As a parent, it’s worrying to feel that your child is not keeping pace with their peers. But it’s important to remember that developmental challenges are more common than many parents realise.
In fact, surveys suggest that up to 15% of children under the age of five experience difficulties in areas like speech and language, motor skills, social-emotional development, and cognitive skills. While severe delays are often detected early, in children with mild to moderate challenges may not be identified until they start school or kindergarten. Data from the Australian Early Development Index shows up to 24% of children entering primary school have developmental vulnerabilities in one or more areas.
Helping children reach their full potential is a priority for Dhelkaya Health’s Children, Youth and Families team.
Deanna Blakeley, team manager and speech pathologist said: “All kids go through the same developmental stages, but some just need a little more support to catch up. Our focus is on identifying the small steps that might be missing and helping kids take them.”
The Dhelkaya Health team works with children from birth to 17 years addressing developmental delays and disabilities. Services include speech pathology, physiotherapy, podiatry, occupational therapy, dietetics, continence, nursing and access to a paediatrician. The team visits children and families at home, playgroups, childcare centres, kindergartens, and schools, offering support during critical transitions, such as moving from kindergarten to school.
Speech pathologist Amy McQualter says “One of the big differences in working with children is that therapy is play-based. For example, to help build fine motor skills, we might encourage activities like block building, drawing or manipulating small objects. To help regulate sensory experiences, we might encourage them to explore textures by playing with sensory bins filled with rice, sand, or water.”
Supporting families is just as important as working with the children themselves.
Physiotherapist Kris Joynson says: “Parents often come in feeling stressed and concerned, especially if their child is not growing or developing as expected. You can really see the relief when they leave, knowing their child will be supported to develop and that they’re not alone.”
Whether your child is facing challenges with speech, social interactions, or life skills like handwriting or bike riding, early intervention can make a big difference and prevent many challenges from escalating.
“Seeing children early is key to preventing more serious issues later on,” says Deanna. “If you’re ever in doubt, it’s always better to check it out.”
Q&A
Q: Who can access the services for children at Dhelkaya Health?
A: Anyone in the Mount Alexander Shire can access the services. Although some services require a referral from a GP or other allied health practitioner, many do not.
Q: My child needs to access multiple services. Is that possible?
A: Yes. Dhelkaya Health can offer appointments with different specialists depending on your child’s needs. Joint appointments and appointments on the same day can also make it easier for families to get help while continuing to manage day-to-day life.
Get in touch
Contact Dhelkaya Health’s Intake Office using our online form or call 5471 3575.
