What is Autism
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that may impact how a person communicates, relates to others, and makes sense of their surroundings. It often affects sensory processing, patterns of interest, and styles of thinking. Every individual on the spectrum is different; there’s no universal profile.
At Chatterbox, we acknowledge autism as a natural variation in how people think and interact. We prioritise recognising each child’s unique qualities and needs, collaborating with families to provide support that is respectful, empowering, and customised to the individual.
How can Chatterbox help?
At Chatterbox, our therapists collaborate with autistic children and their families to encourage growth in each child’s areas of strength and offer guidance where additional help is needed. Therapy may focus on the following, yet it is always tailored to the child’s unique profile:
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 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?
We work with you to set meaningful goals by first identifying what’s most important for your child and family. Then we break those goals into smaller, practical steps, helping your child grow in confidence and celebrate success along the journey.
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.
In most cases, therapy works best when it’s regular and consistent. The more chances children have to practise and strengthen their skills, the greater the progress tends to be. Ideally, this would involve several hours of therapy each week, though that isn’t always practical for families.
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.
At Chatterbox, sessions are available in 60 or 90 minute formats. We deliver weekly therapy consistent with research, with opportunities for extra sessions or intensive blocks, a great option for school holidays.
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.
With time, your therapist can offer a more detailed idea of what therapy might look like. But progress requires patience, learning takes time, and there is no overnight solution.
Who will be my child’s speech therapist?
Every therapist on our team is registered with Speech Pathology Australia, bringing both qualifications and experience. They’re dedicated to supporting children’s growth with family-friendly, evidence-based care.
Your child will see the same speech pathologist each session, someone who gets to know them well and builds a strong, trusting relationship over time. Consistency aims to help your child feel safe, supported, and understood, allowing us to tailor therapy in a way that truly works for them.
But life doesn’t always follow a perfect schedule, and that’s where being part of a connected team really helps. Whether your clinician is away, you need to move an appointment, or want to book an extra session, we’ve got your back. We offer families the option for their child to see another one of our qualified clinicians when needed, so therapy stays consistent and flexible.
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 good news? There are simple things you can do to help your child make the most of therapy and keep things moving forward:
- Keep up with therapy by coming to sessions consistently
- Do the recommended practice tasks in between sessions to support progress
- If possible, rebook appointments instead of cancelling to keep consistency
- Make the most of therapy intensives during school holidays
- 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.
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 clinics are located in Bella Vista, Kingswood, Oran Park, Parramatta, and Penrith with a welcoming admin team ready to assist you and your family through each step. Free parking is available at all locations, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for 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.