ACCESSING EARLY INTERVENTION
Many educators have encouraged a family to see a paediatrician, however for various
reasons this may not result in supports being in place to support the child or family
 it may be the family is not keen to get a diagnosis and so avoids this option - if this is
the case they may be willing to focus on treatment /allied health services just not
formal assessment
 it may be the family recognises the challenges but a diagnosis or formal
acknowledgement of the challenges would create difficulties within their culture or
family
 or it may be that in the quiet context of the doctor’s rooms with family support the
child’s challenges as you see them in the group learning setting may not be evident
or may present as very mild and hence a wait and see approach is taken.
You can help the family to access Early Childhood Early Intervention through the NDIS
 this is FREE to families
 a child does NOT need a diagnosis for early interventions (i.e. before age 7)
 families can access a range of supports including communication, daily life skills,
play, behaviour and transition to school
 once a family is eligible for NDIS, you can use this information to support an
application for ISP or KIS funding
 you may need to explain that although the NDIS title is used it is early support to
reduce the need for ongoing intervention and not all children eligible for Early
Intervention will go on to have an NDIS plan
Often families on student or working visas and/or those who wish to make an application
for permanent residency or citizenship are concerned they may be denied permanent
residency or citizenship on the grounds of a disability and hence may resist accessing any
support that will identify a need for additional support.
 if a person with a disability has a diagnosed disability that is going to cost Australia
more than $49,000 in their lifetime they may be denied a residential visa.
 a child born in Australia into a family where both parents are non-citizens
the child is considered as a child born in their parents’ home country.
A child of parents with student/working Visas can still be referred to the Local Area Partner
of the NDIS and they will be allocated to DET early intervention service for allied health
support without a diagnosis.
Here is a video you can share with families – an inclusive approach would be to perhaps
share with all families via Story Park, What’s App or equivalent platform
 https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/families-and-carers/early-childhoodapproach
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJwoDL9ZQMM
Jac: