About Nurture Allied Health SA
What is Nurture Allied Health SA? Nurture Allied Health SA is a neurodiversity-affirming allied health practice based in Adelaide, South Australia. We provide speech pathology, occupational therapy, and autism assessments for children and adults across eastern and northern Adelaide. Our clinics are located in Beulah Park and Salisbury, and we also offer telehealth services. We are a neurodivergent-led practice grounded in lived experience, clinical knowledge, and deep respect for each person's unique way of experiencing the world.
What does neurodiversity-affirming mean?
Neurodiversity-affirming practice means we do not try to make neurodivergent people appear "less neurodivergent." Instead, we support access, autonomy, communication, wellbeing, participation and self-advocacy. We celebrate the fact that human brains work in many different ways, and we believe every person deserves support that honours their identity rather than trying to change who they are. Our clinicians use strengths-based, relationship-focused approaches that respect each person's unique communication style, sensory profile, and way of engaging with the world.
Where are your clinics located?
Nurture Allied Health SA has two clinic locations in Adelaide. Our Beulah Park clinic is located at 236 Magill Road, Beulah Park SA 5067, serving families across the eastern suburbs of Adelaide. Our Salisbury clinic is located at 62 Park Terrace, Salisbury SA 5108, serving families across the northern suburbs of Adelaide. Both clinics are open Monday to Friday.
Do you offer telehealth appointments?
Yes. Nurture Allied Health SA offers telehealth appointments for speech pathology and occupational therapy. Telehealth can be a great option for families who live further away, have difficulty attending in person, or prefer the comfort of their home environment. Please contact us to discuss whether telehealth is suitable for your specific needs.
What is a neurodiversity-affirming speech pathologist?
A neurodiversity-affirming speech pathologist supports communication in ways that respect and celebrate a person's neurodivergent identity. Rather than focusing on making someone communicate in a neurotypical way, we focus on functional communication, self-expression, and self-advocacy. This means we support all forms of communication — including AAC, typing, gesture, and non-verbal communication — and we never try to eliminate a person's natural communication style. At Nurture Allied Health SA, our speech pathologists are trained to work with autistic people, those with ADHD, Developmental Language Disorder, and other neurodivergent profiles.
What age groups do your speech pathologists work with?
Our speech pathologists at Nurture Allied Health SA work with people across the lifespan — from toddlers and preschoolers through to school-aged children, teenagers, and adults. We support individuals of all ages experiencing communication, speech, and language differences.
What communication difficulties can speech pathology help with?
Our speech pathologists support a wide range of communication differences including speech sound development, language delays and disorders, Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), literacy difficulties including dyslexia, fluency differences such as stuttering, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), social communication, self-advocacy, and complex communication needs. We also support individuals with Childhood Apraxia of Speech and those who use high-tech or low-tech AAC systems.
How do I know if my child needs a speech pathologist?
Your child may benefit from seeing a speech pathologist if you have noticed differences in how they communicate compared to their peers, if they are difficult for unfamiliar people to understand, if they have difficulty following or giving instructions, if they struggle with reading or writing, or if they find social communication challenging. You don't need a formal diagnosis to access speech pathology. If you have any concerns about your child's communication, we encourage you to reach out — early support can make a significant difference.
What is AAC and does Nurture Allied Health SA provide AAC support?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It refers to any method of communication that supplements or replaces spoken language, including high-tech speech-generating devices such as Proloquo, LAMP WFL, TouchChat and TD Snap, as well as low-tech tools such as PODD books, communication boards, and Key Word Sign. At Nurture Allied Health SA, our speech pathologists are experienced in assessing for and supporting AAC across a wide range of systems. We believe all communication is valid and work to find the right system for each individual.
What is Childhood Apraxia of Speech?
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a motor speech disorder where a child has difficulty planning and coordinating the movements needed for speech. Children with CAS know what they want to say but their brain has difficulty sending the right signals to their mouth to produce the sounds correctly. It is not caused by muscle weakness. At Nurture Allied Health SA, our speech pathologists are trained to assess and support children with CAS using evidence-based approaches.
Can a speech pathologist help with stuttering?
