Early Start Australia - Oakleigh

Get to know Early Start Australia - Oakleigh

From Early Start Australia - Oakleigh's website.

• Our approach

  Early Start Australia uses evidence-based therapy with a multi-disciplinary team approach, tailoring treatment plans to each child's individual needs and goals. Sessions involve therapists working closely with parents and carers to support development across daily life activities, from communication and learning to movement and emotional wellbeing. The team works together to understand your child's unique strengths and challenges, then develops strategies that fit into everyday routines. Rather than therapy happening in isolation, the focus is on helping your child thrive across home, school and community settings. Through shared information and collaborative planning, families work alongside therapists to achieve meaningful outcomes and enjoy a better quality of life.

• Working with families

  Parents and carers are central to the therapy process at Early Start Australia, with therapists working together with you to understand your child's needs and share information throughout the journey. The team provides evidence-informed advice and collaborates with you to develop plans that fit into your daily routines and everyday life, rather than treating therapy as an isolated service. Regular communication and shared goal-setting mean you're actively involved in deciding what matters most for your family. The organisation recognises that early intervention works best when parents and the people around your child are engaged in supporting their development across home, school and community settings. This partnership approach ensures better outcomes and helps your child thrive in the environments where they spend most of their time.

• Meet the team

  Early Start Australia's multi-disciplinary team includes occupational therapists, psychologists, speech pathologists, physiotherapists, dietitians, music therapists and allied health assistants who work together to support your child's development. Each profession brings specific expertise—occupational therapists help with daily living skills and school success; speech pathologists support communication; physiotherapists focus on movement and strength; psychologists provide guidance on learning and emotional wellbeing; and dietitians assist with feeding and nutrition. The team is experienced in early intervention across all ages and abilities, from young children with developmental concerns through to teenagers. All staff are registered health professionals working collaboratively to provide evidence-based, quality care aligned with NDIS requirements.

• Your first visit

  The first step involves an initial assessment where the team takes time to understand your goals, needs and dreams for your child. During this process, therapists will gather information about your child's development, strengths and areas where they need support, helping to identify what's working well and where extra help may be needed. From this understanding, a tailored therapy package is developed that fits your family's situation and priorities. The team may conduct specific assessments depending on your child's needs—these could include psychology assessments, autism assessments, functional capacity assessments or other diagnostic testing to guide formal diagnoses or identify support needs. Once the assessment is complete, you'll work together with the team to develop an action plan and begin your therapy journey.