We value the commitment to therapy and the time allocated by our clinicians. Our notice periods depend on the type of service:

• Individual Sessions: We require two (2) clear business days.
• Short-notice cancellations incur the full (100%) session fee.
• School Term Groups: We require 14 full business days' notice prior to the commencement of the term. Failure to provide this will incur a two-week cancellation fee.
• 3-4 Day Holiday Camps: We require seven (7)  full clear business days' notice prior to the start date.
• Single Day Holiday Camps: We require two (2)  full clear business days' notice.

An initial session is a parent and carer only session and our chance to get to know your child and your family unit. The child is not present for this session, as it is a dedicated space to discuss your child’s developmental history, current challenges, and your hopes for therapy. We focus on building rapport and understanding the "why" behind any difficulties so we can create a tailored plan together.

No, the initial session is designed for parents and carers only. This allows us to have an open and in-depth conversation about your child's needs and history in a focused environment. Following this session, we will schedule appointments where your child will be involved to begin their therapy journey.

Expect a warm, safe environment where you are heard. We will gather information through conversation and clinical discussion. By the end of the session, we aim to have clear goals and a collaborative plan for the journey ahead.

Educational Therapy at Sense Therapies is broad and highly individualised. Our qualified Educator focuses on four key areas to ensure your child feels seen, supported, and understood:

1. Translating Therapy into Everyday Learning
We help bring clinical goals to life through meaningful, interest-led experiences. By focusing on foundational skills such as communication, regulation, and social engagement, we support children to achieve their therapeutic targets in ways that feel natural and achievable within their daily routines.

2. Play-Based, Developmentally Appropriate Sessions
Sessions are built on relationships and engagement rather than formal instruction. Using a deep understanding of early childhood development, our educator creates opportunities for:
Joint attention and social interaction.
Turn-taking and early communication.
Emotional understanding and self-regulation.

3. Supporting School and Preschool Readiness
We play a vital role in preparing children for successful transitions into preschool or school. We focus on building the "readiness" skills that matter most, including:
Developing a tolerance for group environments.
Building familiarity with routines and expectations.
Fostering independence in daily tasks and social confidence.

4. Partnering with Families
A core part of our model is working closely with parents and caregivers. Our educator models practical strategies and shares ideas that help families feel confident continuing learning and regulation strategies at home, ensuring support feels connected and holistic.

A Neuro-Affirming Approach to Growth
This flexible, child-led model is particularly beneficial for our neurodivergent clients. We provide a calm, non-judgmental environment that embraces each child’s natural way of thinking and processing. By building on their unique strengths, we help young people expand their capabilities, growing in confidence, resilience, and key life skills.

Wait times vary depending on the service and your flexibility with day/time. Please note that appointments during school hours are often more readily available than those outside of school hours. The quickest way to join our community is to complete our Online Intake Form. This places you on our list and ensures we have all the information ready the moment a spot opens up.

Our team are highly experienced in identifying neurodivergent traits and the functional impact they have on daily life. We offer a range of comprehensive assessments that use neuro-affirming, evidence-based tools to inform the diagnostic process. While we don't provide a medical diagnosis, these assessments are an important part of the multidisciplinary approach, often involving our team and your Paediatrician.

Our assessments are strengths-based and often play-led. We look at sensory processing, motor skills, emotional regulation, and social participation. We use a "bottom-up" approach, looking at the underlying neurobiology (like the Polyvagal Theory and Sensory Integration) to understand how your child perceives their world.

These assessments look at cognitive and academic profiles (like IQ or learning styles). They are thorough and usually involve several hours across one or two sessions, followed by a detailed report to help schools and families support the child's unique learning needs.

Absolutely! We welcome self-funded families and those using Private Health insurance. We believe everyone should have access to supportive therapy.

Please note: We are not licensed/ approved for Agency Managed (NDIS Managed Plans).

Payment on the day of service provision for in-clinic appointments is required and applies to: 

• NDIS Self Managed 
• All variations of Self Funded clients - including CDMP/Medicare related health plans, clients intending to claim with their health funds

If programs/ sessions are facilitated offsite payment should be paid via invoice online.

Other payment options to in-clinic payment on the day or payment via invoice is our Direct Debit/STRIPE system. Please discuss with Reception if you would like to set this up.

Yes! We love seeing children where they are most comfortable. We offer sessions in the clinic, at home, or within community settings such as schools, daycares, pre-schools, parks, or local pools to help skills generalise to real-life situations.

Through our Sense in Schools program, we provide professional learning, on-site workshops, and classroom coaching. We help educators understand the "why" behind behaviour to create calmer, more inclusive classrooms across the Illawarra region.