Early Start Australia - Hawthorn

A therapy that helps children and adults develop the everyday skills needed for daily life — from dressing, writing and play to sensory processing and school participation. Occupational therapists assess what is getting in the way and design practical strategies to build independence and confidence.

Assessment and treatment of communication difficulties including speech sounds, language development, stuttering, voice, and feeding and swallowing. Speech pathologists work with children and adults to help them communicate clearly and confidently.

Assessment and therapy provided by a registered psychologist to support mental health, emotional wellbeing and behaviour. Psychologists work across the lifespan — helping children, adolescents and adults understand and manage challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma and learning differences.

An evidence-based early intervention program for young autistic children (typically aged 12 months to 5 years) that uses play-based, relationship-focused strategies to build communication, social and learning skills during everyday routines.

Comprehensive assessments to guide personalised therapy plans and support formal diagnosis.

A multi-disciplinary evaluation that determines whether a child or adult meets the criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It usually involves observation, standardised assessments and parent or teacher interviews, resulting in a diagnostic report that opens access to therapy and NDIS supports.

An evaluation of how a person processes sensory information — such as touch, sound, movement and taste — and how this affects their behaviour and daily functioning. Carried out by an occupational therapist, the results guide strategies to help the individual feel regulated and comfortable in their environment.

A standardised assessment of thinking, learning and memory abilities administered by a psychologist. Results identify a person's cognitive profile, highlight strengths and areas of difficulty, and inform recommendations for school support, therapy and NDIS access.

Assessment and therapy targeting the development of physical movement skills — gross motor skills (running, jumping, balance) and fine motor skills (handwriting, cutting, fastening). Delivered by occupational therapists or physiotherapists to help children meet developmental milestones.

A comprehensive assessment — typically conducted by an occupational therapist or allied health professional — that evaluates how a person's disability or health condition affects their ability to carry out daily tasks. The report is used to determine NDIS funding needs and plan appropriate supports.

Therapy for children and adults who have difficulty eating — including extreme fussy eating, food aversions, swallowing difficulties or tube weaning. A speech pathologist or occupational therapist works with the individual and family to expand food acceptance and build safe, positive mealtimes.

Assessment, recommendation and training in tools, devices or software that help people with disability participate more independently in daily life. This can range from communication apps and adaptive cutlery to wheelchairs and environmental controls.

Support for individuals who have difficulty communicating verbally, using tools such as picture boards, speech-generating devices and apps. AAC therapists assess communication needs and teach both the individual and their support network to use these systems effectively.

Specialised program for stuttering support.

Evidence-based programs developed by the Hanen Centre that train parents, educators and caregivers to support children's language and social development through everyday interactions. Programs such as It Takes Two to Talk are delivered by certified speech pathologists.

Specialised speech and motor planning therapy.

Therapy that helps individuals recover function and independence following illness, injury, surgery or disability. Rehabilitation may include specialised techniques such as scar management and serial casting as part of a broader recovery plan.

Therapeutic exercises performed in a heated pool under the supervision of a physiotherapist or occupational therapist. The water's buoyancy reduces joint stress and allows movement that may be difficult on land, making it beneficial for children and adults with physical disability, chronic pain or low muscle tone.

Programs and assessments that prepare children for the transition to school by building the social, emotional, language and self-care skills needed to participate fully in a classroom environment. Often delivered by early childhood educators, occupational therapists and speech pathologists.

Therapy and group programs that teach children and young people the skills needed to interact effectively with others — such as turn-taking, reading social cues, making conversation and managing conflict. Often delivered in small groups to allow real-life practice with peers.

A structured social and emotional skills program for primary-school-aged children with autism or social learning difficulties. Using a spy theme, the program teaches children to decode emotions, manage anxiety and make friends through engaging missions and activities.

Group programs during school holidays.

Community-based group program.

Specialised feeding therapy program.

Specialised support for toilet training.

Support services provided at kindergarten settings.

Therapy, assessment and consultation delivered remotely via video call, allowing families to access support from home without the need to travel. Telehealth sessions cover most services including psychology, speech pathology, occupational therapy and counselling.

Therapy or support delivered in the client's home or community setting rather than in a clinic. This approach allows therapists to work within the real environment where skills need to be applied, which can lead to more practical, lasting outcomes.