What is Autism
Autism is a neurological difference that affects how people engage with and understand the world. It may shape communication, social interaction, sensory responses, ways of thinking, and personal interests. Each autistic person is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all way to define autism.
At Chatterbox, we view autism as a natural part of human diversity. We focus on understanding each child’s individual strengths, needs, and preferences, and we work alongside families to provide support that is respectful, empowering, and tailored to each child.
How can Chatterbox help?
At Chatterbox, our therapists partner with autistic children and their families to nurture each child’s strengths while providing support in areas where challenges may arise. Therapy goals may include the following, but are always personalised to suit the individual child:
Communication
Emotional regulation
Sensory regulation
Social connection
Play
Daily routines
Self-care tasks
Taking the Time to Understand
We take care to connect with every child and their family, listen to what’s meaningful to them, and shape goals that support their everyday experiences at home, in school, and in the community. Most importantly, we partner with families to provide support that is respectful, practical, and empowering.
Speech Pathology And Autism
Speech therapy provides flexible support for autistic children, depending on their individual profiles and communication styles. For some, therapy may target spoken language development; for others, it may use visuals, gestures, or AAC to promote clear and effective communication.
Speech therapy aims to help children develop skills in comprehension, self-expression, and social connection, all in ways that feel authentic and comfortable to them. At Chatterbox, our therapists collaborate with each child, respecting their individual communication profile and valuing every way they connect and express themselves.
Occupational Therapy and Autism
Occupational therapy supports autistic children to take part in the activities that matter most to them, such as play, self-care, emotional regulation, and school participation. Working together with families, therapists address sensory needs, build strategies for regulation, enhance motor and play development, and promote everyday life skills. Each program is shaped by the child’s own goals and interests, with an emphasis on independence, confidence, and well-being. At Chatterbox, our OTs practise with compassion and a neurodiversity-affirming approach, valuing every child’s unique perspective.
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?
Drawing on current research, your clinician will recommend a therapy schedule that suits your child’s needs and supports progress.
Most therapies depend on consistency and regular practice. The more often children can apply their skills, the more progress they tend to make. In a perfect world, therapy would run for hours each week, but we also recognise this doesn’t suit every family.
In certain cases, like when a child is in the maintenance phase of stuttering therapy, sessions may be less frequent (fortnightly or monthly), but this isn’t typical.
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?
We would love to be able to provide an exact answer to this question; however, a number of factors come into play when discussing how long your child may attend therapy, such as your child’s age, personality, learning style, developmental level and diagnoses.
Your therapist will be able to give more guidance after spending time with your child, but remember that learning takes patience and consistency. There isn’t a quick or easy fix.
Who will be my child’s speech therapist?
Our team of therapists is fully qualified, highly experienced, and registered with Speech Pathology Australia. They care deeply about helping children develop and flourish with evidence-based, family-focused support.
Seeing the same speech pathologist every session allows your child to build a close, trusting connection. That consistency aims to provide a sense of safety and support, making therapy more meaningful.
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.
Because our clinicians work closely together, they can share insights, strategies, and progress so every session feels connected, even with a new face in the room. In fact, seeing a different clinician now and then gives your child the opportunity to practise flexibility, generalise their skills, and work on their confidence with different communication partners, just like they need to do in the real world. Win-win!
How can I get the most out of our therapy sessions?
Here’s the good news, there are easy ways you can support your child to get the best out of therapy and keep progress on track:
- Ensure therapy sessions are attended consistently to build momentum
- Follow through with practice activities at home between therapy visits
- Reschedule appointments instead of cancelling whenever you can
- Take advantage of holiday intensives
- Get involved during sessions — your input makes a difference
The more consistent and involved you can be, the more your child may benefit.
Do you offer online speech therapy for children?
Yes! We offer both in-clinic appointments and online speech and occupational therapy sessions to suit your family’s needs. Online therapy is a great option for busy families, children who feel most comfortable at home, or those living in remote or rural 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.
There are different ways to make therapy more affordable. Discover the available 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 autism therapy services in Kingswood primarily support people from surrounding suburbs including Kingswood, Cambridge Park, Werrington, Claremont Meadows, Jordan Springs, St Marys, Colyton, and St Clair, our clinics are more than welcoming to anyone looking to use our services across Sydney.