Yes. Our speech pathologists provide evidence-based support for people who stutter, including children and adults. We use programs such as the Lidcombe Program and Westmead Program for children, and we provide support and strategies to help individuals communicate with confidence and ease in everyday situations. Our approach is neurodiversity-affirming — we focus on reducing distress and building confidence rather than simply eliminating stuttering.
Can a speech pathologist help with literacy and reading difficulties?
Yes. Speech pathologists play an important role in supporting literacy development. Our clinicians support phonological awareness, reading comprehension, spelling, and writing skills. We also support children with dyslexia and Developmental Language Disorder. Literacy difficulties often have a language foundation, which is why speech pathologists are well-placed to help.
What is Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)?
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is a lifelong condition that affects a person's ability to understand and use language, despite no obvious cause such as hearing loss or brain injury. It is one of the most common childhood developmental conditions, affecting approximately 2 children in every classroom. Children and adults with DLD may have difficulty following conversations, learning new vocabulary, understanding complex instructions, and expressing themselves clearly. At Nurture Allied Health SA, our speech pathologists are experienced in identifying and supporting DLD across all ages.
Do you support adults with communication difficulties?
Yes. Nurture Allied Health SA provides speech pathology support for adults experiencing communication differences including social communication, AAC, self-advocacy, fluency, and language support. We take a neurodiversity-affirming approach with all adult clients, respecting their identity and communication style throughout the process.
What does an occupational therapist do?
An occupational therapist (OT) helps people participate in the activities of everyday life — the things that matter most to them. For children, this might include playing, learning, dressing, eating, and engaging at school. For adults, it might include managing daily routines, employment, and independent living. At Nurture Allied Health SA, our occupational therapists take a neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based approach, supporting sensory processing, motor development, emotional regulation, and daily living skills.
How do I know if my child needs occupational therapy?
Your child may benefit from occupational therapy if they have difficulty with fine motor skills such as handwriting or using scissors, if they are sensitive to sensory experiences such as textures, sounds or movement, if they struggle with emotional regulation or transitions, if they have difficulty with self-care tasks like dressing or eating, or if they find it challenging to participate in school or everyday activities. You do not need a formal diagnosis to access OT. If you have concerns about your child's development or daily functioning, contact us for a conversation.
What is sensory processing and how can OT help?
Sensory processing refers to how the brain receives, interprets, and responds to sensory information from the environment — including touch, sound, movement, taste, and smell. Some people, particularly autistic and neurodivergent individuals, process sensory information differently, which can affect their ability to participate in everyday activities. An occupational therapist can assess a person's sensory profile and develop strategies and environments that support regulation, comfort, and participation. This may include a sensory diet — a personalised plan of sensory activities to help a person stay regulated throughout the day.
What is a sensory diet and can an OT help create one?
A sensory diet is a personalised plan of sensory activities and strategies designed to help a person maintain a regulated and comfortable state throughout the day. It is not related to food — the term "diet" refers to a tailored daily routine. At Nurture Allied Health SA, our occupational therapists assess each person's unique sensory profile and develop a sensory diet in collaboration with the individual, their family, and their educators.
Can an OT help with school readiness?
Yes. Our occupational therapists support children to develop the skills they need to participate successfully in preschool and school. This includes fine motor development, attention and regulation, sensory processing, self-care, and social participation. We also work directly with educators through our Preschool Boost program, providing coaching and environmental strategies to support children in early childhood settings.
What is fine motor development and why does it matter?
Fine motor skills involve the small muscles of the hands and fingers and are essential for everyday tasks like writing, drawing, cutting, buttoning clothing, and using cutlery. Delays in fine motor development can affect a child's ability to participate in school and daily life. Our occupational therapists assess fine motor skills and provide targeted support to help children build strength, coordination, and confidence in their hands.
Can occupational therapy help with emotional regulation?
Yes. Emotional regulation — the ability to manage and respond to emotions in a functional way — is a key area of OT practice at Nurture Allied Health SA. Our therapists use relationship-based, sensory, and strengths-focused approaches to support children and adults in understanding their emotional experiences and developing strategies that work for them. We do not use punitive or compliance-based approaches.
