Early Childhood Intervention
ECI offers specialised, evidence-based support for infants and children under 9 years of age with developmental delays or disabilities. As part of Australia’s leading allied health network, our early intervention team delivers tailored programs that nurture development, promote independence, and create meaningful long-term outcomes.
Who We Help
We help children who have developmental delays or disabilities. We support families with kids aged 0 to 7 years. Whether your child needs help with talking, walking, or playing, we are here. We work together with parents and schools. Our goal is to give your child the best start in life and help them reach their milestones with confidence.
Autism support
Developmental delays
Speech and language
Motor skills development
School readiness
Social interaction
Behaviour support
Parenting strategies
Our Early Childhood Intervention Services
Developmental Support
We help children grow. We support kids to reach milestones in walking, talking, and playing.
School Readiness
We prepare for the classroom. We build the focus, social skills, and independence needed for school.
Parent Coaching
We empower families. We teach you strategies to support your child’s learning at home every day.
Balance & Mobility
We build your confidence. The pool is a safe place to practice walking and balance exercises without fear of falling.
How Early Childhood Intervention Works
1.
Initial Assessment & Consultation
We meet your family. We play with your child to see their strengths and areas where they need help.
2.
Treatment Planning
We set family goals. We create a plan that fits into your daily routine and targets what matters to you.
3.
Active Treatment & Intervention
We learn through play. We use fun activities to teach new skills in a way your child enjoys.
4.
Re-Education & Functional Training
We practice in real life. We help apply these skills at home, at the park, or at daycare.
5.
Progress Review & Outcome Measurement
We review the milestones. We check how your child is growing and update the goals as they achieve them.
6.
Maintenance & Prevention
Meet our ECI specialists
Mikaela Naamo
Occupational Therapist
BOT
Eliza Ledingham
Behavioural Support Practitioner
BPsychSc
Morgan Meola
Discipline Area Manager & Speech Pathologist
BSLP, MSPA, CPSP
Jessica Osborn
Physiotherapist
BHlth Sci, MPhysio, APAM
Jamie Tapsall
Occupational Therapist
BOT
Antoinette Bourke
Occupational Therapist
BOT
Sabeeka Aga
Speech Pathologist
BSpHSc, MSLP, MSPA-CPSP
Kai Lin Chui
Occupational Therapist
BOT
Jenny Jacobs
Dietitian
BND
Jacqui Whitaker
Behaviour Support Practitioner
BPsychSci, GradDipPsych(Adv)
Hannah Cosgrove
Occupational Therapist
BOT (Hons)
Georgina Edwards
Speech Pathologist
BAppSc, MSpPath, CPSP
Georgia Triffitt
Speech Pathologist
BLL, MSpPath
Georgia Hannay
Physiotherapist
BSc
Emily Watters
Speech Pathologist
B.SpPath (Hons)
Elly Lowndes
Occupational Therapist
BOccTher
Elise Smeets
Occupational Therapist
B. App. Sci. (Occupational Therapy), M.HlthSc
Corey Spencer
Exercise Physiologist
M.ClinExPhys (Rehab), B.HealthSci (Sport & Exercise Science)
Claudia Matek
Speech Pathologist
BAppSc(SpPath)
Claudia Benson
Behaviour Support Practitioner
BPsycSc(Hons)
Referrer’s Hub
Whether you’re a new referrer or you’ve used our services before, the Optimum referrers hub has all your needs. With one click you can make enquiries, make referrals and check all of our clinics’ service capacities.
NDIS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PROGRAM
Occupational Therapy is widely used for treating a range of disabilities. From Cerebral Palsy to Autism Spectrum disorder and ADHD. It is also a useful part of adjusting to life after a brain or spinal injury, stroke or chronic pain and fatigue.
At Optimum, NDIS Plan participants are eligible for a free upfront discovery session so we can design the appropriate program and you get an opportunity to meet our staff and feel comfortable in our modern and accessible studio environment.
We have all your allied health needs under one roof. Your treatment is also overseen by our heads of clinical development who monitor performance and progress towards your goals.
We work with your nominated Support Coordinator or NDIS Plan Manager so you can remain 100% focused on reaching your NDIS plan goals.
At Optimum, NDIS Plan participants are eligible for a free upfront discovery session so we can design the appropriate program and you get an opportunity to meet our staff and feel comfortable in our modern and accessible studio environment.
We offer Multi-disciplinary programs to enhance your treatment. Your treatment is overseen by our heads of clinical development who monitor performance and progress towards your goals.
We work with your nominated Support Coordinator or NDIS Plan Manager so you can remain 100% focused on reaching your NDIS plan goals.
Clinics that offer Early Childhood Intervention Services
Frequently Asked Questions
What age group is this for?
We support children from birth up to 7 or 9 years old (depending on NDIS guidelines). The early years are the most important for development. We want to give your child the best possible start in life.
What is a Key Worker?
A Key Worker is one main contact person for your family. They might be a Speech Pathologist or an OT, but they help you coordinate all your child’s therapy. This means you do not have to tell your story to five different people.
Do you come to our house or school?
Yes. Children learn best in their own environment. We can visit you at home, at childcare, or at school. We work with you and your child’s teachers to build skills where they are used every day.
Living your Optimum life
Restrictive Practices Under the NDIS Explained
The five regulated restrictive practices under the NDIS explained in plain English. Covers reporting, authorisation, and reduction obligations.
Positive Behaviour Support Funding Under the NDIS
Understand how Positive Behaviour Support is funded under the NDIS. Covers line items, plan management types, and what to do if funding is not in your plan.
What is a Functional Behaviour Assessment?
Maybe the same moment keeps happening, and no one can work out why. Maybe a school keeps sending the same note home and you are out of answers. Maybe you have been told the next step is a functional behaviour assessment, and you are not sure what that even means.