Developmental Delay Support
Multidisciplinary OT, speech and physio for children who are taking longer than expected to hit developmental milestones — at their pace, with the right support around them.
Children develop at their own pace, but sometimes a gap opens up that's wider than parents and clinicians would expect — in movement, talking, play, self-care or learning. That's what developmental delay means: not that something is wrong, but that your child would benefit from some extra support to keep up with where they want to be.
Square One Therapy Hub brings occupational therapy, speech pathology and physiotherapy together in one place, so children with developmental delay can build skills across all areas with a coordinated team and one set of shared goals.
Reasons families come to us
- Not yet sitting, crawling, standing or walking at expected ages
- Few words or no sentences past age 2
- Difficulty being understood by people outside the family
- Trouble with self-care — feeding, dressing, toileting
- Difficulty with play, imagination or peer interaction
- Concerns from preschool, GP, child and family health nurse or paediatrician
- An existing diagnosis with developmental delay as part of the picture
How we help
- Comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment across OT, speech and physio
- Coordinated therapy plan with shared goals across disciplines
- Early intervention focused on play, daily routines and family life
- Parent coaching so progress continues between sessions
- Reports and assessments to support NDIS access where needed
- Liaison with preschool, school and other treating professionals
- School readiness assessments in the year before Kindergarten
What developmental delay can look like
Delay can affect one area or several. Some children are slower to walk or run; some take longer to talk or use sentences; some find self-care skills like dressing or feeding hard; some struggle with the play and social skills that other children pick up effortlessly.
Delay isn't a diagnosis on its own — it's a description of where your child is, compared to typical milestones. Early support can make a substantial difference, particularly in the years before school.
How a multidisciplinary team helps
Children with developmental delay often benefit from input across more than one discipline. Speech for communication, OT for daily living and play, physio for movement and strength. When all three sit in one clinic and talk to each other, your child gets consistent goals, parents don't have to repeat the story to three different teams, and progress in one area reinforces progress in others.
Working with NDIS Early Childhood Approach
Many children with developmental delay are supported through the NDIS Early Childhood Approach (under 9). We work alongside Early Childhood Partners, can support access requests with assessments and reports, and can deliver therapy under your child's plan once approved.
How our team supports this
Occupational Therapy
Build independence and confidence in daily living skills with personalised strategies tailored to your individual goals and needs.
Explore serviceSpeech Therapy
Enhance communication and language skills through proven, evidence-based therapy techniques designed for lasting improvement.
Explore servicePhysiotherapy
Improve mobility and strength with personalised programmes designed for real-world function and sustainable results.
Explore serviceSchool Readiness Assessments
A multidisciplinary look at your child's academic, motor, social and self-care skills before they start Kindergarten — using the Bracken (BSRA-4) and PDMS-3.
Explore serviceCommon questions from families
How early can my child see a therapist?
We see children from infancy. Early support is often the most impactful — there's no waiting list to grow into.
Do I need a diagnosis to access therapy?
No. You don't need a diagnosis or a referral to come privately or via Medicare CDM. A diagnosis or developmental delay assessment is often needed for NDIS access, which we can help with.
Can my child see OT, speech and physio at the same clinic?
Yes — that's how we're set up. Our team shares notes, coordinates goals and can sometimes schedule sessions back-to-back to make the trip easier.
How is therapy for developmental delay funded?
Most commonly via the NDIS Early Childhood Approach (under 9) or full NDIS plans, Medicare CDM referrals, private health rebates or private pay. We'll guide you on a free 15-minute call.
What if my child catches up — do they still need therapy?
Often, no. Many children with early delays catch up beautifully and discharge from therapy. We review regularly and only continue therapy while it's adding value.
Ready to Start Your Therapy Journey?
Speak directly with our director — no obligation, just a friendly chat about how we can help.