5 Effective Early Childhood Therapy Interventions for Children on the NDIS

5 Effective Early Childhood Therapy Interventions for Children on the NDIS

Children with disabilities, developmental delays, signs of developmental delay or other special needs can benefit greatly from early childhood therapy interventions. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding for a range of evidence-based therapeutic interventions for children under the age of seven (from July 2023 this will change, to under the age of nine). These interventions help the children and their families to build their capacity and supports greater inclusion in the community and everyday settings, meaning each child will be provided with opportunities to grow and learn. It is about giving children and their families the right supports to enable them to have the best possible start in life.

Every child is different and has different strengths. A wide range of therapies can be considered when it comes to early intervention approaches. Here we detail five therapies for children on the NDIS early intervention scheme.

1. Occupational Therapy

 Occupational therapy can help children to develop fine motor skills, gross motor skills, sensory processing, and self-regulation. Occupational therapists work with children to develop the skills they need to participate in daily activities such as dressing, eating, playing, and socialising. They also provide strategies for managing challenging behaviours.

2. Speech Therapy

 Speech therapy can help children with communication difficulties, such as speech delays, language disorders, and stuttering. Speech therapists work with children to improve their speech and language skills, as well as their social communication skills. They also provide strategies for managing challenging behaviours related to communication difficulties.

3. Physiotherapy

 Physiotherapy, or physical therapy, is a critical early childhood therapy intervention for children with disabilities who have physical challenges. Physiotherapists assess and treat a wide range of physical conditions, such as motor delays, muscle weakness, poor coordination, and balance issues. Physiotherapy interventions may include exercises, stretches, gait training, mobility aids, and positioning strategies to help children with disabilities improve their physical strength, endurance, flexibility, and functional abilities. Physiotherapy also addresses pain management, posture, and gross motor skills to enhance a child's overall physical health and well-being.

4. Play Therapy

 Play therapy is a type of therapy that uses play to help children express their thoughts and emotions. To deliver Play therapy a therapist must have a qualification in counselling, social work, psychology, or occupational therapy, at the required level set out by APTA (Australian Play Therapists Association). Play therapists work with children to create a safe and supportive environment where they can explore their feelings and experiences through play. This type of therapy can be particularly helpful for children who have experienced trauma or have difficulty expressing themselves verbally.

5. Music Therapy

 Music therapy can help children to develop communication skills, social skills, emotional regulation, and self-expression. Music therapists work with children to create musical experiences that are tailored to their individual needs and abilities. This type of therapy can be particularly effective for children who are nonverbal or have difficulty expressing themselves through words.

Early childhood therapy interventions can make a significant difference in the lives of children with disabilities, developmental delays, or other special needs. By providing children with the support they need to develop new skills and overcome obstacles, these interventions can help them to thrive and reach their full potential.

If you are feeling lost with your child’s NDIS plan, not sure of where to start, reach out today! We do much more than just managing our participants funding as your Plan Manager. We understand how stressful it can be when you first start your NDIS journey. We have in-depth experience when it comes to helping NDIS participants on the ECEI (Early Childhood Early Intervention) scheme. Our team can assist you in those early stages, helping you navigate the system to set up supports, engage with the best providers for your child and most importantly reduce the stress involved in the unknown.