Frequently Asked Questions?
Got questions about Amazing Kids Early Intevention, ESDM or anything else? Browse our frequently asked questions!
How do we get started with Amazing Kids?
Getting Started is Easy
Step 1: Free 60 Min Chat
No Cost Initial ESDM Session with a certified ESDM Behavioural Therapist. Call us on (03) 7064 5777 to discuss your needs.
Step 2: Book Appointment
Register now, so we can meet your child and tailor a program to meet your specific needs
Step 3: 1st Session!
Come and meet the team.
Does my child qualify for NDIS?
We work with all families to discuss eligibility requirements for the NDIS (such as availability in your area, your residency status i.e. Permanent resident or Australian citizen). We can then discuss the process of applying for NDIS and preparing for your meeting. If you are currently accessing NDIS, we are able to assist with plan reviews, change of circumstances (such as a recent update to your child’s health) and early reviews.
How do I pay for Behavioural Therapy?
In most cases early intervention is covered by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) through “self-managed” or “plan-managed” funding. Once your child’s funding has been confirmed and you commence behavioural therapy with us.
What if my child's NDIS funding hasn't yet been approved or is inelibile?
You can still use our services and access our programs privately. If your child becomes eligible for full or partial NDIS funding then we will balance NDIS and private funding to ensure the right mix and value for you.
What is ESDM Therapy?
The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is a comprehensive family-centred behaviour therapy for the effects of early autism for children aged 12-60 months old.
ESDM is a contemporary therapy integrating a multi-disciplinary approach derived from clinical practitioners from the US Davis Mind Institute. ESDM has been proven to be most effective in teams of practitioners delivering ESDM one on one in home and clinical environments and then progressively generalised into mainstream early environments, such as child cares and kindergartens.
Parent training and involvement in the early Start Denver model approach is a key for comprehensive and family centred program. See Our Philosophy page too.
How Does ESDM Therapy Work?
ESDM is an evidence-based intervention effective for various ranges of children’s abilities and skills. ESDM is a play-based behavioural therapy focusing on positive and fun relationships between adults, peers and children to target various developmental domains.
These include;
- Receptive Communication
- Expressive Communication
- Joint attention
- Cognition
- Behaviour
- Personal independence
- Fine and gross motor skills
- Social skills
- Imitation
What is the ESDM philosophy?
Amazing Kids believes parents and families, as well as other significant individuals in a child’s life are the most important resources for a child’s skill development. We believe that the child’s everyday environments and routines are the most essential learning environments for change and is done through empowering families and caregivers to deliver best results to their child.
What to expect from our team?
ESDM behavioural therapists undergo intensive programs and must have their own background in a health-related discipline to undergo the training process to meet UC Davis requirements. All team members must have either completed their Bachelor or working towards their Bachelor. To certify in ESDM, team members need a completed Bachelor in the relevant field. This includes; Early childhood education, Education, Speech Pathology, Psychology, Occupational therapy and Behaviour Analysis.
Team members undergo intensive training to meet the fidelity standard’s adhered to the UC Davis Mind Institute. Team members undergo a 6-18 month training process that looks like;
• One on one training from a certified therapist
• Introductory Workshop from the UC Davis Mind Institute
• Fidelity in the Early Start Denver Model
• Advanced workshop from a certifying ESDM trainer
• Certification as an ESDM therapist
• Ongoing professional development to keep up with advancement in the field
All behavioural therapists must meet fidelity to practice as an ESDM behavioural therapist which is a requirement from the UC Davis Mind Institute.
What is your teams training qualifications?
All ESDM behavioural therapists must have their own background in a health-related discipline to undergo the training process to meet UC Davis requirements. All team members must have either completed their Bachelor or working towards their Bachelor. To certify in ESDM, team members need a completed Bachelor in the relevant field. This includes; Early childhood education, Education, Speech Pathology, Psychology, Occupational therapy and Behaviour Analysis.
Team members undergo intensive training to meet the fidelity standard’s adhered to the UC Davis Mind Institute.
What is your "Code of Conduct"?
Amazing Kids respects and supports the fundamental rights of children and their parents, carers and families and we have 5 key codes:
- We treat children, family members and representatives, with respect and dignity at all times, knowing that each child is an individual with individual needs.
- Our team is hard working and always provide professional and personalised therapy in our clinical or community setting.
- Our team always acts honestly and truthfully and we practice open and transparent communication with parents, families, medical professionals and through government funding such as the NDIS.
- We keep up to date with all qualifications, police checks, licenses and registrations, required to provide our services and maintain the privacy of your information – as per our privacy policy.
- We work to maintain and enhance the safety and wellbeing of our team as well as those in our care, in accordance with the appropriate standards and relevant legislation relating to our services.
What skills are needed to be an ESDM behavioural therapist?
ESDM behavioural therapists undergo intensive programs and must have their own background in a health-related discipline to undergo the training process to meet UC Davis requirements. All team members must have either completed their Bachelor or working towards their Bachelor. To certify in ESDM, team members need a completed Bachelor in the relevant field. This includes; Early childhood education, Education, Speech Pathology, Psychology, Occupational therapy and Behaviour Analysis.
Team members undergo intensive training to meet the fidelity standard’s adhered to the UC Davis Mind Institute. Team members undergo a 6-18month training process that looks like;
• One on one training from a certified therapist
• Introductory Workshop from the UC Davis Mind Institute
• Fidelity in the Early Start Denver Model
• Advanced workshop from a certifying ESDM trainer
• Certification as an ESDM therapist
• Ongoing professional development to keep up with advancement in the field
All behavioural therapist must meet fidelity to practice as an ESDM therapist which is a requirement from the UC Davis Mind Institute.