Frequently Asked Questions

We provide comprehensive allied health services including Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and psychology services. All our services are designed to support children with autism and developmental differences, as well as their families.

We primarily work with children from 12 months to 18 years of age. Our ESDM therapy is specifically designed for young children between 12 months and 4 years, while our other services can support children and adolescents across a broader age range.

We're located at 107, 43 Danaher Drive, South Morang, VIC 3752. We proudly serve families throughout Melbourne's Northern Suburbs, including South Morang, Mill Park, Epping, Mernda, Bundoora, Thomastown, and surrounding areas.

For most of our services, you don't need a referral to get started. However, if you're using NDIS funding or private health insurance, specific referral requirements may apply. We're happy to guide you through the process and help you understand what's needed for your situation.

ESDM is an evidence-based early intervention approach that combines developmental and behavioral strategies. Unlike traditional therapies, ESDM uses play-based, naturalistic learning opportunities that feel engaging and fun for children while targeting multiple developmental areas simultaneously.

ESDM sessions typically last 1-2 hours, depending on your child's age and attention span. The frequency is individualized based on your child's needs and your family's goals, but many families start with 2-3 sessions per week for optimal progress.

Absolutely! ESDM works well alongside other therapies like speech therapy, occupational therapy, and psychology services. We coordinate with other providers to ensure a cohesive approach that maximizes your child's progress across all areas of development.

Yes, we are fully registered NDIS providers. This means we can bill directly to the NDIS for eligible participants, making the process simple and convenient for families. We're experienced in working with NDIS plans and can help you maximize your funding.

We can help guide you through the NDIS application process and provide the reports and documentation needed to support your application. We also offer private pay options while you're waiting for NDIS approval, so your child can start receiving support right away.

We provide detailed progress reports and recommendations for your NDIS plan reviews. Our team can help you understand what supports to request, provide evidence of your child's progress, and advocate for the services your child needs to continue developing.

You can book your first appointment by calling us at 0452 154 303, emailing info@nialume.com.au, or filling out our contact form. We offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your needs and determine the best next steps for your family.

Please bring any relevant reports, assessments, or documentation about your child's development. If you have NDIS funding, bring your NDIS plan. Most importantly, bring your questions and be ready to share your goals and concerns for your child.

While we primarily provide in-person services for the best therapeutic outcomes, we do offer telehealth consultations for initial assessments, parent training sessions, and follow-up appointments when appropriate. We'll discuss what works best for your family's needs.

We're open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We also offer some Saturday appointments by arrangement. We understand that families have busy schedules, so we try to be as flexible as possible with appointment times.

Families are central to everything we do. We provide parent training, home program development, and regular communication about your child's progress. We believe parents are their child's first and most important teachers, so we equip you with strategies to support development at home.

Yes, we understand that having a child with additional needs affects the whole family. We provide guidance and support for siblings, helping them understand their brother or sister's needs and teaching them ways to be supportive and inclusive.

We work closely with schools, childcare centers, and other healthcare providers to ensure consistency across all environments. We can attend school meetings, provide reports and recommendations, and collaborate with teachers to support your child's success in educational settings.