Resources
Overview of NDIS and ECIS (Early Childhood Intervention)
1. National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia’s national funding system that provides support and services for people with disability.
It is managed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
What the NDIS does
The NDIS provides individualised funding so people with disability can access supports such as:
- Speech therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Psychology
- Assistive technology (e.g., communication devices)
- Support workers or carers
- Behaviour support
- Early childhood intervention services
Funding is given through an NDIS plan, which outlines the supports needed to help a person achieve their goals.
Key idea
The NDIS is person-centred, meaning supports are tailored to the individual rather than a standard program.
2. Early Childhood Approach (Early Childhood Intervention)
For young children, the NDIS uses the Early Childhood Approach.
This is for:
- Children under 6 with developmental delay
- Children under 9 with disability
Children do not always need a formal diagnosis if there are clear developmental concerns.
The focus is on early support, because early intervention improves developmental outcomes and participation in daily life.
What early intervention may include
Support may help with:
- communication and language
- social interaction
- play and learning
- movement and coordination
- behaviour and emotional regulation
- daily living skills
Early intervention services typically involve a team of professionals, often using a Key Worker model, where one professional coordinates services for the family.
3. Early Childhood Intervention Services (ECIS)
Early Childhood Intervention Services (ECIS) refers to services that support young children with developmental delay or disability and their families.
These services:
- work with children from birth to school entry
- support families at home, preschool, and community settings
- help children develop skills needed for everyday life
- provide coaching and strategies for parents
ECIS services are commonly delivered by:
- speech pathologists
- occupational therapists
- physiotherapists
- psychologists
- early childhood educators
- social workers
Many ECIS providers are registered NDIS providers.
Since the rollout of the NDIS, many ECIS services are funded through NDIS plans rather than state programs.
How families usually enter the system
Typical pathway for parents:
- Developmental concern noticed
(by parents, childcare, kindergarten, or GP) - Referral to professionals
– GP
– paediatrician
– maternal & child health nurse
– speech/OT assessment - Contact Early Childhood Partner
– helps determine supports
– may assist with NDIS application - NDIS access request
- NDIS plan developed
- Therapies and supports begin
Not all children need an NDIS plan some receive short-term early supports without one.
Useful Parent Information Websites
These are some of the most reliable and commonly used information sites for Australian parents
Official government resources
National Disability Insurance Agency
Useful sections:
- Early childhood approach
- Applying for the NDIS
- Supports and services
- Parent and carer resources
Victorian Government Early Childhood Intervention info
Provides information on:
- ECIS transition to NDIS
- early childhood partners
- Victorian early intervention system
Parent-friendly information sites
Raising Children Network
Excellent evidence-based parenting site covering:
- developmental milestones
- autism and disability
- behaviour
- therapy options
- navigating the NDIS
Funded by the Australian government and widely used by clinicians.
Early Childhood Intervention Australia
(or state branches such as ECIA Vic)
Provides:
- early intervention explanations
- best practice guidelines
- family resources
Reimagine Australia
Good for:
- early childhood development
- disability inclusion
- family resources
- service navigation
Autism and developmental disability information
Autism Awareness Australia
Provides:
- early signs of autism
- NDIS guides
- school and therapy information
Local services (Victoria examples)
The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne ECIS
Provides early childhood intervention services and therapy programs for children with developmental delays.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Key Australian parent sites
Amaze
Victoria’s peak autism organisation. Parent guides, webinars, helpline and education resources.
Autism Awareness Australia
Evidence-based parent resources including “What Next?” guides after diagnosis.
Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect)
Information on diagnosis, therapy approaches and education.
Raising Children Network
Government-funded site with practical parenting strategies for ASD and developmental conditions.
Childhood Anxiety
Australian parent-friendly resources
Emerging Minds
Parenting guides, videos and clinical information about children’s mental health.
Learning Difficulties & Specific Language Disorders
Australian information sources
Learning Difficulties Australia
Parent fact sheets on dyslexia, dysgraphia and learning support.
Raising Children Network
Excellent explanations of learning disorders and school supports.
Helpful international site
Asthma
Australian organisations
National Asthma Council Australia
Asthma Action Plan templates and the Australian Asthma Handbook.
Excellent Victorian resource
Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne – Kids Health Info
The RCH Kids Health Info fact sheets are extremely parent-friendly and widely used in paediatrics.
Example:
- Kids Health Info – Asthma
Key features:
- Explains asthma symptoms and triggers in plain language
- Describes reliever vs preventer medications
- Includes asthma first aid instructions (4x4x4 steps)
- Encourages children to have a personalised Asthma Action Plan
Other excellent RCH Kids Health Info topics for parents:
- eczema
- bedwetting
- constipation
- fever
- sleep
- behaviour
- speech delay
Epilepsy
Australian resources
Epilepsy Foundation Australia
Parent information, peer support groups and education sessions.
Epilepsy Smart Australia
Includes the National Epilepsy Support Service which provides free information and support across Australia.
PEN NSW resource (excellent clinical resource)
Paediatric Epilepsy Network NSW
Key parent resource
Epilepsy Family Handbook
This handbook explains:
- diagnosis and investigations
- seizure types
- medications
- genetic epilepsy
- safety and lifestyle
- emotional support for families
It was developed with clinicians and families to improve quality of life for children with epilepsy.
ADHD
Australian resources
ADHD Australia
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder that begins in early childhood and affects both children and adults.