Do you support adults with occupational therapy?
Yes. Nurture Allied Health SA provides occupational therapy for adults. We support adults with neurodevelopmental differences including autism and ADHD, as well as those needing support with daily living, independence, sensory processing, and participation. We accept NDIS funding for adult OT services.
What is a functional capacity assessment?
A functional capacity assessment (FCA) is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by an occupational therapist to understand how a person's condition or disability affects their ability to carry out daily activities and participate in life. FCAs are commonly used for NDIS planning purposes. Contact Nurture Allied Health SA to discuss whether a functional capacity assessment is appropriate for your situation.
Does Nurture Allied Health SA do autism assessments for adults in Adelaide?
Yes. Nurture Allied Health SA provides neurodiversity-affirming autism assessments for adults in Adelaide at our Beulah Park and Salisbury clinics. Our adult assessments are masking-aware and strengths-based, with a focus on self-understanding, identity exploration, and practical recommendations. Late diagnosis is welcome. Adult autism assessments are private paying only and are not covered by NDIS or Medicare CDM.
Does Nurture Allied Health SA do autism assessments for children in Adelaide?
Yes. Nurture Allied Health SA provides neurodiversity-affirming autism assessments for children in Adelaide at our Beulah Park and Salisbury clinics. Our child assessments are play-based and strengths-focused, resulting in a comprehensive report with practical recommendations for home, school, and therapy. Children's autism assessments are private paying only and are not covered by NDIS or Medicare CDM.
How long does an autism assessment take?
The length of an autism assessment varies depending on the individual and the assessment pathway recommended by our clinicians. Typically the process involves an initial consultation, one or more assessment sessions, and a feedback appointment where results and recommendations are discussed. Our team will provide a clear timeline and outline of the process at your initial consultation.
What happens after an autism assessment?
After your autism assessment at Nurture Allied Health SA, you will receive a comprehensive strengths-based written report with practical recommendations. We also provide a feedback appointment to discuss the results and answer any questions. The report can be shared with schools, GPs, NDIS planners, and other health professionals as needed. Our team remains available to support you after the assessment process.
Does Nurture Allied Health SA accept NDIS?
Yes. Nurture Allied Health SA accepts NDIS funding for speech pathology and occupational therapy services. We work with both self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. Please note that autism assessments are private paying only and are not covered by NDIS funding.
Can I use Medicare for speech pathology or OT?
Yes. Nurture Allied Health SA accepts Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans for speech pathology and occupational therapy. A CDM plan can provide a rebate for up to 5 allied health visits per calendar year. To access a CDM plan, speak to your GP. Please note that autism assessments are not covered by Medicare CDM.
How do I refer my child to Nurture Allied Health SA?
You can refer your child to Nurture Allied Health SA by completing our online waitlist form at nurturealliedhealthsa.com.au/waitlist. Health professionals can also submit a referral using our Health Professional Referral Form. Once your form is received, a senior team member will review your information to assess suitability and service fit. Our admin team will then contact you when an appointment becomes available.
How long is the waitlist?
Waitlist times at Nurture Allied Health SA vary depending on the service, location, and current demand. We encourage families to join our waitlist as early as possible. Once you submit a waitlist request, a senior team member will review your information and our admin team will be in touch with an update on availability.
What is the Key Worker Model?
The Key Worker Model is a coordinated approach to allied health support where one dedicated clinician takes the lead role in working with a family. Rather than seeing multiple separate therapists, the Key Worker works across speech pathology and OT goals, coordinates with other professionals, and helps families navigate strategies and team communication. It simplifies the therapy experience and ensures consistency of support. The Key Worker Model at Nurture Allied Health SA is NDIS funded.
What are Nurture Groups and who are they for?
Nurture Groups are interest-based, clinician-supported group programs for neurodivergent children in Adelaide. They are co-led by Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists and are designed around safety, belonging, connection, and meaningful participation. Rather than focusing on teaching children to appear more neurotypical, our groups celebrate neurodivergent identities and build genuine friendships and confidence. Nurture Groups are available for children and are funded through NDIS or private paying.