Communication and anxiety often go together
Pip says many of the children she works with experience anxiety linked to communication demands.
This may look like:
- Fear of speaking in class
- Avoiding unfamiliar people
- Shutting down when misunderstood
- Feeling overwhelmed by too much talking or social pressure
- Exhaustion from masking differences
Instead of using “push through it” strategies, Pip works with the child’s nervous system.
Her sessions often include:
- Low-demand, play-based interaction
- Following the child’s lead
- Reducing pressure
- Supporting regulation before expecting communication
Pip explains that many neurodivergent children communicate more successfully when they feel calm, safe, and understood.
Therapy that includes the whole family
Pip works as a mobile-therapist which means, sessions often take place in the family home, school, or community setting.
This allows parents and caregivers to be part of the process from the beginning.
Rather than simply giving parents activities to practise, Pip spends time explaining the “why” behind strategies.
She believes parents feel more confident when they understand how their child’s nervous system and communication style work.
Parent coaching is built into sessions, not added on at the end.
Pip is also developing ChatterPath, an app designed to support parents of children aged 0–6 between therapy sessions.
A simple strategy for anxious children
One practical tip Pip shares with families is to reduce the number of questions asked during stressful moments.
Instead of saying:
- “Are you okay?”
- “You’re fine.”
- “What’s wrong?”
She encourages parents to calmly describe what is happening around the child.
For example:
- “It’s pretty loud in here.”
- “We’re waiting in line.”
- “There are lots of people around today.”
This type of calm narration can reduce pressure and help a child’s nervous system process the environment without additional demand.
Looking beyond behaviour
Pip also helps families understand the difference between anxiety that is situational and anxiety linked to communication or neurodivergence.
She looks at questions such as:
- Does the child become anxious during high verbal demand?
- Do transitions or noisy environments increase distress?
- Does the child settle when demands are reduced?
When communication challenges sit underneath anxiety, children often need support from multiple professionals.
Pip regularly collaborates with psychologists and occupational therapists so that communication, emotional regulation, and sensory needs are not treated separately.
What progress really looks like
Pip says progress is not always dramatic or obvious.
Sometimes the biggest wins are small but meaningful.
For example:
- A child re-engages after becoming overwhelmed
- A child attempts something they previously avoided
- A child feels safer expressing themselves
- A family notices less stress at home
Her work is strongly strengths-based.
That means focusing on:
- What motivates the child
- The child’s natural interests
- Genuine connection
- Goals that matter to the family
Rather than generic praise, Pip aims to recognise specific strengths and ways of thinking.
Supporting communication between home and school
School can be one of the biggest stress points for neurodivergent children.
Pip describes her role as a bridge between families and schools.
Rather than taking sides, she helps everyone better understand the child’s communication profile and support needs.
This may include:
- Helping parents prepare for meetings
- Attending school meetings
- Explaining communication differences
- Suggesting realistic strategies teachers can implement
One strategy she recommends before school meetings is simple:
Write down:
- Three things your child is good at
- Three things your child needs to feel safe
This can help create a more collaborative conversation from the start.
Neuro-affirming support, with or without a diagnosis
Many of the children Pip works with are autistic, ADHD, or AuDHD. Some are still exploring assessment pathways.
Pip says families do not need a formal diagnosis before support begins.
She believes waiting years for a label can delay support children need right now.
Instead, she focuses on understanding how each child experiences the world.
Pip often uses simple, affirming language with children, such as:
- “Some brains need movement to think.”
- “Some brains find noisy places tiring.”
This helps children build self-understanding in a supportive and non-shaming way.
Every child needs a different approach
Pip does not use a standard therapy template.
Each child’s support plan is shaped by:
- Their sensory profile
- Communication style
- Interests
- Regulation needs
- Family priorities
She says two children with the same diagnosis can need completely different supports.
One key message she shares with families is the difference between: “Won’t” and “can’t right now.”
For many neurodivergent children, a behaviour that looks oppositional may actually reflect overwhelm or lack of capacity in that moment.
This shift in thinking can completely change how adults respond.
How Pip Squeak Speech Pathology works with families
Most families begin with an initial consultation to better understand the child and family goals.
From there:
- Sessions are usually weekly or fortnightly
- Appointments run for 45–60 minutes
- Therapy may occur at home, school, or in the community
- Collaboration with other professionals is encouraged
There is currently an estimated wait of 3–6 months for new families, depending on availability and scheduling needs.
A thoughtful, relationship-based approach
At the centre of Pip’s work is genuine curiosity about each child.
Her focus is not simply on reducing differences or “fixing” behaviours. Instead, she aims to understand what may be getting in the way for the child and remove unnecessary barriers.
For families seeking warm, neuro-affirming speech pathology support in Perth, Pip Squeak Speech Pathology offers an approach that values communication, regulation, felt safety, and connection from the very beginning.
Practical details
Business name: Pip Squeak Speech Pathology
Clinician: Speech Pathologist Philippa (Pip) Uddy
Location: visiting daycares and homes across Perth’s south of the river suburbs, including Fremantle, Bicton, Palmyra, Melville, Cockburn, Hamilton Hill, South Fremantle, Coogee, Hamilton Hill, Spearwood, Beaconsfield, Attadale, Winthrop, Kardinya.
Referral: No referral is required.
Current availability: Pip has a long waitlist and estimates a 3-6 month wait. But when an appointment becomes available she sends it to everyone on the waitlist who has signaled that time/day preference.
Bookings & enquiries:
Unfortunately, Pip is fully booked for ongoing therapy sessions right now.
You are still welcome to add yourself to her waitlist for services, and Pip will contact you if a spot becomes available.
Website: https://www.pipsqueaktherapy.com/
