In this guide:
Receiving a disability diagnosis for your child can be overwhelming and it’s completely natural to feel a mix of emotions. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone in this journey and there are many avenues of support available to help you navigate this time. This moment also marks the beginning of getting the vital support that can make a real difference to your child’s development and your journey ahead.
Early intervention during childhood helps to create a strong foundation for growth and learning. With the right support in place, children can develop the skills and confidence that will serve them throughout their lives. Here’s what you need to know as you take these first steps.
Why early intervention is so important
Early intervention refers to the support and services designed for young children with developmental challenges or disabilities. From birth to age 6 is a critical window when children’s brains are developing rapidly and they’re most receptive to learning new skills.
Early intervention might include therapies like physiotherapy, occupational therapy or speech pathology, alongside developmental programmes designed for your child’s needs. These supports focus on your child’s development and they give you strategies and the confidence to support your child at home and in everyday situations.
The goal is to help your child build independence as they grow, giving them the best possible start in life.
The first steps towards getting support
Once you receive a diagnosis, gathering assessment reports from your child’s diagnosing professional is important. These documents will be crucial when trying to access support services and funding. Take the time to understand what your child needs and how this might change as they grow. Keep detailed records and documents which will make navigating support systems much smoother.
For children under 9, the NDIS Early Childhood Approach provides a clear pathway to support.
From 1 July 2026, the Australian Government will also roll out the Thriving Kids program, which is going to focus on identifying developmental concerns earlier and providing support for children aged 8 and under who have mild to moderate developmental delay or autism.
This program will work through existing services like maternal health systems, GPs, early childhood education and schools, making support easier to access.
How to build your care team
As you build a care team for your child, you’ll work with different people who each play a unique role in supporting your child.
Health professionals
Allied health professionals – including occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech therapists – will look at specific developmental areas. Your paediatrician can provide ongoing medical advice, while educators will make sure your child’s learning environment meets their needs.
Peak bodies and organisations
Support workers
Finding the right support workers who really understand your child’s needs will make one of the biggest differences.
Find out how to build your support team on Mable. Look for independent support workers with relevant experience and qualifications, read verified reviews, and connect with people who are the right fit for your family.
Peers
Peer support can be invaluable – and validating. Connecting with other parents who understand what you’re experiencing can give you advice and the emotional reassurance that you’re not alone.
There are many community groups on platforms such as Facebook where parents of children and teens with disabilities gather to share experiences, advice and connect.
Prioritising emotional support for yourself
Of course you’ll be very focused on your child’s needs, but remember to look after your own wellbeing too. Caring for a child with a disability can be challenging and you’ll be better equipped to support your child when you’re supported yourself.
Think about seeing a counsellor or joining support groups where you can share your experiences with other people who can understand and relate. Try to build a network of family and friends who can provide practical and emotional support for you.
Lastly, give yourself permission to process this news at your own pace. It’s perfectly normal not to have all the answers immediately. Just take it one step at a time.
Find support for your child's journey
Help is available and you’re never alone on this journey. With early intervention, the right support team and access to resources, your child can thrive and develop their independence.
Ready to start building your support team? Explore the range of services available through Mable and connect with experienced independent support workers who can support your family’s needs.
This article and any of our articles linked to it provides our summary of this topic and terms and is intended for general purposes only. Please contact the relevant government body for information specific to your circumstances and review information published by the relevant government body directly for current information.