Is Early Start Australia Preston a registered NDIS provider?

Yes — Early Start Australia Preston 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 Preston provide?

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

Which areas does Early Start Australia Preston cover?

Early Start Australia Preston is based in Preston, VIC.

How do I connect with Early Start Australia Preston?

You can call +61 3 9113 6186 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 Preston work with?

The provider works with early childhood (0–6 years), school-aged children (7–12 years), and teenagers (13–16 years).

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 Preston · Speech Therapy · Preston, VI…

What Early helps with

Psychology

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.

Physiotherapy

Treatment that uses movement, exercise and hands-on techniques to improve physical function, strength and mobility. For children, physiotherapy often targets gross motor development, balance and coordination; for adults it addresses pain, injury recovery and long-term conditions.

Developmental Education

Support from a Developmental Educator who specialises in helping people with intellectual disability, developmental delay and autism build practical, social and independent living skills across home, school and community settings.

Dietetics

Evidence-based assessment and advice from an Accredited Practising Dietitian on food, nutrition and eating behaviours. For children, this often covers fussy eating, growth concerns, food allergies and healthy development; for adults it covers medical nutrition management and general health.

Social Work

Practical and emotional support that helps families navigate services, funding, school and home challenges, connecting you to the right resources and advocating for your child.

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.

School Programs

Allied health and therapeutic services delivered directly within a school setting to support students with disability, developmental differences or learning difficulties. This model reduces disruption to schooling and allows therapists to collaborate with teachers in the child's natural learning environment.

Alternative Augmentative Communication

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.

PROMPT

Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets, an approach to speech disorders using physical prompts for sensory feedback.

Our approach

Early Start Australia uses evidence-based, holistic therapy tailored to each child's individual needs and goals. The multi-disciplinary team works alongside parents to develop treatment plans incorporating strategies that support your child across their everyday life and activities. Sessions are designed to meet children where they are, whether delivered in clinic or through flexible telehealth appointments from home. The provider's goal is to help children and families thrive by understanding their unique strengths, challenges and dreams, then creating a personalised approach to achieve better outcomes. Therapy is offered for all ages, needs and abilities, with a strong emphasis on early intervention and family partnership throughout the journey.

Working with families

Family involvement is central to the therapy approach, with the team working alongside parents and carers to meet children's developmental goals. Regular communication and information-sharing occurs to ensure parents understand strategies and can support their child across daily activities and routines. The provider views parents as key partners in the child's therapy journey and works collaboratively to achieve shared goals and better outcomes. Sessions can be delivered in various formats, including clinic visits or telehealth from home, offering flexibility around family needs. The team is committed to supporting parents throughout the process and helping families enjoy a better quality of life.

Meet the team

The multi-disciplinary team includes occupational therapists, psychologists, speech pathologists, dietitians, physiotherapists, music therapists and allied health assistants. All team members are registered health professionals who work collaboratively with parents to support children's development across all areas of functioning. The provider operates across multiple clinics throughout Australia, offering experienced therapists who are dedicated to early childhood intervention services. Team members follow evidence-informed practice and NDIS requirements to ensure quality and safe services. The team's shared goal is to meet every child's individual needs and provide early intervention that makes a real difference.

Your first visit

At the first appointment, the team works to understand your child's individual needs, goals and your family's dreams for the future. The provider will gather information about your child's strengths, challenges and what matters most to you, forming the foundation for developing a tailored therapy plan. Based on this initial assessment, the team creates an evidence-based plan with strategies specific to your situation. This collaborative approach ensures that therapy is personalised and focused on achieving the outcomes that matter to your family. The team is committed to working with you throughout this process to support your child's development.

Early Start Australia Preston

What families say

About Early Start Australia Preston