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Developmental Concerns & Early Support

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firstyears.com.au

Simple support for babies, toddlers & new parents

Developmental Concerns & Early Support

A practical Australian pathway guide for developmental worries, appointments, early intervention, NDIS early childhood supports, inclusion and everyday participation from birth to 5 years.

General information only. This guide does not replace medical, developmental, allied health, disability, mental health, legal or emergency advice. Seek professional advice for developmental concerns, regression, feeding/swallowing concerns, hearing or vision concerns, movement concerns, social communication concerns, behaviour concerns, safety concerns or if something does not feel right.

First Yearsfirstyears.com.auEarly Support

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Quick summary

The calm version

You do not need to diagnose your child yourself. If you are worried, write down what you notice, start with a GP or child and family health nurse, and ask what support can begin now. Asking early is strong parenting.

NoticeMilestones are guides, not tests.
RecordExamples help appointments.
AskStart with GP or child health nurse.
SupportHelp can start before diagnosis.
EscalateRegression and emergencies matter.

What matters most

  • Developmental milestones are skills most children develop within age ranges; missing milestones can mean a child needs extra support. [1]
  • Missing skills, losing skills, needing much more help than peers, or daily routines becoming very hard are all valid reasons to ask for help.
  • Support can often begin before diagnosis: hearing checks, vision checks, speech pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, childcare adjustments and everyday strategies.
  • High-quality early support should be strengths-based, culturally safe, evidence-informed and focused on participation in real life. [2]
  • Call 000 for breathing difficulty, blue lips, seizure, serious injury, unconsciousness, suspected abuse or immediate danger.

General information only. This guide does not replace medical, developmental, allied health, disability, mental health, legal or emergency advice. Seek professional advice for developmental concerns, regression, feeding/swallowing concerns, hearing or vision concerns, movement concerns, social communication concerns, behaviour concerns, safety concerns or if something does not feel right.

First Yearsfirstyears.com.auHow to use

Practical pathway

How this guide is organised

For worried parents

Use this guide as a pathway, not a diagnostic manual. The aim is to help you ask the right questions, gather useful examples and start practical support.

If you needStart withPrint
You are not sure where to startWorry pathwayDevelopmental concern notes sheet
Family says waitScripts and appointment toolsGP referral request checklist
Skills were lostRed flags and urgent guidanceRegression notes
Childcare is concernedInclusion and handover pagesChildcare observation sheet
NDIS is confusingNDIS pathwayNDIS evidence folder checklist
You are overwhelmedParent wellbeingSupport team contact list

Suggested page flow

  • Quick summary and pathway.
  • Support before diagnosis.
  • Development areas, age map and red flags.
  • Communication, motor, sensory and social communication.
  • Who can help, early intervention and NDIS.
  • Everyday support, care inclusion, parent wellbeing.
  • Scripts, appointment tools, tables, questions, resources and references.

Visual tools included

  • Decision guide.
  • Support pathway diagram.
  • Age concern map.
  • Urgent red flags box.
  • Professional roles table.
  • NDIS evidence checklist.
  • Inclusion handover form.
  • Appointment preparation sheet.

General information only. This guide does not replace medical, developmental, allied health, disability, mental health, legal or emergency advice. Seek professional advice for developmental concerns, regression, feeding/swallowing concerns, hearing or vision concerns, movement concerns, social communication concerns, behaviour concerns, safety concerns or if something does not feel right.

Unlock the full PDF

The full guide includes 31 pages, printable tools including developmental concern notes, GP referral checklist, NDIS evidence folder, support team list, trusted resource links and safety guidance. It is part of the First Years first 2000 days library.

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