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Developmental & Functional Needs Assessments (Ages 0–6)
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This type of assessment is designed for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers where caregivers or professionals have noticed differences in development, regulation, or engagement—but a formal diagnosis may not yet be appropriate or necessary.

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These assessments offer a warm, reflective way to understand a young child’s communication, social connection, play, sensory needs, and emotional world. They focus on how a child is developing in the context of their relationships and environment, and what kinds of support might help them feel safe, understood, and able to thrive.

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Please note: Developmental and functional needs assessments for children aged 0–6 will begin in late 2025. These assessments require specialised tools and a careful setup process, so availability will be limited at first. You're welcome to register your interest, and we’ll be in touch when appointments become available.

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They can be especially useful when:

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  • There are concerns about developmental milestones, routines, or emotional regulation

  • A child is finding it hard to settle into early learning, transitions, or relationships

  • You’re exploring whether early supports (e.g. therapy or NDIS) might be helpful

  • You want a clearer, kinder understanding of your child’s strengths, needs, and next steps

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Depending on your child’s age and goals for the assessment, the process may include:

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  • A developmental intake and caregiver interview

  • Gentle observation or play-based engagement with your child

  • Functional, emotional, or sensory screening tools

  • Optional adaptive or cognitive testing (e.g. Vineland-3, WPPSI-IV)

  • A feedback session and a written summary or report

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These assessments are particularly helpful when a diagnosis isn't the goal—or isn’t yet developmentally appropriate—but you’re seeking guidance, support, or next steps to help your child feel more regulated, connected, and understood.

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They can also be used to support NDIS applications under the Early Childhood Approach, where a child’s developmental needs may meet eligibility for funded early supports, even without a formal diagnosis.

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Fees and Availability
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Developmental and functional needs assessments are privately billed and are not eligible for Medicare rebates under a Mental Health Care Plan. This is because MHCPs apply only to therapy, not to psychological testing or report writing.

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Fees for developmental and functional needs assessments (ages 0–6) will depend on your child’s age, the nature of the concerns, and whether additional tools—such as adaptive or cognitive assessments—are included. A full fee schedule will be available closer to the service launch.

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Assessments for young children are expected to begin in late 2025, with a longer waitlist due to the specialised tools involved. If you’d like to register your interest or explore whether this type of assessment might be a good fit for your child, you're very welcome to get in touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this assessment to apply for NDIS? Yes, in many cases. For children under 6, the NDIS Early Childhood Approach does not require a formal diagnosis to begin providing support. If your child is showing signs of developmental delay or needs support with everyday functioning (such as communication, sensory regulation, or emotional development), the report from this assessment can often be used to support an application. The report may include: • Functional and sensory screening results • Summary of daily life impacts • Adaptive functioning data (if used) • Clear support recommendations tailored to your child We can discuss your goals for the assessment during your intake call and tailor the report accordingly.

What if I’m not sure whether my child needs an assessment? That’s okay. Many families come to this process with questions rather than answers. You don’t need to know if something is “wrong”—you just need to be curious about how your child is going, and whether some extra support might help. Sometimes the process helps families feel reassured. Other times it helps identify meaningful ways to adapt, respond, or advocate for support. Either way, it can be a helpful space to reflect and re-orient gently.

Is this the same as an autism or ADHD assessment? No, although it may explore traits or patterns that overlap. These assessments don’t aim to provide a formal diagnosis. Instead, they look at your child’s development more broadly—what they’re finding tricky, what they’re drawn to, how they regulate, and what might help them feel more safe, understood, and connected. If a diagnostic assessment becomes appropriate later on, this process often provides a strong foundation.

Will I receive a written report? Yes. You will receive a summary or report that brings together your child’s story, observed patterns, and support recommendations. This can be used to inform early learning supports, allied health referrals, therapy planning, or NDIS access if needed. We can tailor the report format based on your needs—for example, a shorter summary for educators, or a more detailed version for funding or access pathways.

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