NDIS Early Childhood Support
Accessible Early Childhood Intervention & Approach
Ability Action Australia is a registered provider of the NDIS Early Childhood Approach (ECA) — formerly known as the Early Childhood Early Intervention approach.
The ECA is about fast access to support for children aged under seven years with a developmental delay or disability so they can get the best possible start in life.
Whether your child needs short-term early intervention or longer-term support, our early intervention support services can provide support for your child’s development, participation and quality of life.
What is early intervention?
Your child’s early years are very important as they set up how they will learn and develop later in life. It is critical for children with disability or developmental delay to access appropriate therapy services to support them during this time.
A developmental delay can apply to any area of development that reduces a child’s functional capacity. The delay may relate to their:
- Language and communication
- Fine or gross motor development
- Self-care skills
- Social skills
- Cognitive development
- Emotional or sensory regulation
The aim of NDIS early childhood intervention services is to provide ready access to therapy services at the earliest possible stage in order to reduce the impact of a child’s impairment on their functional capacity and their need for support in the future.
Research shows the earlier the intervention, the better the outcomes — children with access to this support are in a much better position to overcome developmental challenges.
Early intervention services for developmental delay and learning disabilities aim to promote a child’s development, family and child wellbeing, and community participation.
Early intervention is the best way to support children with disability or developmental delay
Helping your child thrive
As a registered ECA provider, Ability Action Australia offers flexible and tailored early intervention services to ensure we are fully supporting children and families to reach their goals.
Our services include:
- Occupational Therapy
- Exercise Physiology
- Speech Pathology
- Psychology
- Physiotherapy
- Positive Behaviour Support
- Therapy Assistance
Our clients have access to multiple clinicians with different fields of interest and expertise, including paediatrics, mental health, and physical disability.
We use a multidisciplinary approach to support more efficient, improved outcomes. This means a team of people with different skills work together to plan and provide services to a child.
We also offer our services to participants no matter how a plan is managed — whether self-managed, plan managed or agency-managed.
For new families and carers, we can help your child to thrive by:
- Developing a tailored plan to support their individual needs and goals
- Supporting your child to develop skills in play, communication, and relationships
- Increasing your child’s independence and ability to adapt to their environment
- Improving your child’s readiness to take part in childcare, kindergarten and school
Therapy in their everyday environment
Early childhood intervention services help your child most when therapies and supports are provided in your child’s everyday environments – at home, or in childcare, kindergarten or playgroup.
This is why we give our participants the choice to have one of our friendly clinicians visit them in the community.
Therapy sessions can take place in the comfort and familiarity of home, which is particularly useful if there are any difficulties with routines, or they can be held at the child’s school, kindergarten or childcare centre if parents are working.
Children and families are also welcome to attend one of our many well-resourced early intervention clinics situated around Australia.
New leading-edge early intervention clinics
Ability Action Australia has new, ultramodern therapy clinics that feature the latest in contemporary early intervention facilities for children.
Our therapy clinics provide multidisciplinary support. Our team liaises with the child’s support networks to work collaboratively and achieve their goals.
The clinics have a variety of features including:
- Therapy rooms of different sizes (small, medium, large) designed specifically for children
- Gym/ therapy play space with varied attributes to support development such as, rock-climbing wall, cubby house, trampoline, climbing tower, swings, obstacle course and much more!
- Different equipment to suit different needs
Clients have access to multiple clinicans with different fields of expertise, including paediatrics, mental health, and physical disability. Some of our team also have expertise in physical assistive equipment prescription.
As a registered NDIS provider of ECA services, all of our clinicians follow the best practice approach designed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). Our approach is:
Evidence-based
In line with evidence-based best practice, the ECA approach provides a soft entry into support. It focuses on family-centred practices delivered in a child’s natural settings, such as in the family context, preschools and playgroups.
Goal-oriented
We work together with the whole family to assess the child’s needs and work through their goals together. Our clinicians focus on what parents want for their child and family, and work closely with the family to achieve the best outcomes for their child.
Collaborative (working with families)
We spend time getting to know you and your child, to understand your needs and deliver an exceptional service. We recognise you are the expert of your child and we work together to find strategies that work for your child and your family.
Play-based
Our play-based approach is ideal for children and families. Play is a tool used by occupational therapists to gain insight into a child’s functional abilities and work towards a goal. Using toys and games, the therapist can gain the child’s attention, practice specific motor and functional skills, promote sensory processing and perceptual abilities, as well as cognitive and language development.
How to get started with us
For further details or to access our therapy services, contact Ability Action Australia’s concierge team on 1800 238 958 or fill out our easy online referral form. You can also email us at hello@abilityactionaustralia.com.au.
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Why choose us?
Achieve your goals
Local allied health professionals
Multidisciplinary Care
Multidisciplinary care is when a team of health professionals with different skills collaborate to support as many of your needs as possible. Our multidisciplinary team can support you reach your goals!
NDIS Early Childhood Approach (ECA) Frequently Asked Questions
The NDIS Early Childhood Approach (ECA) is designed for children with disabilities or developmental delays who are under the age of 7 years. The program aims to support their early development and learning, assisting them in reaching their developmental milestones and building a strong foundation for future growth.
Play-based learning, which is the core approach used in Ability Action Australia’s Early Childhood Approach, is an educational method that recognises the fundamental importance of play in a child’s development. It involves providing children with both structured and unstructured play activities in a supportive environment.
In play-based learning, clinicians can gain an insight into a child’s abilities and develop a tailored plan. Through structured play led by a clinican, children can naturally develop a wide range of skills, including cognitive abilities (such as problem-solving and critical thinking), social skills (such as communication and cooperation), emotional development, and physical coordination.
Play-based early intervention strategies within the Early Childhood Approach are tailored to each child’s individual needs and interests, fostering a positive and enjoyable learning experience that is both engaging and effective.
If your child is older than 7 years, they may still be eligible for other support services and programs. The Early Childhood Approach specifically caters to children under the age of 7. However, there are other programs and initiatives available that can assist children and young individuals with disabilities or developmental delays above this age range.
The Early Childhood Approach offered by Ability Action Australia comes with numerous benefits for both children and their families, including:
- Improved Development and Learning: The approach is designed to stimulate children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development, helping them reach their developmental milestones and progress in various areas of learning.
- Increased Participation in Community Activities: By supporting early development, children may develop the necessary skills and confidence to engage in community activities, enhancing their social interactions and overall inclusion.
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety for Families: Having access to specialised support and resources can alleviate stress and anxiety for families, knowing that their child’s developmental needs are being addressed comprehensively through early intervention support services.
- Increased Confidence and Self-Esteem for Children: As children experience success and growth through play-based learning, they develop increased confidence and self-esteem, which positively impacts their overall wellbeing.
- Enhanced Parental Involvement: The Early Childhood Approach encourages parental involvement in their child’s learning process, fostering a strong partnership between parents and clinicians to support the child’s development effectively.
- Individualised Approach: Each child’s unique needs, strengths, and interests are taken into account, ensuring a personalised experience that maximises their outcomes.
- Preparation for Future Learning: A solid foundation in early childhood development can lead to better outcomes in later education and life, setting the stage for continued growth and success.
What People Say About Us
NDIS Early Childhood Approach
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a way of supporting people with permanent and significant disability. The NDIS is designed to give individuals greater choice and control over when, where and how their funded supports are provided. The specific support and funding available is based on each individual’s specific needs. You can find out more about what therapeutic supports are funded by referring to the NDIS website.
