Autism Support Westmead | Speech & Occupational Therapy

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:

Taking the Time to Understand

We take the time to get to know each little person and their family, understand what matters to them, and create goals that are meaningful for their life at home, at school, and in the community. Most importantly, we work in partnership with families to make sure our support is respectful, practical, and empowering.

Speech Pathology And Autism

Speech therapy aims to offer varied support for autistic children, shaped by their unique abilities, challenges, and ways of communicating. For some, sessions may build spoken language skills; for others, therapy may include visuals, gestures, or AAC to encourage successful communication.
Speech therapy aims to support children to strengthen their understanding of language, share their thoughts, and engage socially in ways that suit them best. At Chatterbox, our therapists use a flexible and respectful approach, working with each child’s unique style and celebrating diverse ways of communication.

Occupational Therapy and Autism

Occupational therapy aims to help autistic children engage in daily routines and meaningful activities, whether it’s playing, dressing, regulating emotions, or taking part in school life. Our therapists collaborate with families to understand sensory differences, build self-regulation, strengthen motor and play skills, and support practical abilities for everyday living. Guided by each child’s goals and interests, therapy aims to nurture confidence, independence, and well-being. At Chatterbox, our OTs embrace a compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming approach that honours every child’s individuality.

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.

As we set goals, we carefully consider your child’s age, current stage, and daily needs, making sure the plan is realistic, personalised, and effective for their way of learning.

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.

Therapies are generally most effective with frequent, consistent sessions. Each opportunity to practise helps children build on their skills and achieve stronger results. While the ideal might be multiple therapy hours every week, this isn’t realistic for every family.

Occasionally, therapies such as the maintenance phase of stuttering treatment can run at lower intensity (like fortnightly or monthly), though these situations are the exception.

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?

It’s difficult to predict exactly how long therapy will last, as factors such as age, learning style, personality, developmental progress, and diagnoses all play a role.

Once your therapist gets to know your child, they’ll be able to provide a clearer sense of how therapy may unfold. It’s important to keep in mind that progress takes time; there’s no instant 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 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.

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:

Make sure your child attends therapy regularly
Complete practice tasks between sessions
Reschedule appointments instead of cancelling whenever you can
Use holiday breaks as an opportunity for intensive therapy sessions
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 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 support therapists 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.