What Is Speech Therapy?
Speech therapy supports children in developing the communication skills needed to engage with others, learn effectively, and flourish. When children can share their thoughts and understand those around them, they feel more connected to the world. This confidence opens the door to friendships, emotional regulation, learning opportunities, and everyday participation.
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.
We provide speech therapy that may assist children with:
- 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.
Whether your child is a late talker, struggling to be understood, or finding it hard to join conversations at school, we want to help.
Why Might My Child Need Speech Therapy?
Each child grows and learns in their own time, though speech and language may not always develop smoothly.
For some children, simply being exposed to language isn’t enough, they may benefit from structured support that builds skills gradually and aligns with their unique way of learning. Speech therapy may provide that crucial guidance.
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.
Delays without support may mean a widening gap as demands grow at school, in friendships, and in everyday situations. That’s why early intervention is vital; it aims to provide the foundation for success and prevents current challenges from holding a child back later.
How Speech Therapy Works at Chatterbox
Speech therapy can seem like a big leap at first, especially if the process feels unfamiliar. Our role is to make it simple and supportive from the outset.
1. Initial Assessment
Our process starts with a warm, play-focused assessment designed to make your child feel comfortable. It allows us to see their communication skills in action, recognise strengths, and note any areas where support is needed.
2. Setting Individual Goals
Following the assessment, we partner with you to establish goals that truly matter for your child’s daily experiences, such as making playtime more inclusive, succeeding with school instructions, or being understood by family.
3. Fun, Personalised Therapy That’s Evidence-Based
No two children learn in the same way, so therapy must be individualised. At Chatterbox, our therapists:
- Shape each session around your child’s personal learning preferences and growth stage
- Rely on evidence-based practices supported by up-to-date studies
- Focus on what your child does well, while giving extra help in the areas that are more challenging
- Support your child to develop greater confidence, stronger connections, and more independence
Our therapy sessions may use games, movement, chats, or hands-on experiences, whichever approach helps your child feel safe, engaged, and ready to learn. Sessions are always play-based and focused on real-world communication. We practise a neurodiversity-affirming model that encourages every child to develop confidence, connection, and independence in a way that embraces their individuality.
4. Family Support and Coaching
You play an essential role in your child’s development, which is why we guide and support you with simple strategies to use at home, on the go, and in daily life.
At Chatterbox, our commitment extends beyond children to families, recognising that your wellbeing directly supports your child’s progress.
5. Ongoing Monitoring
We regularly check your child’s progress during sessions, allowing us to respond immediately to their needs. This way, therapy stays achievable, impactful, and suited to your family’s goals.
Why Families Choose Chatterbox
Our approach is neurodiversity-affirming and focused on building from each child’s strengths
- We follow a neurodiversity-affirming philosophy, building on each child’s strengths rather than focusing only on challenges
- Our approach involves working alongside you to develop family-centred goals and therapy plans that can adapt as needed
- We make therapy fun, engaging, and tailored to your child
- We provide support for a range of developmental needs in the one place
- Our services include speech therapy delivered in person or through online sessions
- We’re therapists with skill and heart, committed to making a real difference
While these are part of our services, the real reason stands out above them all.
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 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 create a therapy schedule guided by evidence and tailored to what may work best 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.
At Chatterbox, families have the option of 60 minute or 90 minute sessions. We offer weekly therapy sessions in line with the research, with options for additional weekly sessions and intensives (a great idea during school holidays!)
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?
All our therapists are qualified, experienced, and registered with Speech Pathology Australia. They’re passionate about helping children grow and thrive through evidence-based, family-friendly support.
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.
Life can be unpredictable, which is why having a connected team matters. If your clinician is unavailable, you need to reschedule or would like to add another session. We make it simple. Your child can see another qualified clinician, keeping therapy both 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
- Help your child by completing practice activities between each therapy session
- Move appointments rather than cancel if possible
- Consider holiday intensives to give your child extra support during breaks
- Get engaged during therapy time, your input truly supports your child’s learning
When you stay consistent and actively engaged, your child could make the greatest progress.
Do you offer online speech therapy for children?
That’s right! We provide speech and occupational therapy both in clinic and online , giving families choice and flexibility. Online therapy suits busy families, children who are most comfortable at home, and families 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.
You may be able to access different funding options to help cover therapy. 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 speech pathologists in Oran Park primarily support people from surrounding suburbs including Oran Park, Gledswood Hills, Gregory Hills, Harrington Park, Mount Annan, Currans Hill, Campbelltown, and Leppington, our clinics are more than welcoming to anyone looking to use our services across Sydney.
