Autism support
Whether your child has an autism diagnosis, you are waiting to see a Paediatrician, or you are only starting to wonder, you are welcome here. Our Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Dietitians, Psychologist and Therapy Assistants work with autistic children and their families on the Gold Coast. Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy and Therapy Assistants are at our Burleigh Waters and Hope Island clinics. Psychology and Dietetics are at Burleigh Waters. All of these are also available by telehealth.
Phone 07 5559 9888 or email reception@mytherapyspace.com.au.
Our approach: neurodiversity affirming
Since 2022 our team has been learning and building our skills in neurodiversity-affirming practice. Autism is one of the many natural ways a brain can work. It brings its own strengths and its own challenges.
Our aim is not to change who your child is. We work on the skills your child wants and needs, we adapt the environment around them, and we help the people in their life understand and support them. We listen to the voices of autistic people and keep learning from them. Read more in What is neurodiversity-affirming practice?
On this page we say “autistic children”. Some families prefer “on the autism spectrum” or “with autism”, and we follow your lead and your child’s.
Wherever you are right now
Families come to us at different points:
- You have noticed some differences and want to understand your child better. You do not need a diagnosis to start therapy with us.
- You are waiting to see a Paediatrician. Therapy can start while you wait.
- Your child has just been diagnosed. Many parents have a lot of questions. We can help you work out what support your child and family need now, and what can wait.
- Your child is starting school or changing schools. We can help plan for the change and share ideas with your child’s teachers.
- Your child is a teenager or young adult. We provide services to all children 0-18 years, with some support also available to young adults with disabilities.
What families often ask us about
These are things families often mention. They are not signs of autism and they are not a checklist: many children who are not autistic do these things, and many autistic children do not.
- Communicating in ways other than speech, such as gestures, signs, pictures or a device, or using few words. See AAC, communication devices and Key Word Sign.
- Repeating words, questions or lines from favourite shows. See Why does my child repeat things?
- Finding changes in routine, or moving from one activity to another, very hard.
- Strong reactions to sounds, touch, clothing, smells or busy places. See Sensory processing, big emotions and changes.
- Big feelings, meltdowns or shutdowns that are hard to understand.
- Finding everyday requests very hard, even for things your child wants to do. See Understanding demand avoidance.
- Eating only a small range of foods. See Fussy eating, feeding and growth.
- Wanting to connect with other children, but finding play or friendships tricky.
- Finding everyday self-care, such as dressing, toileting or tooth brushing, hard.
How we help
Therapy is child-led, play-based, strengths-focused and built on a good relationship with your child. Depending on your child’s goals, your therapist may:
- start from your child’s interests, whether that is Minecraft, the weather, space or something else;
- support every way your child communicates, including gestures, signs, symbols and speech devices;
- help you find out what a repeated phrase or question means for your child, rather than trying to stop it;
- help with sensory needs, predictable routines and plenty of notice about changes;
- use a flexible, collaborative approach for children who find demands hard;
- help your child notice how their body feels and find calming strategies that work for them;
- coach you, and share ideas with teachers and educators, so home, school and therapy can work together.
Parents are always involved, especially for children under 8. Our approach relies on working with you, so we are probably not the right service if you are looking for drop-off therapy.
Where. At our Burleigh Waters clinic (Treetops Square, 2 Classic Way), which offers all five services, our Hope Island clinic (8 Halcyon Way) for Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy and Therapy Assistants, or by telehealth at home. We also do some school, childcare and home visits where possible and clinically suitable; a travel fee applies.
One team, one plan. Our team works under one roof and uses the same forms and booking system, so you do not have to retell your story to each therapist. Some families book joint sessions, for example Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology together. You can also ask about a key worker: one consistent contact who plans with you, liaises with doctors, teachers and other therapists, and supports you through changes such as starting school or working with the NDIS.
