Welcome to Affinity Therapy Services. I’m Abbey Forster (she/her), a senior Speech Language Pathologist, business owner, proud parent, and neurodivergent individual (ADHDer).

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My journey with Affinity began after having children of my own. Becoming a parent deeply shifted my perspective on therapy, igniting a desire to work closer to home and share my clinical passion directly with the community I love in the places where they work and play. Today, I am proud to live and practice on the gorgeous, unceded lands of the Dharug and Gundungurra Ngurra, serving an amazing, vibrant local community.

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Why Affinity? An "affinity" is a natural liking, attraction, or feeling of closeness to someone or something. I have an affinity for speech pathology and all my clients, and I want all my clients to be their most  authentic selves and strive to include the things my clients have affinities for in all our work. I knew this would be the perfect name for my little business.

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My Qualifications & Clinical Philosophy

I believe that high-quality therapy requires a continuous commitment to learning. My clinical framework is built on a strong academic foundation and over a decade of specialised study:

• Bachelor of Speech and Hearing Science (2012)

• Master of Speech Language Pathology (2014)

• Post Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies (2016)

• Continuous certifications in evidence-based, gold-standard intervention programs.

As a neurodivergent clinician, my deep passion is neurodiversity-affirming care and spreading a message of radical acceptance throughout the Blue Mountains. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, I intentionally blend structured, evidence-based programs with neuroaffirming principles and a whole lot of fun. This ensures that every assessment, intervention, and support plan is custom-built to honour the unique strengths, brains, and communication styles of the individual.

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Comprehensive Services: What I Support

As a generalist clinician, I offer comprehensive assessment, intervention, and professional development across the lifespan, specialising in:

• Speech Sounds

• Language & Communication

• AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)

• Literacy

• Social Diversity & Neurodiversity

Beyond clinical therapy, I am committed to community education. I offer specialised professional development and workshops for educators, families, and community organizations looking to embed radical acceptance and neuroaffirming practices into their own spaces.

 

Service Schedule & Locations: Meeting You Where You Are

Affinity Therapy Services operates on a flexible, hybrid model designed to fit seamlessly into busy family schedules between Winmalee and Lawson:

• Mondays & Tuesdays (Fully Mobile): I travel directly to clients, delivering therapy in the natural environments where individuals learn best—including family homes, preschools, and schools.

• Wednesdays (Clinic-Based): For families who prefer a dedicated, clinical environment, you can find me practicing out of a room at The Gabrielle Centre for Children in Blaxland.

 

Professional Standards & Funding Gateways

I am a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) and a member of Speech Pathology Australia. To support our practice’s evolution and ensure accessibility for all families, Affinity Therapy Services accepts a streamlined mix of funding options:

• Medicare Rebates: Seamless processing for GP-directed Chronic Disease Management (CDM) / Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plans.

• Private Health Insurance: On-the-spot electronic claims via HICAPS on clinic days, or direct receipts provided for immediate fund claiming.

• NDIS Frameworks: Happily welcoming both Self-Managed and Plan-Managed participants.

Whether you are a parent looking for Early Intervention, an adult exploring your communication goals, or an educator seeking neuro-affirming professional development, I look forward to partnering with you.