About me
I’m Rebecca Stanforth, a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist and the founder of The Communication Cat.
I provide specialist assessment and therapy for children, young people and adults experiencing differences in communication, attention, learning or voice. My approach is collaborative, practical and grounded in understanding each individual’s strengths as well as their areas of need.
Whether you are seeking early support, clarity through assessment, or strategies to move forward with confidence, the focus is always on creating meaningful and sustainable change.
Communication is at the heart of everything we do. It shapes relationships, learning, independence and emotional wellbeing. Supporting people to find their voice is not just my profession — it is something I feel deeply privileged to be part of.
My Background
Before qualifying as a Speech and Language Therapist, I worked within education as a Nursery Nurse, Teaching Assistant, Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) and 1:1 Learning Support Assistant. As well as a Speech & Language Therapy Assistant.
This experience gave me a strong understanding of child development within real educational settings and the day-to-day challenges faced by families and school staff. It also shaped my practical approach to therapy — ensuring that strategies are realistic, achievable and embedded into everyday routines.
Having worked on both sides of the classroom, I understand how to translate clinical recommendations into meaningful, workable support plans.
My Approach
I take a holistic, person-centred approach. Everyone is unique, and so is their communication profile. I look beyond labels and focus on understanding the whole person — their strengths, their sensory needs, their environment and their family context. I believe in empowering parents and carers with practical, achievable strategies that can be used in everyday life. Therapy should not feel overwhelming or clinical. It should feel supportive, collaborative and purposeful.
My aim is always to build confidence — in the person and in those round them.
I work in close collaboration with a trusted network of experienced professionals, including Occupational Therapists, Educational Psychologists and Dyslexia Specialists. We regularly recommend one another to ensure individuals and families receive the right support at the right time, and joint sessions or coordinated assessments can be arranged where a more integrated approach would be helpful.
My Experience
I hold a BA in Childhood Studies and a BSc (Hons) in Speech and Language Therapy. I have five years of clinical experience working with children and young people from 18 months through to adulthood.
I have additional training in:
- British Sign Language (pre-level 3)
- Makaton (level 4)
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- The SCERTS Model
- Parent–Child Interaction (Palin PCI)
- Dysphagia Management
- ADHD assessment and diagnosis
- Lego-Based Therapy
- Safeguarding Adults and Children (Level 3)
I am a member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) and ASLTIP, and hold an Enhanced DBS certificate.
Areas of Specialist Practice
My specialist areas include:
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- Supporting children who are Deaf or have hearing differences
- Early communication development and pre-verbal skills
I am experienced in both independently assessing and recommending AAC systems, and working collaboratively alongside NHS and education teams to ensure cohesive support.
I am particularly passionate about ensuring that every person has access to meaningful communication, whether through spoken language, AAC or multimodal approaches.
Why The Communication Cat?
The Communication Cat was created to provide accessible, specialist support for children, adults and families who may feel stuck, overwhelmed or unsure of their next steps.
Long waiting lists and limited provision can be frustrating. My role is to offer clear guidance, tailored support and a calm, collaborative approach so that families feel supported and confident moving forward.
Every person deserves to be understood.
A bit more about me...
When I’m not working with children and families, you’ll often find me enjoying a good documentary, crafting, spending time with loved ones or taking a quiet moment to reset with my Bengal cat, Arlo!
I truly value connection in all areas of life, and that belief sits at the heart of my work as a Speech and Language Therapist.