Which therapist your child will see
Autistic children often see more than one of our therapists. Our Directors read your intake form and match your child with the therapist whose skills fit their needs. Depending on what your family wants to work on:
- Speech Pathology for communication in all its forms: understanding and using language, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Key Word Sign, and feeding. Our Speech Pathologists are Certified Practising Speech Pathologists (CPSP) with Speech Pathology Australia. Speech Pathology
- Occupational Therapy for sensory processing, emotional regulation, play, self-care and motor skills. Our Occupational Therapists are registered with Ahpra. Occupational Therapy
- Psychology for emotional wellbeing, anxiety, behaviour that is hard to understand, big feelings, meltdowns or shutdowns, and family wellbeing. Our Psychologist is registered with Ahpra. At Burleigh Waters and by telehealth. Psychology
- Dietetics if mealtimes or a small range of foods are a worry, including ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder). Our Dietitians are Accredited Practising Dietitians (APD) with Dietitians Australia. At Burleigh Waters and by telehealth. Dietitian
- Therapy Assistants to practise goals at home, at childcare or out in the community, following a plan written by your child’s therapist. Therapy Assistant Program
What a first visit looks like
- Send a referral through our contact form, call 07 5559 9888 or come in and see reception. You do not need a letter from a GP.
- We send you an intake form about your child, what support they may need, and their strengths and interests.
- Our Directors read it and match your child with a therapist suited to their needs. Some families have an intake meeting with a Director first to set goals together. Depending on waitlists, your child is booked in or placed on the waiting list.
Your first appointment. The first appointment is a little longer, so your therapist can get to know your child. For Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy the first appointment is 60 minutes face to face, plus time afterwards for notes, follow up and therapy planning. The first Psychology session is for parents only, so you can share your child’s history freely. You set the goals: our “Individual Family Support Plan” starts with what you want for your child and family. Prices are on Therapist Fees.
What it costs and how funding can help
Fees. First appointments: Speech Pathology or Occupational Therapy $290.70 (60 minutes face to face, plus 30 minutes for notes and planning); Dietitian $387.98 (90 minutes face to face, plus 30 minutes; it may be shorter); Psychology, a parent only session, $252.99 per hour plus 15 minutes for notes and planning. After that, a standard Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy or Dietitian session is $209.95 (65 minutes billed: 50 face to face, plus 15 for planning, preparation, notes and session summaries) and a standard Psychology session is $316.23 (75 minutes). Therapy Assistants are $56.16 or $86.79 per hour, depending on the level of support (Therapy Assistant Fees).
NDIS. If therapy is in your child’s NDIS plan, the cost may be covered by the plan. We see self-managed and plan-managed clients, not NDIA-managed plans.
Medicare. Children and young people under 25 with a suspected or diagnosed complex neurodevelopmental disorder, such as autism, may be able to claim approximately $89.50 per session (as of 1 July 2026) for up to 20 therapy sessions in their lifetime. This needs a referral from a Paediatrician or Psychiatrist. A GP plan may also apply; your GP decides. You can claim eligible rebates on the spot at reception.
Private health. With extras cover that includes therapy, you may be eligible for a rebate. The amount depends on your cover, so check with your fund.
For a worked example and an estimate calculator, see What will I pay?. NDIS, Medicare or private health explains each option.
Group programs that fit
This term (Term 4 2026) our current group is the Prep Readiness Group, for children getting ready to start school: see Getting ready for Prep. Our summer school holiday programs are being finalised. See Workshops and Groups for what is on, or call 07 5559 9888 or email reception@mytherapyspace.com.au to register interest.
Questions families ask
Can you diagnose autism?
In Australia, an autism diagnosis must be made by a Paediatrician or Psychiatrist. If you are wondering whether your child is autistic, a good first step is to talk with your GP. You do not need a diagnosis to start therapy with us.
Do we need a diagnosis to start therapy?
No. You do not need a diagnosis or a referral to start therapy with us; most families refer their child themselves. Some funding does have rules: NDIS support needs an NDIS plan, and some Medicare rebates need a GP plan or a referral from a Paediatrician or Psychiatrist.
Can we use NDIS or Medicare?
We see NDIS clients who are self-managed or plan-managed. Children and young people under 25 with a suspected or diagnosed complex neurodevelopmental disorder, such as autism, may be able to claim Medicare rebates for up to 20 therapy sessions in their lifetime, with a referral from a Paediatrician or Psychiatrist. Eligible rebates can be claimed on the spot at reception. See NDIS, Medicare or private health and What will I pay?
Will therapy try to stop my child stimming or repeating?
Our aim is not to change who your child is. Movements such as rocking or hand flapping, and repeating words, can help a child feel calm, process what is happening or connect with you. We look at what need they are meeting, and we work on goals that matter to your child and family.
What ages do you see?
We provide services to all children 0-18 years, with some support also available to young adults with disabilities.
More answers: FAQ.
Talk to our team
Burleigh Waters and Hope Island, 8.30 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Phone 07 5559 9888 or email reception@mytherapyspace.com.au.