About Us

Here at First Stop Speech Pathology, we support children to communicate effectively and participate in everyday life. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to connect with the people and places that matter to them.

We provide ethical, evidence-based and neurodiversity-affirming speech pathology for children with speech, language and communication difficulties or differences. Our work is family-centred and functional. We focus on goals that make a real difference at home and in the community. We support both NDIS participants (self- and plan-managed) and privately funded families.

First Stop Speech Pathology is a mobile practice for children aged 0-18 years in Brisbane's southside, and telehealth services for those a little further.

Our Ethos

At First Stop Speech Pathology, we pride ourselves on operating ethically and putting our clients' best interests at the forefront of everything we do. You can expect transparency, honesty, and a genuine commitment to helping your child thrive.

Our Principal

Heather is an experienced speech pathologist who graduated from The University of Melbourne with a Masters of Speech Pathology. She holds a Certified Practicing Speech Pathology (CPSP) status with Speech Pathology Australia, and is the founder of First Stop Speech Pathology.

Heather is passionate about supporting children of all abilities, to communicate and connect with those around them. She adds warmth and creativity to her sessions, and supports working on functional goals that bring a meaningful change to the child and their families. Heather strives to ensure that all clients and their families feel listened to and cared for.

When she isn't working, you can usually find Heather rock climbing, hiking or camping in the mountains around Queensland!

Heather Osborne-Rigby

BA, MSpPath, MSPA-CPSP

Our Mission

Our mission is to deliver ethical, evidence-based and neurodiversity-affirming speech pathology that is accessible and affordable for children and families in Brisbane's southside, supporting them to communicate, participate and thrive in everday life.

We do this by working alongside families, schools and communities, tailoring therapy to each child's strengths, needs and inaterests, and being transparent and honest about our services, waitlists and fees.

Our Approach

At First Stop Speech Pathology, we combine evidence-based practice with a neurodiversity-affirming, family-centred approach. We focus on functional goals that make a real difference in everyday life.

Relationship-focused
We build safe, trusting relationships with children and families, follow each child’s lead, and collaborate closely with parents, carers and educators on shared goals.

Ethical and transparent
We are upfront about our services, waitlists and fees, and only recommend therapy that is clinically justified and in the child’s best interests. If we are not the right fit, we will say so and help you consider other options.

Neurodiversity-affirming
We respect neurodivergent ways of communicating and being. We do not aim to “fix” or “normalise” children – instead, we support communication in ways that honour their identity, preferences and sensory needs.

Evidence-based and practical
Our assessment and therapy are informed by current research, best-practice guidelines and each family’s priorities. We choose approaches with a solid evidence base and focus on skills that transfer into home, school and community settings.

Play-based and strengths-focused
Sessions are playful, engaging and built around each child’s interests. We start from their strengths and build new skills, confidence and independence from there.

Our Locations

We're a mobile practice based in Brisbane's southside. We're happy to meet you:

in your home
in the community (e.g. at a library or park)
at school, kindergarten or day care
online for a telehealth appointment

We aim to be as accessible as possible, and try to cluster clients based on their geographical location. Please contact us for availability in your area.