Early Communication Supports
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
- Families of children aged 2-4 years
- Children who may have a diagnosis (such as autism) as well as children without any diagnosis
- Families who have a concern around any aspect of a child’s communication development
- Families seeking to learn strategies to support their child’s communication development
- Families living within north Canberra (including Inner North, Gungahlin, and Belconnen regions), or via telehealth
This service does not offer drop off/pick up activities, and does not provide an ABA service.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Our early communication support service:
- Is offered as a home visit service or via telehealth
- Is designed around building family capacity to support communication development
- Is focused on the strategies that support long term outcomes
- Works with the family to make strategies practical so that goals are achievable
Caregiver involvement is central to our early intervention service, and caregivers should expect to work with the speech pathologist to incorporate therapy strategies into daily routines at home.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING AN EARLY COMMUNICATION SUPPORT APPOINTMENT?
Our early communication support services are designed around evidence-based and best practice interventions for communication support needs.
During an appointment, you can expect:
- The speech pathologist will ask you about any progress you have noticed at home
- You will discuss strategies you have tried, and what has or hasn’t worked
- The speech pathologist will work with you to adjust or add new strategies that are likely to help meet your child’s goals
- You will learn and have the chance to practice these strategies with your child
- The speech pathologist will work with you to put this into practice in a way that works for your family
Due to the nature of these appointments, early communication support services are not able to be provided at early childhood education settings. Occasional visits may be provided when there is a specific need (e.g. an educator has requested a meeting).
HOW DO I ACCESS THE EARLY COMMUNICATION SUPPORT SERVICE?
All children need a recent hearing screening to access the early communication support service. ACT residents can access this at no cost through the Children’s Hearing Service.
This service accepts NDIS participants, as well as children who are not NDIS participants.