Getting started
If you are concerned about your child's development, you are in the right place. This page walks you through what you might be noticing, how to begin and what a first appointment looks like with us.
You know your child best
It is natural to have questions about your child's growth and milestones. Whether it is a developmental delay, a behaviour that has you puzzled or the everyday uncertainty of parenting, you do not have to work it out alone.
We listen first. We build the goals that matter to your family. Your child is not broken and neither are you.
The information below is a starting point, not a diagnostic tool. It may help you review your concerns and decide on your next step.
Signs you might be noticing
Every child develops at their own pace. Some of the things parents raise with us include:
Limited or delayed speech, or communicating in other ways
Big feelings that are hard to settle
Finding change or transitions difficult
Challenges with everyday routines like sleep, eating or toileting
Differences in play or in connecting with others
Noticing these does not mean something is wrong. It means it is worth a closer look, and early support can make a real difference to a child's learning and development.
Where to begin
1. Try a parent report screening tool. If you have concerns, you can start by completing a parent report screening tool. These are a guide, not a diagnosis.
The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised, with Follow Up (M-CHAT-R/F). If your child screens positive, it is worth talking with your GP, paediatrician or child health nurse about a referral for assessment. Take the M-CHAT-R/F (https://mchatscreen.com/mchat-rf/)
ASDetect, a free Australian app that uses video examples to help you look for early signs of autism in children aged 11 to 30 months. Open ASDetect (https://asdetect.org)
2. You do not need a diagnosis to start.
Early detection of autism and developmental delay matters because it lets you begin support sooner. You do not need a formal diagnosis to start early intervention. If your child's development catches up, that is a wonderful thing. Early action gives children room to learn the skills that matter to them.
3. Learn about how we work.
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is one evidence based approach to early intervention. Programmes are designed, delivered and reviewed to build skills that matter to the child and the family. ABA can be used across settings like home and school, and works primarily with Autistic children while also supporting children with developmental delay and other developmental needs. We teach from joy, we offer choice over compliance and we never push or shame.
Who can diagnose autism?
In Australia most children are diagnosed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A diagnostic assessment may be carried out by:
One health professional, such as a paediatrician, psychiatrist or psychologist
A team of health professionals, usually a paediatrician or child and adolescent psychiatrist, a psychologist and a speech pathologist, with others as needed
To learn more about autism, assessment and support for Australian families, see Autism, What Next? (https://www.autismwhatnext.com.au), funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.
Funding
The NDIS Early Childhood approach is available to children under 9 who have an identified developmental delay or disability. The first step is to meet an NDIS Early Childhood Partner, who can share what is available in your area, offer some short term early intervention support where appropriate and request access to the NDIS if needed.
Read how the NDIS Early Childhood approach works (https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/families-and-carers/how-ecei-works-step-step-process)
What a first appointment looks like
Your first appointment is a conversation. We want to understand your child, your family and what matters most to you right now.
We listen to your concerns and what you are hoping for
We talk through your child's strengths, interests and the things you find tricky
We explain how we work and the options that might suit your family
Together we decide on a sensible first step, at a pace that feels right
There is no pressure and no judgement. You can ask anything.