What Is Speech Therapy?
Speech therapy aims to help children build the communication skills they need to connect, learn, and thrive. Being able to express themselves and understand others enables children to connect with their world. Their confidence grows, and so does their ability to make friends, manage emotions, participate in learning, and navigate daily life.
Chatterbox paediatric speech pathologists partner with children throughout their development. We nurture toddlers discovering language, preschoolers refining communication, and school-aged children facing challenges with speech, literacy, and social interaction.
Our experienced speech therapists support children in the following areas:
- 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.
If your child is slow to develop speech, struggles with clarity, or feels left out of conversations at school, our team is ready to provide support.
Why Might My Child Need Speech Therapy?
Every child develops at their own pace, but sometimes speech and language skills don’t come as easily.
Some children need more than just everyday exposure; they need support to build skills step by step, in a way that matches their individual learning style. That’s where speech therapy for children may make a real difference.
Many parents hope their child will eventually outgrow speech or language difficulties, but often these challenges persist without help. It’s not a lack of effort; children simply need support to develop the skills they’re struggling with.
Without the right support, children’s difficulties may grow over time. Expectations increase with age, in the classroom, with peers, and in daily routines. Early intervention is important because it aims to build strong foundations and lowers the risk of challenges becoming bigger obstacles later.
How Speech Therapy Works at Chatterbox
It’s normal for starting speech therapy to feel daunting when you don’t know what to expect. That’s why we keep things straightforward and supportive from day one.
1. Initial Assessment
We start with a gentle, play-oriented assessment that aims to put your child at ease. Through this, we learn about their communication skills, identify both strengths and difficulties, and plan how best to support them.
2. Setting Individual Goals
Once we’ve completed the assessment, we help you create targeted goals that are both motivating and connected to daily routines, including joining peers at play, following what teachers say, and feeling heard at home.
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
- Use evidence-based strategies backed by current research
- Highlight and grow your child’s strengths, while guiding them through the skills they find harder
- Help your child grow in confidence, build meaningful connections, and gain independence
Speech therapy can include play, movement, talking, or hands-on activities, depending on what best supports your child’s learning. Every session is designed to be playful, engaging, and grounded in real-life communication needs. With a neurodiversity-affirming approach, we support children to build confidence, connect with others, and become more independent while celebrating who they are.
4. Family Support and Coaching
You’re a vital part of your child’s progress. That’s why we coach and support you with practical strategies you can use at home, in the car, or during everyday routines.
We believe in working with both children and families, because when families feel confident and supported, children grow stronger too.
5. Ongoing Monitoring
By tracking progress at each session, we adapt to your child’s needs as they arise. This approach makes therapy focused, achievable, and valuable for the whole family.
Why Families Choose Chatterbox
We practise a neurodiversity-affirming approach that celebrates and builds on children’s strengths
- Our approach is both strengths-based and neurodiversity-affirming, meaning we value every child’s unique way of communicating and learning
- Together with you, we create family-focused goals and adaptable therapy plans
- Our sessions are fun, engaging, and shaped around what works best for your child
- We provide support for a range of developmental needs in the one place
- Speech therapy is available with us either face-to-face or via Telehealth, giving families choice and convenience
- We’re therapists with skill and heart, committed to making a real difference
These are all part of what we offer, but want to know the biggest reason?
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?
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.
When we design goals, we factor in your child’s age, development, and everyday life so the plan is meaningful, practical, and tailored to support their learning.
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.
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, for example the maintenance stage of stuttering intervention, may involve reduced intensity with fortnightly or monthly sessions, but this is rare rather than standard.
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?
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.
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?
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.
We ensure your child sees the same speech pathologist each session, so they may form a strong, trusting bond. With that consistency, your child may feel safe and supported, and therapy can be tailored more precisely to their needs.
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.
Because our clinicians collaborate, they pass on progress notes, strategies, and goals, so sessions remain connected regardless of who’s in the room. Exposure to different people may benefit your child by helping them to adapt and learn new skills.
How can I get the most out of our therapy sessions?
Good news! There are straightforward strategies you can use to support your child’s therapy and help them keep building skills:
- Make sure your child attends therapy regularly
- Keep therapy on track by working on practice tasks outside of sessions
- Try to shift appointments rather than cancel them outright
- Boost progress by joining holiday therapy intensives
- Actively take part in sessions, your support makes a big impact
The steadier and more involved you are, the bigger the potential gains for your child.
Do you offer online speech therapy for children?
Absolutely, we provide both in-clinic appointments and online speech and occupational therapy sessions to fit your family’s schedule. Online therapy is especially helpful for families on the go, children who thrive at home, or those living further away.
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?
At each of our primary locations in Bella Vista, Kingswood, Oran Park, Parramatta, and Penrith, a dedicated team is ready to assist you and your family, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish. With free on-site parking available at every clinic, attending assessments or therapy sessions is made easy and stress-free.
While our speech pathologists 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.
