Early Start Australia - Sunshine Coast

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A registered Allied Health profession that uses music-based activities — such as singing, instrument playing and songwriting — to support communication, social, emotional and physical goals. Music therapy is effective for children and adults with a wide range of developmental, neurological and mental health conditions.

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.

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.

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.

Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship model therapy helping children grow through meaningful relationships.

Effective therapy for preschool children with stuttering, guided by trained therapists.

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.

Encouraging collaboration, problem-solving, and social skills through structured LEGO play sessions.

Specialised support to help children and individuals with disability achieve continence and develop independent toileting routines. Usually delivered by an occupational therapist or nurse continence adviser, it involves assessment, practical strategies and gradual skill-building.

Specialised speech therapy technique.

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.

Programs and camps run during school holidays to boost therapy participation and social connection.

Focused on improving social interaction, communication, and teamwork in various settings.

Helping children build awareness of their internal body signals and develop emotional regulation skills.

School and early childhood education centre support services.