Getting started5 minutes to read
Early intervention is support for young children, from birth until they start school, who have developmental delay, disability or developmental concerns. It helps children build skills during the years when learning happens fastest, and gives families practical strategies to use in everyday routines at home.
What it can include
- Speech pathology (communication, understanding, feeding).
- Occupational therapy (play, sensory needs, daily living skills).
- Physiotherapy (movement and motor skills).
- Psychology, where emotional regulation or behaviour support is needed.
- Parent and carer coaching, so the support continues between sessions.
- Early childhood education and inclusion support in childcare or preschool.
In Australia the NDIS early childhood approach is the main funded pathway for young children, and it can connect you with these supports before any NDIS plan exists. The current age rules are in How the system works.
