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Preston

We provide assessments, early intervention therapies and support to help you thrive

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Early Start Australia | Vic | Preston (formerly Best Start Clinic) has been leading the way for paediatric allied health and for young children with Autism in Victoria since 2009.

We were the first to bring the ground-breaking Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) program to Australian families and proudly offer the rigorous ESDM training that is required for professionals.

When facing unknown challenges with your child, our multidisciplinary team will bring together the right interventions for your child and family. We know that parent and caregiver well-being plays an important part in improving a child’s outcomes and we want to work in partnership with you to help achieve your child’s goals.

We provide Psychology, Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Pathology services to children and young people (0-18 years) in the Preston area and believe in the enormous potential that lies within every child and young person.

Whether it’s individual therapy, a community program (support in kinder and school), parent coaching or via telehealth, we help find the mode of delivery that works for you and your child.

For more information or to book an appointment contact us on 03 9596 8781or submit a service enquiry.

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Early intervention therapies and services

Please note, available services and programs vary between clinics, so please check with your local clinic about their therapy services.

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Psychology
Support for learning and development, managing behaviours, emotions and thoughts and maintaining and improving mental health.
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Speech and Language Pathology
Support children and young adults with delayed speech and language to build communication, literacy, and social skills.
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Early Start Denver Model
ESDM therapy follows a play-based approach to support skills development for children with autism or similar developmental needs.
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Occupational Therapy
Help your child complete everyday tasks to the best of their ability by developing skills to overcome emotional, social and physical challenges.
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Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)
ABA therapy is used as an approach for autism support and other developmental conditions to improve social, communication and learning skills.
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Assessments
We offer a range of assessments to support a formal diagnosis and identify areas for development to inform intervention strategies.
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Contact our clinic

466 Plenty Road
Preston VIC 3072

Fax

03 9596 8783

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Let's get started on your therapy journey. If you'd like to book an appointment or simply have a question get in touch today.

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Programs

We were the first to bring the ground-breaking Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) program to Australian families and proudly offer the rigorous ESDM training that is required for professionals.

As part of your therapy journey your therapist we may recommend some specific therapy programs to assist in achieving your goals including:

The use of alternative augmentative communication (AAC) strategies can support people with communication difficulties.

When working with children we use a family-centered model, supporting caregivers and children to develop skills, knowledge and understanding as we all work together.

Therapy support services for schools including screening programs, therapy support and education to help children improve participation and reach their full potential.

Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets is an approach to speech disorders that encompasses the use of physical prompts to give a client sensory feedback about the positioning of their lips, tongue and jaw.

Meet our leader at Preston

Caroline Frankston Geelong Preston

Caroline de Fina

Autism Early Intervention Clinical Lead

Caroline is a psychologist, holding dual masters in developmental and educational psychology and cross-cultural child development. Caroline is a Certified Early Start Denver Model Trainer. She has over 20 years’ experience working with children and families in a variety of settings. Caroline joined ESA is 2018.

Caroline started her career providing direct early intervention supports to autistic children and has worked across hospital, not for profit, university, school and private settings. Caroline established the first FAHCSIA services at Monash University and was team leader and consultant psychologist to the Victorian ASELCC. Caroline has developed and lead multi-disciplinary teams, including autism diagnostic assessment teams.

Caroline’s role at ESA involves supporting ESDM clinical training and organisational supports to national autism and early intervention teams.




We’re hiring!

Early Start Australia is part of the APM Group, a global human services provider now enabling better lives for more than 1 million people each year. To view all current opportunities to join our team visit the APM Careers website by clicking the button below.

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