What Is Speech Therapy?
Through speech therapy, children learn to strengthen the skills that allow them to communicate, connect, and grow. The ability to both express themselves and comprehend others fosters meaningful relationships, builds resilience, and encourages participation in learning and daily activities.
Our paediatric speech pathologists at Chatterbox provide support for children of every age. We assist toddlers as they find their first words, guide preschoolers as they expand their language, and help school-aged children navigate speech, literacy, and social communication.
Children can receive guidance from our skilled speech therapists in:
- Understanding and Using Language
- Speech Clarity and Pronunciation
- Stuttering and Fluency
- Reading and Spelling (Literacy)
- Lisps
- Childhood Apraxia of Speech
You can learn more about the conditions we address here.
If your child is taking longer to start talking, having trouble being understood, or finding it difficult to connect in conversations at school, we aim to support them.
Why Might My Child Need Speech Therapy?
While every child’s development is unique, speech and language abilities can sometimes be more challenging to build.
Some children need more than just everyday exposure; they need support to build skills step by step, in a way that matches their individual learning style. That’s where speech therapy for children may make a real difference.
Parents often wonder whether their child will just catch up in time, but difficulties with speech and language usually don’t resolve without help. This isn’t about your child not trying; it’s about giving them the right support to succeed.
The concern is that without support, the gap can widen. As children grow, so do the expectations at school, in friendships, and in everyday life. That’s why early intervention matters. It helps lay strong foundations early, giving your child the best chance to thrive and reducing the risk of those challenges becoming a barrier later on.
How Speech Therapy Works at Chatterbox
Starting speech therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you’re unsure what to expect. Here’s how we make it simple and supportive from the very beginning.
1. Initial Assessment
To begin, we use a fun, play-based assessment that aims to help your child feel comfortable. It gives us a clear picture of their communication development, showing strengths and challenges so we can tailor the right support.
2. Setting Individual Goals
Once the assessment is complete, we collaborate with you to set practical and motivating goals that reflect what’s most important in your child’s everyday life, whether that’s joining friends in play, keeping up with classroom instructions, or communicating clearly at home.
3. Fun, Personalised Therapy That’s Evidence-Based
Every child is unique, and their therapy should reflect that. At Chatterbox, our therapists:
- Adapt each session to suit your child’s individual way of learning and stage of development
- Rely on evidence-based practices supported by up-to-date studies
- Highlight and grow your child’s strengths, while guiding them through the skills they find harder
- Help your child grow in confidence, build meaningful connections, and gain independence
Therapy can take many forms, from games and movement to conversation and practical activities, chosen to help your child engage and learn comfortably. All sessions are designed to be play-based, enjoyable, and meaningful, strengthening everyday communication skills. By taking a neurodiversity-affirming approach, we ensure your child feels supported to grow in confidence, connection, and independence, just as they are.
4. Family Support and Coaching
You’re a vital part of your child’s progress. That’s why we coach and support you with practical strategies you can use at home, in the car, or during everyday routines.
Our work isn’t only with children, we partner with families, knowing that when parents feel supported, children benefit as well.
5. Ongoing Monitoring
Each session includes careful monitoring of your child’s progress, helping us tailor therapy in real time. This ensures the support stays relevant for both your child and your family.
Why Families Choose Chatterbox
Our therapy is grounded in a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming philosophy
- We practise in a neurodiversity-affirming way, focusing on strengths and respecting every child’s individual style of learning and connection
- We partner with families to design goals and therapy plans that are flexible and centred around your needs
- We make therapy fun, engaging, and tailored to your child
- Children can access help for many areas of development with us, without needing to go elsewhere
- Our services include speech therapy delivered in person or through online sessions
- Our team is made up of skilled therapists who truly care about each child’s progress
These are just some of the things we provide, but the biggest reason goes deeper.
Chatterbox is chosen by families who want confidence that their child is receiving therapy from professionals who also truly care about them.
