How is developmental education different from therapy services?

Developmental education focuses on practical skill development and learning within everyday environments, working alongside families and professionals rather than providing clinical therapy or diagnosis.

Will families be involved in developmental education support?

Yes. Developmental education is collaborative, with families involved in goal-setting and supported with strategies for everyday routines.

Paediatric developmental education Adelaide

We provide paediatric developmental education in Adelaide to support children and adolescents in building the skills they need for everyday life at home, school and in the community. Our developmental educators work closely with families to support learning, emotional regulation, behaviour, social participation and independence in a neuro-affirming and strengths-based way.

We provide this service from our Eastwood clinic and support families across the Adelaide metropolitan area.

What Is Paediatric Developmental Education?

Paediatric developmental education supports children to better understand themselves and develop the skills needed to participate confidently in everyday life. This may include support with learning, behaviour, emotional regulation, social skills, routines and independence.

Developmental educators consider the whole child, including cognitive, emotional, behavioural, social and environmental factors that may impact participation.

Our approach focuses on understanding each child’s strengths, supporting skill development, and promoting meaningful participation in everyday routines and environments.

Which Children Benefit From Developmental Education?

Children may benefit from paediatric developmental education if they experience challenges with learning, emotional regulation, behaviour, social participation, routines, independence or everyday life skills.

Support may also be helpful for children who are neurodivergent, experience developmental differences, or benefit from additional strategies to build confidence, resilience and participation at home, school or in the community.

How Our Paediatric Developmental Educators Support Children

Our paediatric developmental educators begin by getting to know your child and family, understanding strengths, challenges and goals. Support plans are individualised and may include direct sessions with your child, parent coaching, education and collaboration with schools or other professionals.

Support may be provided in the clinic or within everyday environments such as home, school or community settings, depending on your child’s needs and goals.

Areas We Support

Children may receive developmental education support across a range of areas, including learning and engagement, emotional regulation, behaviour and coping strategies, social skills and relationships, routines and independence, communication and self-advocacy, attention and executive functioning, and participation at home, school and in the community.

All support is individualised and guided by each child’s strengths, goals and priorities.

NDIS, Medicare And Private Funding

We provide paediatric developmental education services for NDIS participants, including self-managed and plan-managed plans. We also offer support for privately funded clients.

If you are unsure which funding options apply to your child or family, our team can help guide you through the process.

Where developmental education can help:

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Everyday Routines or Life Skills

Learning everyday routines is an important step towards independence. Our Developmental Educators support children to develop practical skills such as self-care, organisation, and daily living tasks in ways that are achievable and positive.

By breaking activities down into manageable steps, we help children feel capable and confident in their ability to participate in family, school, and community life.

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Emotional Regulation or Behaviour

Big feelings can sometimes feel overwhelming for children and their families. We work together to understand the underlying needs behind behaviour and provide strategies that are safe, respectful, and effective.

Through tailored approaches, children learn how to recognise their emotions, develop coping strategies, and build resilience, while families gain practical tools to support their child at home and in the community.

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Sensory Needs and Stress Management

Every child experiences the world differently, and for some, sensory input can feel either too much or not enough. Our team provides individualised sensory strategies to help children manage stress, stay calm, and feel comfortable in their environment.

By creating supportive routines and sensory-friendly approaches, we help children feel more in control and able to fully engage in learning, play, and social activities.

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Social Skills and Building Friendships

Friendships and social connections are an important part of growing up. We support children to develop the communication and social skills they need to connect with peers, join group activities, and build meaningful relationships.

By focusing on strengths and providing guided practice, children gain confidence in their ability to express themselves, work with others, and feel a sense of belonging.

Transitions Such as Starting School or Moving to High School

Transitions can be exciting but also challenging for children and families. Whether it’s starting school, moving into high school, or adjusting to a new routine, we provide guidance and practical strategies to make these changes smoother.

With preparation and consistent support, children are better able to adapt, reduce anxiety, and step into new environments with confidence.

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Communication and Understanding Instructions

Clear communication is essential for children to participate confidently in everyday activities. Our developmental educators support children who may have difficulty understanding instructions, expressing their needs, or communicating effectively with others.

Using visual supports, structured routines, and tailored communication strategies, we help children build the skills they need to share their thoughts, follow directions, and engage in meaningful interactions at home, school, and in the community.

How is Developmental Education different from Occupational Therapy?

It’s common for families to wonder about the difference between a developmental educator and an occupational therapist. Both support children to build independence, confidence, and wellbeing, but their focus is slightly different.

Occupational therapists help children take part in everyday activities like self-care, play, and schoolwork, often supporting fine motor skills, coordination, and sensory processing.

Developmental educators focus on teaching practical life skills, emotional regulation, social development, behaviour support, and transitions such as starting school.

