Early Start Australia - Manly · Speech Therapy · Manly, NSW

What Early helps with

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.

Speech Pathology

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.

Occupational Therapy

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.

Art Therapy

A creative therapy in which drawing, painting and other art-making processes are used to help children and adults explore emotions, reduce anxiety and process difficult experiences. No artistic ability is required — the focus is on the process, not the product.

Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)

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.

Autism Assessments

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.

ADHD Assessments

A structured evaluation by a psychologist or psychiatrist to determine whether ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is present. It typically includes questionnaires, clinical interviews, rating scales and sometimes cognitive testing, and results in recommendations for support and treatment.

Sensory Assessments

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.

Cognitive Assessments

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.

Motor Skills Assessments

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.

Little Oaks Program

Program for children under five years of age, particularly toddlers, with known developmental delays, autism or disabilities.

Community Program

Tailored and individualised programs for children, delivered in homes, childcare, kindergarten and all natural settings.

Allied Health Assistant Program

Support delivered by trained Allied Health Assistants under the supervision of a registered therapist. Assistants help implement therapy programs, practise skills with clients and provide increased frequency of support, making therapy more accessible and consistent.

Dysgraphia Assessment

Assessment for Specific Learning Disorder in written expression, addressing troubles with spelling, handwriting, and written expression.

Our approach

Early Start Australia uses evidence-based therapy delivered by a multi-disciplinary team including occupational therapists, speech pathologists, physiotherapists, psychologists and dietitians. The approach focuses on working together with parents and families to understand each child's unique goals, needs and dreams, then tailoring therapy to support development across daily life. Sessions are designed to be safe spaces where children can try challenging activities and grow their skills and self-esteem. The service emphasises that therapy is not just for young children—early intervention works best when started as soon as possible, supporting children at all ages and abilities to develop language, motor, cognitive, social and emotional skills.

Working with families

Parents and carers are central to the therapy approach at Early Start Australia. The team works directly with families to share information, provide evidence-informed advice, and develop strategies that support your child's goals across home, school and community. Therapists tailor their practice to suit each child's individual needs across different environments and work closely with families to ensure therapy is meaningful and effective. Regular communication and collaboration mean families are active partners in their child's development journey, not just observers.

Meet the team

The team at Early Start Australia includes qualified occupational therapists, speech pathologists, physiotherapists, psychologists, dietitians and allied health assistants. Team members hold relevant qualifications and professional registrations (such as AHPRA registration), with many bringing specialist training in areas like autism assessment, feeding therapy, DIR Floortime, AAC, and literacy support. Each therapist brings their own experience and areas of interest—for example, some specialise in early intervention with very young children, while others focus on school success, social skills, or supporting teenagers. All staff are required to complete NDIS Worker Orientation and have access to ongoing evidence-based training to provide safe, quality services.

Frequently asked questions

Is Early Start Australia - Manly a registered NDIS provider?

Yes — Early Start Australia - Manly is a registered NDIS provider, approved to deliver Participate Community, Assist-Life Stage, Transition, Ex Phys Pers Training, Therapeutic Supports, Early Childhood Supports and Comms & Info Equipment. You can use NDIS funding for eligible supports.

What services does Early Start Australia - Manly provide?

Early Start Australia - Manly provides Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Behavioural Support, Autism Assessment, ADHD Assessment and Early Intervention.

Which areas does Early Start Australia - Manly cover?

Early Start Australia - Manly is based in Manly, NSW.

How do I connect with Early Start Australia - Manly?

You can call +61 2 9064 5010 and visit their website, or send an enquiry through EarlyBloom — it goes straight to the provider and is always free for families.

What ages does Early Start Australia - Manly work with?

Early Start Australia supports children and young people aged 0–16 years (and teenagers up to 21 years in some contexts), with services including early intervention for children under 9 years with developmental concerns or disability.Based on Early Start Australia - Manly's website

Do I need a referral to see a speech pathologist?

No referral is needed to see one privately. You only need a GP referral if you want to access Medicare rebates or are going through certain funded pathways.

Is speech therapy covered by the NDIS?

It can be, usually under Capacity Building / Improved Daily Living, if it aligns with your child's plan goals. Check your plan or ask your support coordinator.

At what age should we see a speech pathologist?

There's no "too early." If you have concerns about your child's talking or understanding at any age, an assessment can clarify whether support would help.

How long are sessions and how many will we need?

Sessions are typically 30-60 minutes. The number depends on your child's goals; the pathologist will recommend a plan after the initial assessment.

Early Start Australia - Manly

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