NDIS Early Childhood Intervention Support

Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) is designed to support children aged 0–9 years who may benefit from additional developmental, emotional, sensory, or behavioural support.

It focuses on strengthening each child’s ability to participate in everyday life through family-centred, strengths-based, and neuroaffirming support.

Children may access early intervention supports for:

• Autism or autistic traits

• ADHD or attention and regulation differences

• Developmental delay

• Emotional regulation difficulties

• Sensory processing differences

• Social and communication challenges

A formal diagnosis is not always required to access early childhood intervention through the NDIS.

• Children aged 0–6 years may access early intervention supports based on developmental concerns alone.

• Children aged 7–9 years generally require evidence of developmental delay or disability, and a diagnosis may support ongoing eligibility and funding.

If you are unsure, an NDIS Early Childhood Partner can help assess eligibility and guide you through the process.

To access NDIS Early Childhood Intervention support in NSW, families can contact their local Early Childhood Partner service:

Northcott Early Childhood Early Intervention

They can support families with:

• Understanding NDIS eligibility

• Gathering supporting documents

• Applying for access to the NDIS

• Connecting with early intervention supports and funding pathways

When contacting an NDIS Early Childhood Partner, it can be helpful to prepare:

• Child’s Medicare details

• Any existing allied health reports (OT, speech pathology, psychology, GP)

• Childcare, preschool, or school observations

• Notes about developmental concerns (behaviour, emotions, communication, learning)

• Any diagnostic reports (if available, but not required for younger children)

As an Occupational Therapist providing NDIS early intervention support in Laurieton and the Mid North Coast, therapy may focus on:

• Emotional regulation and behavioural support

• Sensory processing differences

• Communication and social connection through play

• Confidence, identity, and self-understanding

• Daily routines and participation in everyday activities

• Parent support and training for home strategies

Play therapy is child-led and neuroaffirming, using play as a natural way for children to express emotions, process experiences, and develop regulation and connection skills in a safe environment.