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Early Signs, Early Support: Identifying and Nurturing Neurodivergent Children from Birth to Age 8

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About Course

The earlier a child’s differences are understood and supported, the better the outcomes – yet many parents and early childhood professionals are left wondering what to look for, when to act, and where to turn. This course gives you the knowledge and confidence to recognise early developmental differences across communication, sensory, motor, social, and emotional domains, navigate Australian assessment and funding pathways, and build environments where neurodivergent young children can genuinely thrive. Warm, practical, and grounded in current research, it also honours the emotional journey families experience as they begin to understand their child’s neurology.

What Will You Learn?

  • Distinguish between typical developmental variation and differences that warrant further exploration across communication, sensory, motor, social, and emotional domains in children from birth to age 8
  • Recognise early indicators of autism, ADHD, developmental language disorder, sensory processing differences, and developmental motor difficulties in very young children
  • Navigate Australian assessment and funding pathways including the Thriving Kids program, NDIS early intervention, and Medicare Child Development Programs
  • Design a play-based, neuro-affirming early childhood environment that supports a range of neurological profiles
  • Apply co-regulation strategies with infants, toddlers, and young children to support emotional and sensory regulation before self-regulation is developmentally possible
  • Evaluate the quality and fit of early intervention approaches including ESDM, DIR Floortime, speech therapy, and occupational therapy
  • Support families with compassion and practical guidance through the process of noticing differences, seeking assessment, and receiving a diagnosis
  • Use observational tools and developmental checklists to document and communicate concerns clearly with families and allied health professionals

Course Content

Understanding Development: What Typical Looks Like and When to Look Closer

  • Developmental Milestones Across Five Domains: Communication, Sensory, Motor, Social, and Emotional
  • Variation vs Difference: Understanding the Range of Typical Development and Knowing When to Explore Further
  • Observing Young Children: How to Document Developmental Differences Clearly and Objectively
  • How To: Use a Developmental Observation Checklist in Everyday Early Childhood Settings

Early Indicators: Recognising Autism, ADHD, DLD, Sensory Differences, and Motor Difficulties

Assessment Pathways and Early Intervention in Australia

Neuro-Affirming Environments and Co-Regulation in the Early Years

Supporting Families Through Realisation, Assessment, and Early Diagnosis

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