporting Learning for Children with Needs

Best Contact

Brent Connolly

Intro

Supporting Learning for Children with Needs (SLCN) provides expert speech therapy, behaviour therapy, and developmental education therapy and assessments, and tailored programs to help children thrive—empowering participants and families with tools for lifelong developmental and learning success.

 

General Vibe

SLCN radiates warmth, empathy, and expertise. We’re a team of passionate professionals who believe every child deserves to feel confident, capable, and connected. Our approach is deeply personalised—we listen, adapt, and collaborate with families, educators, and children to create meaningful, lasting progress.

We thrive in partnerships built on trust, open communication, and shared goals. The best matches are with participants and families who value holistic care, consistency, and a strengths-based approach. Whether it’s speech therapy, behaviour therapy, educational support, or tailored programs, we meet each child where they are and walk with them toward where they want to be.

LGBTQIA+

Friendly

Job Description
  • Administration
  • Allied Health
  • Team Leader

Address and Contact

Areas and Locations Serviced.

Western and northern suburbs of Melbourne; Derrimut, Victoria; Australia for telehealth

Email (Best contact)

[email protected]

Contact Number

0380880527

Biography (Optional)

Hello! I’m Brent, a Paediatric Speech Pathologist from Melbourne. At SLCN, we provide speech pathology, psychology, behaviour therapy, developmental education, counselling, positive behaviour support, psychosocial recovery coaching, and (specialist) support coordination assessments and therapy at our clinic in Melbourne, at your home or school/work, or via telehealth (online).

If you’re concerned about your or your child’s development, please reach out.

Finding out your child has difficulties with development can be stressful. The worries that go through your mind will be many.

Are they going to catch up in school?

Where do I get help for problems?

What are my therapy options?

How do I get funding in Australia to help my child? Or how do I use my child’s funding?

Is everything going to be OK?

When communication, daily living, social, emotional, behavioural, and physical difficulties are present alongside other conditions like autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, or ADHD, then the stress and anxiety can be multiplied.

If you’re on this journey with your child, you may be at the “Where do I start?” point. Maybe you’re further along at the “Where do I go from here?” stage. Or even wondering “What else can I do to help them?”.

Why Choose Us

Here’s why you should choose Supporting Learning for Children with Needs.

Qualified and registered therapists

Decades of experience supporting children’s development

Person-centred and family-centred support

We use evidence-informed assessments and therapy

At SLCN, we are committed to providing high-quality, interdisciplinary therapy services that focus on the communication, daily living, social-emotional, and physical skills and behaviour of our participants. Our approach is based on the following principles:

1. Family-Centred Approach: We believe in putting the participants and their families at the heart of everything we do. We work to understand and address their unique needs and preferences, and we involve them in every step of the therapy process.

2. Values-Based Approach: We are a family-run values-based business, and we uphold responsible social and ethical behaviour. We require the same from our participants and their families.

3. Interdisciplinary Practice: We have a team of skilled professionals from various disciplines who work together to provide comprehensive therapy services to our participants.

4. Data-Based Decision Making: We use evidence-based practices and data-based decision making to meet our goals and the goals of our participants and their families.

5. Accountability and Transparency: We are accountable and transparent in our communication and interaction with participants and their families and our team member.

6. Respect for Individuality and Diversity: We respect the individuality and diversity of our participants and their families, and we strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.

 

Services Profile

Services Description

Supporting Learning for Children with Needs (SLCN) is a multidisciplinary, neuro-affirming provider of therapy and educational services for children with diverse developmental, learning, and communication needs. Based in Melbourne’s western suburbs, SLCN offers a warm, inclusive, and family-centred approach to supporting children through every stage of their growth.
Our Services
Speech and Language Therapy

  • Support for speech delays, language disorders, stuttering, apraxia, and social communication challenges.
  • Therapy tailored to each child’s communication style, including AAC and non-verbal methods.
  • Delivered in-clinic, at school, or via telehealth.

Behaviour Therapy

  • Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) plans developed with families and educators.
  • Functional Behaviour Assessments (FBA) to understand and respond to behaviours.
  • Strategies for emotional regulation, social skills, and reducing distress.

Developmental Education

  • Individualised learning programs designed to support cognitive, social, and emotional development.
  • Play-based and strengths-focused teaching methods.
  • Support for school readiness and transitions.

