Sara Donoghue, Speech Pathologist in Narre Warren
Helping autistic children communicate and thrive through strengths-based speech therapy.
- 20+ yrs clinical experience
- Former Exec Director Clinical Services, Early Autism Services
- Endorsed skills in autism & feeding disorders
Areas I Can Help With
- Autism
- Feeding & swallowing
- Early Childhood Intervention
- Telehealth
- Home Visits
Availability & Fees
| Day | First Slot | Last Slot | Fee | Rebate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | 09:00 | 17:00 | AU$193.99 | Plan & self-managed NDIS |
| Tue | 09:00 | 17:00 | AU$193.99 | Plan & self-managed NDIS |
Experience
Non Executive Director
Early Childhood Intervention Australia Victoria/Tasmania · Part-time
Jun 2025 – Present ·• Advised Victorian families and service providers on best-practice early-childhood intervention for autism and developmental delay.
• Worked with NDIS Local Area Coordinators to streamline funding applications for speech pathology and early-intervention supports.
• Contributed to statewide guidelines on evidence-based speech therapy for autistic toddlers.
Executive Director of Clinical Services
Early Autism Services Australia · Full-time
Jun 2025 – Present ·• Led a multidisciplinary team of 40 clinicians (speech pathology, OT, behaviour therapy) delivering home-based and telehealth autism services.
• Introduced parent-coaching model that increased home-program adherence by 35% and improved speech outcomes.
• Oversaw quality of NDIS therapy reports, ensuring timely plan reviews for support coordinators.
Senior Autism Practitioner
Irabina Autism Services · Full-time
Jun 2025 – Present ·• Provided individual speech therapy for autistic children and teens with complex communication and feeding needs.
• Ran group social-skills programs and parent workshops on AAC and picky-eater support.
• Authored comprehensive progress reports and goals to inform NDIS funding reviews and school meetings.
Service Area
Providing in-person or mobile services across Melbourne.
My Approach to Therapy
My sessions are play-based, collaborative and goal-driven. I coach families with practical strategies they can use between sessions to maximise gains.
Practicalities
- How much does a session cost?
- AU$193.99 – NDIS funded (no gap for plan & self-managed)
- What hours are available?
- Mon & Tue 9-5
Frequently asked questions
Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out by sending us an email.
- Do you accept NDIA-managed clients?
- No – I currently work with plan-managed and self-managed NDIS participants.
- Do you offer telehealth?
- Yes – telehealth sessions are available across Victoria.
- How soon can my child start autism speech therapy with you?
- I currently have limited immediate openings. After a quick intake call, most families can begin assessment and therapy within two weeks.
- Do you provide early-intervention speech therapy for toddlers with autism in Melbourne?
- Yes – I deliver evidence-based early-intervention programs for children aged 2 years and up across Melbourne and surrounding suburbs, including Narre Warren.
- Can you help with picky eating and feeding difficulties related to autism?
- Absolutely. I am trained in feeding therapy and use sensory-based approaches to expand safe-foods lists and improve mealtime skills.
- What NDIS funding can I use for speech pathology services?
- Speech therapy can be covered under "Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living". I accept self-managed and plan-managed budgets.