Empowering Children
Supporting Families
Chatterbox Australia Therapy Services
Your Trusted Partner for Over 20 Years.
Tailored Therapy with Family-Centered Care.
THE CHATTERBOX STORY
Chatterbox Australia Therapy Services, founded in 2004 by the visionary Melissa De Matteo, stands as a beacon of hope and support for children with special needs. Melissa's exceptional academic background, including a Bachelor of Health Science with honours and a Masters in Speech Pathology, coupled with her six-year tenure on the board of the Australian Red Cross, Victoria division, equipped her to spearhead this vital initiative.
The genesis of Chatterbox arose from a critical need in the early 2000s when services for children with special needs were woefully inadequate. The Banyule area grappled with an alarming 18-month waitlist for therapist consultations, leaving educators and families desperately seeking assistance. Recognising this void, Melissa embarked on a mission to bridge it, particularly focusing on complex cases such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Today, Chatterbox stands as an integral part of Victoria's Paediatric Early Intervention Clinics, celebrated for its innovative approach and unwavering commitment to excellence. Our clinic offers a comprehensive array of therapies meticulously tailored to address each child's unique needs. From dynamic group programs nurturing social skills to personalised sessions targeting specific challenges, we embrace a holistic approach to therapy that nurtures every facet of a child's development.
Renowned and trusted by medical professionals, Chatterbox is the clinic of choice for families seeking top-notch care for their children. Our dedication to being a family-focused clinic is evident in our long-standing relationships with clients, some of whom have been with us since their toddler years. We understand that supporting the entire family unit is essential for the well-being of the child, and we strive to provide comprehensive support and guidance to parents and caregivers every step of the way.
Join us as we continue our journey of empowerment, dedicated to supporting children and families as they navigate the path to success.
NEURO - Affirming practice is our mission
At our neuro-affirming clinic, we recognise and celebrate neuro-diversity as the cornerstone of our approach. We understand that conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) aren't shortcomings to be corrected, but rather unique aspects that enrich the human experience. Our therapists are trained to embrace these differences, creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every child can flourish.
Embedded in our philosophy is the integration of evidence-based practices into our therapy programs. We stay abreast of the latest research in paediatric therapy to ensure our interventions are not only effective but also grounded in scientific evidence. Whether it's speech pathology, occupational therapy, or behavioural therapy, we rely on proven methodologies to nurture each child's development and growth.
Moreover, we recognise that neuro-diversity extends beyond the individual to encompass their family and broader community. That's why we prioritise collaboration and communication with parents, caregivers, and educators, ensuring everyone involved is equipped with the knowledge and support needed to facilitate progress.
By embracing neuro-diversity and adhering to evidence-based practices, Chatterbox Australia Therapy Services isn't just a therapy clinic – we're a beacon of empowerment and acceptance for children and families navigating the complexities of neuro-developmental differences.
OUR TEAM
Rest assured, your therapist at Chatterbox is not only trained but also highly qualified.
We take immense pride in the diverse educational backgrounds, extensive knowledge bases, and specialized expertise of our therapy staff. Our team comprises professionals with honours and master's degrees, alongside others who boast specialized training and certification in various areas of therapy. This blend of qualifications ensures that each therapist brings a unique perspective and skill set to the table, enhancing the quality and effectiveness of our services.