Educational Support

  • Literacy and numeracy intervention for children with learning difficulties or disabilities.
  • Collaboration with schools to support inclusive education.
  • Assistance with IEPs, classroom strategies, and curriculum access.

Assessments

  • Comprehensive developmental, speech, language, and educational assessments.
  • Reports tailored for NDIS, schools, and other support services.
  • Collaborative goal-setting with families and professionals.

NDIS Services

  • Registered NDIS provider offering therapeutic supports under Early Childhood and School Age categories.
  • Assistance with navigating NDIS plans and goals.
  • Flexible service delivery across home, school, and community settings.

Points of Difference
1. Neuro-Affirming Practice
SLCN embraces neurodiversity and avoids deficit-based models. We support children as they are, not as they’re expected to be, and celebrate every unique way of thinking, learning, and communicating.
2. Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Our team includes speech pathologists, developmental educators, behaviour specialists, and learning support professionals who work together to provide holistic care.
3. Family-Centred Approach
We partner with families every step of the way—listening, adapting, and co-creating goals that reflect the child’s strengths and the family’s values.
4. Inclusive and Flexible Delivery
Services are available in-clinic, at home, in schools, and online. We meet children where they are—physically and developmentally.
5. Local Expertise
Deeply embedded in Melbourne’s western suburbs, we understand the local community, schools, and support networks, making our services accessible and culturally responsive.
6. Strengths-Based Learning
We focus on building confidence, independence, and joy in learning. Our programs are designed to empower—not correct—children’s natural abilities.

Services Provided
  • Allied Health Assistant
  • Art Therapy
  • Developmental Education
  • Early Childhood Intervention
  • Employment Services
  • In home support
  • Pediatric
  • Play Therapy
  • Speech Therapy
  • Support Coordination Level 1
  • Support Coordination Level 2
  • Support Coordination Level 3
  • Support Worker
  • Therapy Assistant
  • Therapy Other
Telehealth Services

Yes

Particular Niches Catered : Desc

Core Therapy Services

  • Speech Therapy: For children with communication challenges, including articulation, language delays, and social communication.
  • Behaviour Therapy: Addressing behavioural concerns and helping children develop positive behaviour strategies.
  • Counselling Therapy: Supporting emotional wellbeing and mental health.
  • Psychology Therapy: For cognitive, emotional, and behavioural assessments and interventions.
  • Occupational Therapy: Helping children with motor skills, sensory processing, and daily living activities.
  • Play Therapy: Using play as a medium to support emotional and developmental growth.
  • Developmental Education: Tailored educational support for children with developmental delays.
  • Psychosocial Recovery Coaching: Supporting children and families in managing psychosocial challenges.
  • Positive Behaviour Support: Structured plans to improve behaviour in various settings.
  • Support Coordination: Helping families navigate and manage NDIS and other support systems.

Specialised Programs and Assessments

  • Social Groups: Facilitated peer interaction and social skill development.
  • Parent Programs: Training and support for parents to better assist their children.
  • School Staff Training: Professional development for educators working with children with additional needs.
  • Comprehensive Assessments: Benchmarking developmental milestones and identifying areas for intervention.

Developmental Areas Targeted
SLCN focuses on eight key developmental domains:

  1. Communication – Expressive and receptive language skills.
  2. Play Skills – Including pretend and functional play.
  3. Daily Living Skills – Independence in tasks like dressing and toileting.
  4. Motor Skills – Visual, oral, and gross/fine motor coordination.
  5. Executive Functioning – Memory, attention, planning, and problem-solving.
  6. Social Cognition – Understanding emotions, empathy, and social cues.
  7. Social Interaction – Building relationships and self-esteem.
  8. Academic Skills – English and math proficiency for school success.

We offer services in-clinic (Derrimut, Melbourne), at home, at school, and via telehealth across Australia.

 

Service and Counselling Niches
  • Adolescence
  • Anger Management
  • Disability
  • Paediatric
  • Parenting
  • Relationships
  • Self Esteem
Age Relevant
  • 0-5 Years
  • 6 to 12 Years
  • 13 to 18 Years
  • 19 +
Business NDIS Registered ?

