Developmental Education

Developmental Educators provide holistic, person-centred therapy and support which highlights each participant's unique strengths. DE's are informed by developmental and behavioural theories, and inclusive practices that support all aspects of a person's wellbeing, independence, and participation in everyday life. DE therapy and support can include:

Social & Communication Skills

Building the confidence to connect and communicate in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to each individual.

Practising social communication skills through interactive games, role-play and modelling behaviour.
Using visuals, gestures and or AAC (augmentative and alternative communication), to support social understanding and expression.
Creation of personalised social stories, inspired by Carol Gray's approach, to support social understanding, transitions and new experiences.
Supporting positive interactions with family, peers or others in the community in structured and unstructured settings.

Emotional Regulation & Resilience

Emotional Resilience & Self Regulation

Supporting individuals to build healthy responses to stress and challenges using strengths-based strategies.

Developing a personalised calming toolkit e.g., calming scent, stress ball of preference.
Practising safe, effective ways in expressing overwhelm / big emotions through thoughtful discussions, modelling, role-play and or coaching.
Identifying and addressing stressors, anxiety and or overwhelm (both internal and external) and building positive and flexible coping strategies.
Identifying and exploring feelings e.g., through social games, visual references, body maps.
Introducing sensory-based diets / regulation strategies using sensory input that tailored to the individual (e.g., movement, tactile, auditory, visual supports, and environmental modifications) that manage attention and or emotional states.

Advocacy & Empowerment

Supporting individuals and families to build confidence, navigate systems, and assert their Rights.

Guiding families and individuals through life transitions (e.g., starting school, changing services, exploring work or further education).
Supporting self-advocacy by supporting individuals express their needs, preferences and Rights effectively.
Addressing and identifying barriers to participation in education, health, employment or community life.
Providing accessible information and templates to support communication and advocacy efforts.

Our Toolkit

Play and Recreation Skills

Encourages creativity, learning, and connection through developmentally age appropriate play and leisure activities. This is especially catered to children or individuals with developmental delays. My approach to play is often led by participant, providing them with sensory-rich choices for their developmental education and learning. This approach is also inspired by Montessori principles which supports an individual's independence, curiosity, and meaningful engagement through their natural interests and environment.

Engaging in imaginative play to support social-emotional learning.
Using sensory play to regulate and explore environments and develop daily life skills safely.
Providing open-ended materials which fosters creativity and independence.

Goal Setting and Strengths Exploration

Helping individuals set meaningful goals and understand their own strengths, interests, and values.

Using strength cards and other materials to explore an individual's strengths and preferences.
Discussing NDIS-related goals or personal goals at each individual's preferred pace.
Linking strengths and interests to potential future learning or vocational pathway opportunities.

Daily Living and Functional Independence

Guiding individuals in developing everyday skills for greater autonomy at home, school, work, or in the community.

Organisational skills such as preparing for a school or work day.
Learning to prepare a simple meal.
Practising hygiene or dressing skills.
Supporting the understanding of personal safety in both public and private settings, and assisting in the use of public transport.

Family & Caregiver Support

Empowering families and carers with tools, information, and strategies to support their loved one.

Sharing easy-to-use resources, visuals and strategies for home and daily routines
Offering coaching or modelling around emotional regulation, communication and everyday challenges.
Supporting families to navigate services, advocate confidently and access community supports.

Asessments & Reporting

Providing informal and formal assessments to understand strengths, needs, and support goals, that is tailored and meaningful to each individual. DE assessments emphasise understanding practical, functional and person-centred insights from an individual's developmental profile.

Developmental Profile 4 (DP-4)

A validated screening tool for children from birth to 12 years of age, exploring the development across key domains including communication, social-emotional functioning, motor skills, adaptive behaviour, and cognitive abilities.

Functional Capacity Assessments (FCA)

FCAs assess how a person manages daily tasks across various life domains, and are used to inform NDIS planning, goal setting, and funding decisions.

Observational Assessments

Through natural observations in home, school, or community settings, to gather insights into how individuals interact with their environment. This helps identify functional strengths and areas where additional support may be beneficial.

Emotional & Social Wellbeing Assessments

Exploring how individuals experience, express, and manage emotions and relationships. This includes understanding emotional triggers, regulation strategies, and supports that build resilience and social connection.

Strengths & Interests Exploration

Identifying personal strengths, interests, and motivators in order to build upon what is meaningful to each individual to encourage the positive growth of self-determination and engagement.

Collaborative Goal Setting & Individualised Planning

Working together with individuals, families, and support teams,to develop personalised plans that reflect the Participants' values, needs, aspirations and goals.

Positive Behaviour-Informed Insights

While I do not currently practice as a Positive Behaviour Practitioner (PBS) or offer formal Positive Behaviour Support plans at this stage, my approach is informed by PBS principles and past training as a Positive Behaviour Practitioner. I use tools such as ABC charts and escalation curves to understand and explain behaviour patterns as part of developing respectful, proactive strategies which support the development of healthy self-regulation.

Price Guide

Developmental Education

Initial Consultation (45 minutes) - Free*
Therapy Session Rate (per hour) - $193.99
Therapy Travel Rate (per hour) - $96.99 (50%)
Kilometres charged - $1 per KM

* Prices are based on the NDIS Guidelines for 2025/2026

* Consultation includes free Travel for the Southern Suburbs

* Northern Suburbs may be charged a travel fee & KMs due to distance.