Finding the right supports for your child with developmental delay or disability can be very confusing and often comes with waiting lists for services.
While you are waiting, you can get help to support your child’s development and your family as a whole. These services are free and generally don’t have waiting lists. They are open to all families, and you don’t need a NDIS plan or a diagnosis.
Help your child’s development
Envisage is an evidence-based program for families raising children with developmental delay and disability from birth to eight. You’ll learn practical ways to support your child and care for your family as a whole in a supportive online environment.
Build sleep routines
Children with disability often have more difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. A lack of sleep can affect your child, and your whole family, throughout the day. Early Parenting Centres provide sleep specialists who can help improve your child’s sleep.
Early Parenting Centres support families with children aged from birth until their 4th birthday, through free in-person and telehealth support. There are Centres across Victoria.
Toilet training support
Continence Health Australia has a free helpline, where you can talk to a specialist continence nurse about toilet training your child with disability. You can call the helpline on 1800 33 00 66, lines are open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm.
There’s useful information on the Foundation’s website, including toilet training strategies and visual prompts for children with developmental delay and disability.
Understand and support your child’s behaviour
Families raising children with disability or developmental delay can face unique challenges supporting their child’s emotions and behaviour.
Drummond Street Services and Relationships Australia have practical online programs, including Tuning into Kids, Circles of Security and Bringing Up Great Kids. These can help you better understand and respond to your child’s emotions and behaviour.
Find connection and support
Connecting with other parents with children with developmental delay and disability can be a great source of information and support. There are a range of online and face to face groups, so you can find the right option for you. Find out more about your options.
Useful Links
Supporting your child’s behaviour
Counselling and wellbeing support
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