What’s the Next Step?
Frequently Asked Questions
How are therapy goals set?
We begin by talking with you to understand your big-picture priorities for your child. Then, we shape these into smaller, achievable milestones that make progress clear, confidence stronger, and success possible.
In creating goals, we take into account your child’s age, stage of development, and daily experiences to ensure the plan is practical, relevant, and suited to their learning style.
How many sessions will my child attend each week?
Therapy scheduling is guided by your clinician, who relies on research and experience to recommend what may be most beneficial for your child.
For most therapies, that means regular, consistent input. The more opportunities a child has to practise and build on their skills, the better the outcomes tend to be. In an ideal world, this would mean multiple hours of therapy each week. But let’s face it, that’s not always realistic for every family.
Some therapies (like the maintenance phase of stuttering therapy) may require reduced intensity (e.g. fortnightly or monthly sessions), but these are the exception, not the rule.
We offer both 60-minute and 90-minute sessions at Chatterbox. Weekly therapy is our standard, guided by research, and families can also access extra weekly sessions or intensive programs, ideal during the school holiday period.
How long will my child need therapy?
The length of time a child may attend therapy varies, influenced by things like age, developmental level, learning style, personality, and specific diagnoses, so there isn’t a simple answer for every child.
Your therapist can give you a clearer idea once they know your child better, but it’s important to remember that learning is a process, and it takes time. Unfortunately, there is no ‘quick fix’.
Who will be my child’s speech therapist?
All Chatterbox therapists are Speech Pathology Australia registered, experienced, and highly trained. Their passion lies in helping children thrive using proven, family-centred approaches.
Each session, your child will meet with the same speech pathologist, who takes time to know them well and earn their trust. This steady relationship may help your child feel comfortable and ensures therapy is carefully adapted to them.
We know schedules aren’t always perfect, so our connected team is here to help. If your usual clinician can’t make it, or you want to move or add sessions, your child can see another qualified therapist, ensuring therapy stays on track.
Our clinicians collaborate closely, sharing strategies and progress so sessions stay consistent, even if another therapist steps in. Experiencing a new clinician from time to time may also help your child practise flexibility, strengthen generalisation, and gain confidence communicating with different people, just like in everyday life.
How can I get the most out of our therapy sessions?
The great news is that you can play an active role in helping your child make the most of therapy and continue moving ahead:
- Ensure therapy sessions are attended consistently to build momentum
- Keep therapy on track by working on practice tasks outside of sessions
- If possible, rebook appointments instead of cancelling to keep consistency
- Make the most of therapy intensives during school holidays
- Get involved during sessions — your input makes a difference
The steadier and more involved you are, the bigger the potential gains for your child.
Do you offer online speech therapy for children?
Yes, we offer flexible options with both in-clinic appointments and online speech and occupational therapy sessions. Online sessions work well for busy families, children who feel secure at home, or those based in rural or remote areas.
What funding options are available?
There are a number of options to help cover therapy costs. You can learn more about funding options here.
Funding support is available in a range of forms to assist with therapy costs. Learn more about funding options here.
Is there a waiting list?
Good news! We currently have no waiting list, which means your child can likely get started straight away. Early support can make a big difference, and we know that delays can be frustrating. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to keep access to therapy as smooth and timely as possible.
Where are you located?
Our main clinics are strategically located in Bella Vista, Kingswood, Oran Park, Parramatta, and Penrith, each with an approachable admin team available to assist you and your family every step of the way. Free parking is offered at every location, making your experience for assessments or therapy smooth and convenient.
While our speech pathologists in Parramatta primarily help people from surrounding suburbs including Parramatta, Rosehill, Westmead, Harris Park, Rydalmere, Merrylands, Granville, Auburn, Newington, Wentworthville, Northmead, Oatlands, Lidcombe, and Guildford, our clinics are more than welcoming to anyone looking to use our services across Sydney.
