Private, specialist SLT from a Highly Specialist therapist. Child-led, play-based and genuinely effective. Delivered at our sensory-informed Hive clinic in Cramlington. No NHS waiting list.
Refer your childWhat does therapy involve?
WHO WE HELP
Speech and Language Therapy covers everything a child needs to communicate - understanding language, using words, connecting with others and expressing emotions. At Speech Stuff, our SLT is child-led and relationship-based.
Unlike NHS and agency services, your child will work with the same therapist throughout - no handoffs, no gaps, no re-referrals.
NHS children’s SLT waiting lists in Northumberland regularly run to 12-18 months. Early intervention produces the best outcomes - the earlier a child gets support, the greater the impact.
Cramlington, Northumberland, Newcastle, Ashington, Morpeth, Blyth and surrounding areas. Free parking at The Hive.
If your child is going through - or has had - an autism assessment with us, therapy can begin immediately. No re-referral. Your therapist already knows your child.
CONDITIONS WE SUPPORT
OUR TEAM
Julie CotaSenior Specialist Speech and Language Therapist and Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner · Founder of Speech StuffJulie is an autistic Speech and Language Therapist, bringing both personal and professional insight into sensory needs, communication differences, and the lived experience of neurodivergence. She is deeply committed to providing compassionate, neurodiversity‑affirming support for children and families.
She qualified in 2011 after training at Newcastle University and has experience across the North East and Yorkshire in NHS and education settings. Her areas of interest include early language development, autism, Gestalt Language Development, speech sound difficulties, and selective mutism.
Julie holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Speech Sound Difficulties and a Postgraduate Diploma in Sensory Integration, and is an Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner. She leads the service with a strong focus on care, connection, and understanding, supporting families through assessment and therapy, including multidisciplinary autism assessments.
Rebecca DennisSpecialist Speech and Language TherapistRebecca joined the team in 2025 and brings over six years of experience working in the NHS with children from birth through to secondary school age. She also has a background in education, having previously worked as a Primary School Teacher in Nursery and Reception.
Rebecca has a special interest in early language development and in supporting children with speech sound difficulties and stammering. She is passionate about helping children become confident communicators through fun, play‑based, child‑led sessions.
Alongside her clinical experience, Rebecca holds a Sensory Inclusion Facilitator certificate, supporting her to recognise sensory needs and adapt sessions so children feel regulated and ready to engage. Her calm, friendly approach helps children feel safe, relaxed, and ready to play and communicate.
Louise AllportSpecialist Speech and Language TherapistLouise joined the team in 2026 and brings over 30 years of experience as a Speech and Language Therapist, working across mainstream and specialist settings with children and young people aged 0-19. She has extensive experience supporting autistic children and young people, as well as those with complex communication needs.
Louise has a strong background in multidisciplinary working and her areas of expertise include autism, positive behaviour support, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
She is passionate about improving quality of life through meaningful, functional communication and takes a thoughtful, outcomes‑focused approach to assessment and support. Louise holds a Sensory Inclusion Facilitator certificate, further strengthening her sensory‑informed practice.
Beth McKieSpeech and Language Therapy AssistantBeth is often one of the first welcoming faces families meet at The Hive. Alongside supporting reception, she also delivers assistant‑led therapy sessions and works closely with the team to create calm, child‑friendly environments. As an autistic team member, she brings a valuable perspective and understanding of sensory and communication differences.
She brings her Sensory Inclusion Facilitator training into her work, helping to recognise and respond to children’s sensory needs so they feel comfortable, regulated, and ready to engage. Beth’s warm, supportive approach helps children feel safe, relaxed, and ready to play and communicate.
OUR APPROACH
Sessions follow the child’s interests. When children feel in control, they engage - and when they engage, they learn.
We support every channel - speech, gesture, symbols, devices and play. No child expected to communicate in just one way.
As Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioners, we understand how a child’s sensory profile affects their communication and learning.
Strategies and coaching so progress continues at home and school - not just in the clinic room.
COMMON QUESTIONS
No. You can refer your child directly - no GP letter or NHS referral needed. Just get in touch.
Absolutely not. SLT is open to all children, regardless of diagnosis.
Most children attend weekly or fortnightly. We’ll recommend a block length after the initial assessment.
Yes. We write EHCP-ready reports and liaise directly with schools and local authorities.
Private therapy can run alongside the NHS wait. We’ll share our reports with NHS teams when the time comes.
Session fees are on our fees page. We’re happy to discuss what’s realistic on our free call.
GET STARTED
Book a free 20-minute call with our team. No pressure, no forms - just a friendly conversation about your child.
Book a free call