Is Lifestart Disability Services a registered NDIS provider?

Yes — Lifestart Disability Services is a registered NDIS provider, approved to deliver Development-Life Skills, Early Childhood Supports, Personal Mobility Equipment, Therapeutic Supports, Behaviour Support, Assistive Prod-Household Task, Comms & Info Equipment and Assist Prod-Pers Care/Safety. You can use NDIS funding for eligible supports.

What services does Lifestart Disability Services provide?

Lifestart Disability Services provides Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Behavioural Support and Early Intervention.

Which areas does Lifestart Disability Services cover?

Lifestart Disability Services is based in Gosford, NSW.

How do I connect with Lifestart Disability Services?

You can call +61 1800 953 390 and visit their website, or send an enquiry through EarlyBloom — it goes straight to the provider and is always free for families.

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.

Lifestart Disability Services · Speech Therapy · Gosford, NS…

What Lifestart helps with

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.

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.

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.

Behaviour Support

A therapy approach that reduces challenging behaviours by understanding what is driving them and building supportive routines, environments and skills, so a child can take part more fully at home, school and in the community.

NDIS Early Childhood Approach

Support in the early years (usually under 7) that helps children with developmental delay or disability build communication, movement, social and everyday-living skills while their development is most responsive.

Secret Agent Society

A structured social and emotional skills program for primary-school-aged children with autism or social learning difficulties. Using a spy theme, the program teaches children to decode emotions, manage anxiety and make friends through engaging missions and activities.

More Than Words

Online or face-to-face program for children and young people.

SpeakUP

Online or face-to-face program including group program options.

Tech Talkers

Online or face-to-face program for children and young people.

Services for Schools

Support for schools to empower teachers to better support students with disability, developmental concerns or behavioural challenges.

Services for Childcare Centres

Support for childcare centres to better support children with disability or developmental concerns.

Tailored Inclusion Training

Training for businesses, community organisations or Government offices to help include and support staff and customers with disability or developmental concerns.

Sensory Spaces

Sensory space setup for events to better include all attendees.

Our approach

Lifestart delivers tailored therapy and behaviour support programs that recognise each child's unique strengths and help them reach their full potential. The team includes Speech Pathologists, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Behaviour Support Practitioners who work with children and families in partnership. A key worker approach is used across the service, which is regarded as best practice in the industry. The focus is on supporting children within the bigger picture of their family's life and priorities, while building their confidence and inclusion in their communities.

Working with families

Lifestart is committed to empowering children in partnership with their families and communities. The service recognises that family priorities are central to therapy planning and program delivery. Families are welcomed to provide feedback, compliments, complaints and suggestions, as the organisation values knowing what is working well and how services can be improved. Parent testimonials on the website highlight the importance of the family network and support provided by the service during uncertain times.

Meet the team

Lifestart has over 150 staff comprising a diverse multi-disciplinary team including Speech Pathologists, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Behaviour Support Practitioners. The leadership team is led by CEO Birgitte Maiborn, with a General Manager for Therapy and Behaviour Support overseeing clinical services. Staff bring expertise from many walks of life and career paths, united by a shared purpose to empower children with disability and developmental concerns. Graduate therapists receive dedicated development programs including ongoing clinical supervision and training from senior clinicians with advanced skills and experience working with complex children and families.

Lifestart Disability Services

What families say

About Lifestart Disability Services