Isabelle is three-years-old. She lives with her mother, Rachel, and two-year-old twin sisters. A busy working single parent, Rachel finds it difficult managing the competing demands of working and caring for three young children.
Isabelle’s father lives interstate. He visits Isabelle twice a year. When Rachel is working, her elderly parents care for Isabelle and her siblings but they are finding it challenging caring for three small children.
Rachel only has one day a week off work and on that day she takes Isabelle to playgroup.
During the playgroup sessions, Rachel noticed Isabelle’s speech was not as well developed as other children her age.
The playgroup leader suggested Rachel should make an appointment with an early childhood partner.
During the appointment, through careful questioning, functional screening and observing Isabelle, it became clear she had met most of her developmental milestones but it appeared she had a speech delay but it didn’t have a substantial impact on Isabelle’s other developmental domains.
Her behaviour, social skills and physical development were at an age appropriate level. Isabelle did not meet the developmental delay access criteria as outlined in the NDIS Act. It was determined the support required for her speech delay was best met through mainstream supports.
The early childhood partner discussed mainstream and community referral options with Rachel. Isabelle was then referred to the local Community Health Centre to access speech therapy. The early childhood partner and Rachel also discussed suitable childcare options for Isabelle to assist in relieving some of the caring responsibilities for Rachel and her elderly parents.