The availability of Mission Australia’s EarlyStart Diagnosis Support Program will no doubt be welcome news for many families in regional NSW townships including: Goulburn, Yass, Young, Queanbeyan, Cooma, Bungendore, Harden, Boorowa, Jindabyne, Bombala, Braidwood, Marulan, and Crookwell.
The program is specifically aimed at parents with children aged zero to six years, who have recently been diagnosed, or are in the process of being diagnosed, with a disability, disorder or developmental delay.
Chris Jordan, Support worker for Mission Australia’s EarlyStart Diagnosis Support Program says: “Our EarlyStart Diagnosis Support Program provides critical assistance to families trying to navigate their way through the often lengthy and cumbersome process of having a child assessed – and potentially diagnosed with a disability, disorder or developmental delay.
“The innovative program aims to improve the resilience and wellbeing of the family, by providing support during the diagnosis period, until ongoing support is provided.
“This is a difficult and uncertain time for most families – they are effectively in ‘no man’s land’ awaiting results which have the potential for serious, life-changing effects. It is very important that they feel supported during this time.”
The program provides links in to many mainstream local community supports services and activities for families, in addition to facilitating access to specialist services.
Mission Australia’s EarlyStart Diagnosis Support Program team recently helped a family of two children with special needs. At the time of sign up, one of the children had a diagnosis, while the other child was yet to be diagnosed. The parents did not know where to go for help.
Mission Australia’s team assisted the family by coordinating medical appointments for children, providing information on – and referrals to – relevant services, transporting family to various appointments, researching information regarding disability and support groups, advocating on parents’ behalf with other services, helping the parents complete Centrelink paperwork, and providing general support through testing and diagnosis.
Mother of the family, Melinda says: “Early Start is amazing. The support workers are friendly, easy to talk to and have been very helpful – normal everyday people who have a caring heart.”
For more information please click here to visit the EarlyStart webpage on our website.
Media contact: Sally Popplestone, mobile: 0415 547 626
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