Early Start Australia - Tasmania North

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Structured therapy or skill-building programs delivered during school holiday periods. These intensives allow children to make concentrated progress on communication, social, motor or daily living goals in a fun, often group-based setting.

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.

Treatment for stuttering including Lidcombe program.

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.