Autism Support Kingswood | Speech & Occupational Therapy

What is Autism

Autism is a developmental difference that shapes how people perceive, process, and respond to the world. It may influence communication, social skills, sensory experiences, interests, and ways of thinking. Each autistic person is unique, so there’s no single description that applies to all.

At Chatterbox, we embrace autism as an important expression of human diversity. We take time to understand every child’s strengths, challenges, and preferences, working with families to ensure support is empowering, respectful, and responsive to each child’s individuality.

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:

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 may help autistic children in diverse ways, tailored to each child’s strengths, needs, and preferred communication approach. While some children may work on developing speech, others may benefit from strategies such as visuals, gestures, or AAC to express themselves effectively.
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 by helping them participate in everyday activities that are meaningful to them, like playing, getting dressed, managing emotions, or joining in at school. Therapists work alongside children and families to understand sensory needs, build regulation strategies, improve their motor and play skills, and develop practical skills for daily life. Therapy is guided by the child’s interests and goals, with a focus on supporting independence, confidence, and well-being. At Chatterbox, our OTs take a compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming approach that respects each child’s unique way of experiencing the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are therapy goals set?

Together with you, we decide on the goals that matter most for your child. From there, we design step-by-step targets that are realistic and achievable, allowing your child to build confidence and enjoy progress.

Goal setting involves looking at your child’s age, developmental progress, and everyday routines so the plan is achievable, valuable, and aligned with how they learn.

How many sessions will my child attend each week?

Your clinician will recommend a therapy schedule based on current research and what’s likely to 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.

There are a few therapies, such as the maintenance stage of stuttering treatment, that may only need less frequent sessions, fortnightly or monthly, though this is uncommon.

Families at Chatterbox can select either 60 or 90 minute sessions. Our therapy is scheduled weekly to align with research, and we also offer additional weekly sessions plus intensive programs, which work well in school holiday breaks.

How long will my child need therapy?

There isn’t a single answer to how long therapy might continue, because it depends on individual factors like your child’s age, personality, learning style, developmental level, and diagnoses.

As your therapist learns more about your child, they can share a clearer picture of the journey ahead. Still, it’s vital to understand that therapy is a gradual process, not a quick fix.

Who will be my child’s speech therapist?

Our therapists are not only qualified and experienced, but also registered with Speech Pathology Australia. They’re committed to guiding children’s development with evidence-based strategies and supportive, family-focused care.

Your child will work with the same speech pathologist each session, building familiarity and trust. This consistency may help them feel secure and understood, making therapy more personalised.

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?

The best part? You can do a few simple things at home to boost your child’s therapy and keep their progress moving forward:

Keep up with therapy by coming to sessions consistently
Keep therapy on track by working on practice tasks outside of sessions
Move appointments rather than cancel if possible
Consider holiday intensives to give your child extra support during breaks
Actively take part in sessions, your support makes a big impact

Consistency and involvement from you may lead to the best outcomes for your child.

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.

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 primary clinics in Bella Vista, Kingswood, Oran Park, Parramatta, and Penrith are designed for ease of access, with friendly administration staff on hand to support you and your family. All locations offer free parking, providing you with a stress-free transition into assessments or therapy sessions.

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.