Registered

Languages and Culture

Languages Spoken
  • Arabic
  • Cantonese
  • English

Peak Bodies

Registered with

Speech Pathology Australia

Engagement Types and Modes

Neuro-Affirming

Neurodivergency

Focussed

Neuro-Affirming

At Supporting Learning for Children with Needs (SLCN), we are proudly neuro-affirming. We recognise neurodiversity as a natural and valuable part of human variation, and we actively design our services to respect, support, and celebrate each child’s unique way of thinking, learning, and communicating.

Here’s how we demonstrate this in practice:

1. Education and Training
Our team engages in ongoing professional development focused on neurodiversity, autism acceptance, trauma-informed care, and inclusive practices. We stay current with best-practice, evidence-informed approaches that honour lived experience and neurodivergent voices.

2. Individualised Support
Every child is different. We tailor our therapy and education plans to each child’s strengths, interests, and goals—never forcing conformity to neurotypical norms. We co-create goals with families and children, not for them.

3. Sensory-Friendly Environments
Our spaces are designed to be calming, flexible, and responsive to sensory needs. We offer quiet zones, sensory tools, and the freedom to move, stim, or take breaks as needed.

4. Communication Preferences
We honour all forms of communication—spoken, signed, AAC, gestures, or behaviour. We never prioritise one method over another and always support the child’s preferred way of expressing themselves.

5. Strengths-Based Approach
We focus on what children can do, not what they can’t. We build confidence by celebrating progress, passions, and individuality, rather than trying to “fix” or “normalise” behaviour.

6. Flexible and Adaptive Services
Our programs are adaptable to each child’s pace, energy, and needs. We offer in-clinic, school-based, and telehealth options, and we adjust session structure to reduce stress and increase engagement.

7. Inclusive Practices
We work with families, educators, and communities to promote inclusion—not just in therapy, but in everyday life. We advocate for environments that embrace neurodivergent learners in schools, homes, and public spaces.

8. Collaboration with Experts and Advocates
We listen to and learn from neurodivergent adults, advocates, and researchers. Their insights shape our language, policies, and practices, ensuring we remain respectful and relevant.

9. Transparent, Respectful Policies
Our policies reflect our values: consent, autonomy, dignity, and choice. We are open about our methods and welcome feedback from families and participants to continuously improve

Looking to Connect with:

Actively Looking to Connect with:
  • Participants
  • Plan Managers
  • Support Coordinators
  • Therapists
Description of who I am looking to connect with

SLCN is dedicated to supporting children with diverse developmental, emotional, and behavioural needs. They aim to connect with:

  • Parents and Families seeking holistic, evidence-based support for children experiencing challenges in communication, learning, behaviour, or emotional wellbeing.
  • Children and Adolescents who may benefit from therapy in areas such as speech, occupational skills, emotional regulation, social interaction, and academic development.
  • Educators and Schools looking for professional development, student support programs, and collaborative strategies to better include and assist children with additional needs.
  • Healthcare and Allied Health Professionals interested in multidisciplinary collaboration to provide integrated care for children.
  • NDIS Participants and Coordinators in need of tailored services, assessments, and support coordination aligned with individual plans and goals.

SLCN welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and abilities, offering services in-clinic, at home, in schools, and via telehealth across Australia.

 

NDIS Registration Groups

NDIS Registered ?

Yes

Registration Number

4050148921

Professional NDIS Registration Groups
  • Early Intervention Supports for Early Childhood
  • Specialist Positive Behaviour Support
  • Therapeutic Supports
NDIS Provider

Yes

Education and Training

Course

Master of Speech Pathology

Support Availability

Availability

Supporting Learning for Children with Needs (SLCN) offers flexible and accessible support options to meet the diverse needs of children and families across Australia. Their services are available through multiple channels:

  • In-Clinic Support: Delivered at their Melbourne-based clinic in Derrimut, offering a safe and engaging environment for therapy and assessments.
  • Home Visits: Therapists can visit families at home, providing personalised support in familiar surroundings.
  • School-Based Services: SLCN collaborates with schools to deliver therapy and training directly within educational settings.
  • Telehealth Services: Remote support is available Australia-wide, ensuring continuity of care regardless of location.
  • Flexible Scheduling: Appointments are offered across weekdays with options to suit family routines and school timetables.
  • NDIS-Compatible Services: All supports are aligned with NDIS plans, including therapy, assessments, and support coordination.

SLCN’s multidisciplinary team ensures that children receive comprehensive care tailored to their developmental, emotional, and behavioural needs.

 

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