In simple terms, occupational therapists focus on how children do daily tasks, while developmental educators focus on learning and practising the skills needed to thrive.

Many families find that having both professionals involved offers well-rounded support.

Why Choose us:

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Celebrating Neurodiversity

We believe that neurodiversity is a natural and valuable aspect of human variation. Our neuroaffirming practice embraces the understanding that neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental conditions, are a part of the diverse fabric of humanity.

We celebrate and value the unique strengths and perspectives that neurodivergent individuals bring to our society.

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Creating an Inclusive Environment

Our approach creates a safe and accepting environment for all children, regardless of their neurological differences. We strive to foster a sense of belonging, where children feel understood, accepted, and valued for who they are. We empower children to express themselves authentically and engage in their therapeutic journey with confidence.

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Respecting Individual Needs

We understand that each child has their own unique way of experiencing the world and engaging with daily activities. Our therapists take the time to listen, observe, and adapt interventions to meet the specific needs and sensory sensitivities of each child.

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Supporting Self-Advocacy

We empower children to become self-advocates by nurturing their self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-advocacy skills. We encourage children to actively participate in their therapy, make choices, and express their opinions. This prepares them to advocate for their needs and rights throughout their lives.

Collaborating with Families and Support Networks

We actively involve parents, caregivers, and family members in the therapy process, valuing their insights and perspectives. We work together as a team, fostering open communication and mutual respect to create a cohesive and supportive network around the child.

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Working Closely with Educators and Schools

We understand the pivotal role that educators and schools play in a child's development and success. We are dedicated to collaborating closely with educators to ensure a coordinated and supportive approach to the child's therapy needs. By working together, we can maximise the child's potential and create a seamless experience across different environments.

Your First Steps:

Step 1
Parent/guardian planning meeting.

These sessions are designed for parents and carers to openly discuss their child’s needs, strengths, and priorities without interruption. We encourage children not to attend so that caregivers can speak freely and have the space to explore concerns in depth with the therapist.

During the session, your therapist will gather key information, including medical history, family dynamics, current supports, and your child’s abilities in areas such as social communication, motor skills, sensory processing, emotional development, self-care, and learning. Together, we identify meaningful goals for the therapy plan to ensure everyone is aligned.

Sessions typically run for 60–90 minutes.

Step 2
Initial meet and greet with the child.

We prioritise creating a safe, welcoming space where your child feels comfortable engaging in therapy. Our first goal is to build trust and rapport, laying the foundation for a successful therapeutic relationship.

This initial session, attended with a parent or trusted caregiver, involves play, conversation, and exploration of the purpose of therapy. During this time, the therapist will observe your child’s strengths, preferences, and challenges to help shape their Therapy Plan.

Session length varies based on the child’s needs, typically lasting 30 to 45 minutes.

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Step 3
A therapy plan will be formulated.

After the initial steps (and sometimes a few additional sessions), the therapist will create a Therapy Plan outlining key goals, strategies to achieve them, and important details for structuring sessions.

This comprehensive report typically takes 90 to 120 minutes to complete.

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Step 4
Sessions will commence.

Ongoing sessions will be scheduled based on an agreed frequency, with most clients opting for weekly or fortnightly sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is developmental education?

Developmental education supports children and young people with developmental delays or disabilities to build functional skills, independence, and participation in everyday life. Support focuses on learning, behaviour, communication, and social development in real-world settings.

How is developmental education different from occupational therapy or psychology?

Developmental education focuses on practical skill development, routines, and learning in everyday environments. Developmental educators work alongside families and other professionals to support skill-building and participation rather than therapy or diagnosis.

Who can benefit from developmental education support?

Children and young people who experience developmental delays, disability, or challenges with daily routines, behaviour, learning, or social participation may benefit from developmental education support.

What does a developmental educator do?

A developmental educator may support children with skill development, routines, behaviour support, social participation, learning strategies, and independence across home, school, and community environments.

Can developmental education be funded through the NDIS?

Yes. Developmental education support may be funded through the NDIS under capacity-building supports, depending on the child’s plan and goals. We support self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants.

Can developmental education be accessed without NDIS funding?

Yes. Developmental education can also be accessed privately without NDIS funding, depending on availability and family preferences.

Will families and caregivers be involved in developmental education support?

Yes. Developmental education is highly collaborative. Families and caregivers are involved in goal-setting and are supported with strategies that can be used within daily routines and environments.

How do I get started with developmental education services?

You can get started by completing our intake form or contacting our team to discuss your child’s needs and determine whether developmental education is the right support.

Remember, every child is unique

The presence of one or more of these signs does not automatically mean that therapy is needed. However, if you have concerns about your child's development, motor skills, sensory processing, self-care abilities, or overall functional performance, it is recommended to consult with a therapist. They can assess your child's needs and recommend appropriate therapy interventions to support their growth and development.