Therapy assistants may help children who are:

• working towards goals set by their speech pathologist, occupational therapist, psychologist, or behaviour support practitioner

• benefiting from more frequent opportunities to practise skills

• developing communication, social, emotional, play, or daily living skills

• using AAC and requiring additional support with implementation

• participating in home, school, childcare, or community-based goals

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Support may include:

• communication and speech practice

• AAC implementation and communication device use

• social skill development

• emotional regulation strategies

• play and daily living skills

• school readiness and participation

• implementing therapy programs developed by your child's clinician

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Sessions can take place in the clinic, at home, at childcare, at school, or in the community, depending on your child's goals and support needs.

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Age Ranges

Therapy assistant support is available for children aged 0–7 years.

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Our Approach

Therapy assistants help bridge the gap between therapy sessions and everyday life.

Children often make the most progress when they have regular opportunities to practise skills in meaningful environments. Our therapy assistants provide additional support to help children build confidence and use skills across different settings, while working under the guidance of qualified clinicians.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a therapy assistant?

A therapy assistant delivers therapy activities under the guidance and supervision of a qualified allied health professional. Therapy assistants do not work independently and always follow a program developed by your child's clinician.

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Who are your therapy assistants?

All of our therapy assistants are currently studying speech pathology or occupational therapy at university. They work under the supervision of qualified allied health professionals and receive ongoing support and guidance to deliver therapy programs safely and effectively.

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Will my child still see their therapist?

Yes. Therapy assistants work alongside your child's therapist, not instead of them. Your child's therapist remains responsible for assessment, goal setting, program development, progress reviews, and clinical oversight.

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Why would a family choose to see a therapy assistant?

There are many reasons families choose therapy assistance. Some children benefit from more frequent opportunities to practise skills between therapist appointments, while others are working towards goals that require regular implementation across home, school, childcare, and community environments.

Therapy assistant support can also increase the intensity of therapy while making funding go further. Therapy assistant sessions are billed at a lower rate than therapist sessions, which can help families maximise their available funding while still receiving support under the guidance of a qualified clinician.

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Can my child access a therapy assistant if they do not see an Early Bird therapist?

No. Therapy assistant services are only available to children who are currently receiving support from an Early Bird Therapy clinician. This ensures the therapy assistant program can be appropriately developed, supervised, and reviewed.

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Can therapy assistant sessions be funded through the NDIS?

In many cases, yes. Therapy assistant supports can often be funded through the NDIS where they relate to your child's goals and plan. We can discuss this with you based on your individual circumstances.

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Are Medicare or private health insurance rebates available?

No. Medicare and private health insurance rebates are not available for therapy assistant sessions.

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Where do therapy assistant sessions take place?

Sessions may take place in the clinic, at home, at childcare, at school, or in the community, depending on your child's goals and support needs.

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What will happen in the first session?

Your child's supervising clinician will first identify goals and activities suitable for therapy assistant support and write a plan for the Therapy Assistant to follow. The therapy assistant will then spend time getting to know your child and building rapport before working towards those goals.

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Do parents need to be involved?

Yes. Parents and carers play an important role in helping children practise skills between sessions. We work alongside families to ensure strategies can be supported in everyday life.