Early Intervention Services

Early Intervention services in the ACT are provided by the Therapy ACT (formerly CHADS) which is a program area of the Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services ACT.

Contact details are:

Cnr Weingarth Street and Blackwood Terrace
Holder ACT 2611

Telephone: (02) 6205 1277
Fax: (02) 6205 1266

First and subsequent visits

On the first visit a therapist or medical officer will assess the individual needs of each child - this will take about one hour - and if necessary, the therapist will advise on a home program. Further appointments will be organised as required. These will take about three quarters of an hour. Frequency of further contact with the Service will vary according to the needs of both child and family.

The physiotherapist will help parents to assist their child with the stages of gross motor development, eg rolling, crawling, standing, walking and jumping. Parents may also be given advice on posture, footwear and equipment which can assist their child's gross motor development.

The occupational therapist will guide parents in developing their child's fine motor and play skills and give practical advise on toys, equipment and self help skills.

The speech pathologist can support parents and children with practical suggestions to develop the child's communications (speech and language) and feeding skills (eg sucking, swallowing and chewing). Advice may be offered on ways to stimulate listening skills, comprehension, expression of language and speech skills as well as methods of introducing solids and cup drinking.

The social worker sees all families and is available for individual and family counselling, runs group programs, provides ongoing support for families and provides information on community services.

Playgroup

Early education intervention playgroups, are available for children from 18 months of age. An early childhood teacher is in charge of the playgroup, which caters for each child's needs while providing many educational experiences within the security of a small group. Support staff  provided by the ACT Department of Education include itinerant teachers and school counsellors.

Babies with Down syndrome are usually referred to the Early Intervention service by about 6 weeks of age. Some parents like to start at the EIS as soon as possible, others prefer spend time with their baby initially, getting to know their baby more, before involving other people. The right time to start is when you feel ready.

If you would like more information about the service please phone Therapy ACT and ask for the social worker.

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