What is the difference between the Early Start Denver model and ABA therapy?

Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is an evidence based early intervention model that builds positive relationships and is delivered in a play – based naturalistic setting. ESDM aims to enhance the child’s overall development focusing on individualised developmentally appropriate goals, incorporating the child’s interests, strengths, and intrinsic motivations.  ESDM encourages active involvement of parents and other carers to support the child’s development at home, at childcare and in the community.

ABA therapy focuses on modifying behaviour through reinforcement and other behaviour- change techniques. ABA can be more behaviour specific and may not always emphasise play and social interaction to the same extent as ESDM. Some ABA programs may involve parents while others have a more therapist-cantered approach.

What is the difference between a multidisciplinary model and attending speech therapy and occupational therapy sessions?

A multidisciplinary model involves collaboration among therapists drawing on a broad range of expertise to address the diverse needs of a child with autism or developmental delay. At CDI we employ, psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and educators who all work as a team to support your child with a holistic approach. This model provides a broader comprehensive approach to your child’s development, including communication skills, social skills, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and cognitive abilities.

Speech and Occupation therapy focus specifically on speech and language development (articulation, vocabulary, enhancing social communication) or occupational skills (addresses challenges with fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing, independence in daily activities). Goals are more specific to the respective challenges.

ESDM is proven to improve outcomes in children with autism. In practice, children may benefit from a combination of both approaches. At CDI we offer a multi- disciplinary approach and collaborate to create integrated individualised intervention where speech and OT can provide focused support in specific areas, as required.

What is a case conference and why is it important?

A case conference is a collaborative meeting to discuss your child’s progress, share information, set goals, and coordinate efforts to support your child.  Our inter-disciplinary team regularly conduct case conferences for children who are receiving multiple services. This ensures your child’s program is holistic, aligned to your parent goals and aligned to the developmental needs of your child.

 How do therapists at the CDI collaborate?

For example, a lead therapist who is an early childhood teacher will be able to consult with the speech pathologist in the team regarding communication goals. The speech pathologist may observe the child in the group program or clinic to make treatment plan recommendations to the lead therapist.

Will your team collaborate with other therapists we are accessing?

Yes, we collaborate with any other any other external therapists you choose to continue with in the team around your child.  This integrated approach will ensure the best result for your child.

 How are parents involved and do I need to attend therapy with my child?

At the CDI we provide parents different opportunities for how they would like to engage with their child’s individual early intervention sessions.

In some circumstances parents should be involved in the session, for example in Speech therapy sessions, feeding therapy or parent capacity building.

For our ESDM 1: 1 program parents can enjoy a hybrid learning environment where they can watch the session through CCTV and then engage with the therapist for learning and reflection at the end of the session.

For our supported early educational group programs (3 hours) you are welcome to stay at the centre in our parent area or you can drop and collect.

Can I watch my child in therapy at the CDI?

Parents can watch the 1:1 ESDM session through CCTV and then engage with the therapist for learning and reflection at the end of the session.

Do you recommend that my child attends childcare?

Yes. We recommend that your child attends a high-quality childcare, the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) national registers contain information about approved education and care services and providers.

What age range does your therapy cater to?

Our core focus is early intervention catering for children aged 1 year to 6 years old.  Outcomes are usually better when children start early intervention at a young age.

We do offer some therapy and services for children over 6 years old such as feeding therapy diagnostic assessment and psychological services.

Do you work with children who have developmental delay or another diagnosis?

Yes. Some children may have development delay, global development delay, we also work with children with Fragile X, Downs Syndrome, and other learning impairments.

Does my child need a referral to attend the Child Development Institute?

No. Your child does not need a referral from GP or other health professionals. However, individual circumstances may mean that you are eligible for a Medicare rebate on services. In this case, you will need a relevant referral to claim these rebates for services at CDI.

Does my child need a formal diagnosis to attend the programs?

No. Your child does not need a formal diagnosis to access our services. Prior to starting a program we’ll conduct a relevant assessment to determine the suitability of our programs for your child and family.

Does my child need an assessment to attend your programs?

Most of our programs require an assessment to get started. Our ESDM Assessment is a comprehensive developmental assessment specifically designed for young children with developmental delays and autism spectrum disorder). It reveals what a child is capable of and exactly where to begin our teaching. Parents receive a detailed report and personalised teaching plan, which they can use at home, share with other therapists, and use for NDIS funding applications.

We also offer various other assessments as required for feeding, speech and sensory profiling and Autism diagnostic assessments using gold standard assessment tools (ADOS-2) and (ADI-R).

How many hours of therapy would my child access at the CDI?

Typically, children are enrolled in our group ESDM and 1:1 ESDM program for 6 – 7 hours per week. Each child is on their own unique journey, so we aim to provide the appropriate support to meet the family’s priorities and your child’s developmental goals. Your child’s skills will develop, and their support needs are likely to change over time. The number of therapy hours may increase or be reduced depending on your child’s progress.

 How long does my child need to be enrolled?

It can be difficult to estimate how long therapy will take as all children are individual and take differing times to learn new skills. Some children have more complex issues and require therapy for a longer term. However, we aim to fade supports out when your child is progressing well and meeting the expected level of development.

We collaborate with you to discuss your family’s priorities, your child’s progress and what programs will best suit your child’s needs. Our therapists will also provide referrals to other professionals if the CDI is not able to cater for all your child’s needs.

What happens when my child goes to school?

Every step of the journey the CDI will support and guide you. Our School Readiness Program has been developed to equip children with the necessary skills to enter their school setting with greater confidence and improved social skills. Starting school is a significant milestone and we aim to support this transition to ensure a successful integration into the new environment. We welcome school representatives to assess and observe your child within CDI and provide exit reports with goals and strategies for moving forward.

Do I need an NDIS plan to enrol on your programs?

No, you don’t need a plan to enrol at CDI. You may also choose to privately fund your services if that’s an option for your family.

How do I access funding for your services?

If you do not currently have funding and your child has a delay in two or more areas (skill, speech/language/communication, motor, play and social) or is displaying behaviours that are impeding development in two or more of those areas, you can apply for NDIS funding. (See NDIS / Footprints etc)

 Can I claim any of the fees on Medicare?

Medicare may cover some of the associated costs for allied health services, such as speech therapy and psychological services. You will need a referral from your GP to claim any eligible rebates.

Helping Children with Autism Program – under this Medicare plan, a consultant paediatrician or psychiatrist can refer a child to an eligible allied health provider to assist with diagnosis of the child or for the purpose of contributing to the child’s treatment plan.

 Can I claim any of the fees on my health fund? 

Your private health insurance may cover some associated costs for services, such as speech therapy and psychological services. Please check with your providers for more information.

Are there any out-of-pocket expenses for services at the child development Institute?

If you have NDIS funding, there will not be out-of- pocket expenses. If you do not currently have NDIS funding, there may be some out-of- pocket expenses if you want to get started with therapy straight away. We can support you with your NDIS application process.