Inspiring Early Intervention

Parent & educator workshops for childcare centres

Early intervention
Early intervention for young children with developmental delays is vitally important with research showing the earlier support and therapy is commenced the more improved the outcomes will be for the child, their family and the wider community.

However early intervention is not always commenced in time for a number of reasons including:

• • therapy commencement is pending a diagnosis (which often occurs late)
  • parents are unaware of the options
  • parents are overwhelmed
  • assumption of typical child development
  • long wait lists for therapists
  • lack of funding and other costs

Telethon Kids Institute’s Prof Andrew Whitehouse – says autism is not typically diagnosed until three years of age, however, therapies commencing during the first two years of life – when the initial signs of development difference are observed, and the brain is rapidly developing – can positively impact developmental outcomes in later childhood.

"The findings clearly argue the case that investing in early support for babies represents a good investment for the whole community."

Our purpose
Little Tree Counselling was created by Ash Wood to bring together therapeutic counselling and lived experience to support parents navigating more challenging parenting journeys including those raising children with developmental delays or neurodiversity. In particular Little Tree was founded to address the gaps Ash saw not only as a therapist, but also experienced as a parent of a child with neurodiversity. Ash found a disconnect between individualist services offered to children and the experiences of the parents, families and systems around this child, and wants to bring these back into sync to support the whole child.

Little Tree understands that parents are often a child's first educators, biggest advocates and want the best for their own child, however can often be unsure of where to go for help, overwhelmed by red tape, unaware of atypical development, in denial of issues or defer to others. So, we want to empower parents to take action for their children, support them to advocate for the right support and look after themselves and their family with the challenges that comes with a detour off the typical parenting path.

Our speakers
Ash Wood - is a registered counsellor, Behavioural Scientist, child protection specialist and internationally certified Protective Behaviours trainer. Ash is particularly passionate about supporting children and families navigating the challenging process of getting early supports for a child with additional needs, and keeping families safe and connected with each other while on this often difficult and isolating journey. Ash comes from a child-centred, neuro-affirming perspective, with a background in Protective Behaviours which provides a strong foundation to support parents doing this by giving the language, tools and skills to help parents keep their children safe and empowered and heard. And most importantly as a parent of a child with neurodiversity, Ash speaks about her journey and what she wishes had happened in the early years of her son's journey that would have supported him and his whole family earlier, better and safer.

Our workshops

Our workshops are available in person or online via video.

For parents & carers

• 
  • What is early intervention and why it is so important
  • Demystifying developmental delay through lived experience
  • What are some key signs of developmental delay
  • Therapy and supports available and how to access help Funding available including NDIS early intervention funding
  • Understanding and acknowledging the challenges and how to look after themselves
  • How to advocate for your child and make a village of support
  • And most importantly encouraging parents to embrace, affirm and celebrate their unique children

For educators

• 
  • What is early intervention and why it is so important
  • What are some key signs of developmental delay
  • What a parent wants you to know about developmental delay
  • Funding available including NDIS early intervention funding
  • Creating an inclusive centre
  • How to communicate with parents in order to have the "hard" conversations
  • And most importantly encouraging educators to embrace and affirm the children

Contact

Website: www.littletreecounselling.com.au
Email: hello@littletreecounselling.com.au
Phone: 0422 468 322
Facebook & Instagram: @LittleTreeAUS