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Structured assessment of development, learning and communication by qualified clinicians.
Information
What developmental assessments involves
Families look here when they want a clearer picture of a child's development.
Supports are usually delivered as short blocks of sessions with clear goals, and often include coaching so parents and carers can practise strategies in everyday routines. Delivery may be in a clinic, at home, at kinder or school, in the community, or by telehealth.
When families commonly seek this support
Concerns raised at a maternal and child health check, kinder or school
Progress that seems different to other children of a similar age
Daily routines that are consistently difficult for the child or family
A referral from a GP, paediatrician or support coordinator
Questions worth asking a provider
What experience do you have with children of my child's age and needs?
How do you involve parents and carers between sessions?
What is your current wait time, and how is availability updated?
TK Victorian Providers/Thrivingkidsvic.au is an independent platform associated with Qaswa.au. We are not a Victorian Government, Australian Government, NDIA or NDIS website, and we do not administer the Thriving Kids program.
Published 4 October 2026Last reviewed 4 October 2026
Child Development and Developmental Assessment
Every child develops at their own pace, but families and professionals may sometimes notice differences in communication, movement, learning, social interaction, behaviour or everyday skills.
A developmental assessment can help build a clearer picture of a child's strengths and areas where additional support may be useful.
An assessment is not simply about finding a label. It can help families and professionals understand what a child can do, where difficulties are occurring and what next steps may be appropriate.
What Does a Developmental Assessment Look At?
The exact assessment depends on the child's age, concerns and professional involved. Areas may include:
A developmental assessment may involve parent interviews, questionnaires, observation, standardised tools or other clinical methods.
communication and language
movement and motor skills
social interaction
play
learning
emotional development
behaviour
daily living skills
attention and participation
independence
When Might a Family Consider an Assessment?
A family may seek advice when:
A developmental concern does not automatically mean a child has a diagnosis.
a child is not meeting expected developmental milestones
communication appears significantly different from peers
movement or coordination is a concern
daily activities are unusually difficult
educators have noticed developmental differences
a child is having difficulty participating at kindergarten or school
a health professional recommends further assessment
Who Can Assess Child Development?
Different professionals assess different aspects of development. Depending on the concern, a family may work with:
The appropriate professional depends on the question that needs to be answered.
GP
maternal and child health nurse
speech pathologist
occupational therapist
psychologist
physiotherapist
paediatrician
multidisciplinary developmental service
Developmental Checks and Thriving Kids
Victoria's current Thriving Kids information says two new developmental checks will be introduced, one as children start kindergarten and another before school, with checks undertaken by allied health professionals and trained clinicians. The rollout is staged, beginning in six Victorian sites. Victorian Government
The Australian Government also describes health and development checks as part of the broader Thriving Kids system. Australian Government
Families should check the current arrangements in their state or territory because implementation is progressive.
What Happens After an Assessment?
An assessment may result in:
Assessment should be connected to useful next steps rather than becoming an end in itself.
reassurance and monitoring
practical recommendations
referral to an allied health service
additional developmental checks
family support
further assessment where appropriate
referral to another professional
For Referrers
When recommending an assessment, it helps to describe the reason for concern, examples from everyday life, relevant history and what the family wants to understand.
For Assessment Providers
A clear online profile should explain:
assessment type
age range
professional qualifications
settings
referral process
expected appointment format
whether reports are provided
follow-up options
service locations
Finding a Developmental Assessment Service
Families can start with their GP, maternal and child health nurse or another trusted health professional, particularly if they are unsure which assessment is appropriate.
Thriving Kids VIC is an independent information and provider-discovery platform, not a diagnostic service.
Developmental Assessment and the Victorian Thriving Kids Rollout
Victoria is introducing two new developmental checks as part of Thriving Kids, one as children start kindergarten and another before school. The checks will be undertaken by allied health professionals and trained clinicians, beginning in the initial rollout sites.
A developmental check is not the same thing as every type of private developmental or diagnostic assessment. Families may still encounter different assessment pathways depending on their child's needs.
Developmental assessment is about understanding the child
Assessment may consider communication, movement, learning, social interaction, behaviour, play and everyday participation. The appropriate professional depends on the question being asked.
For referrers
A referral should explain what is prompting the assessment, what the child is doing well, what is difficult and what the family hopes to understand. This can help the receiving clinician determine the most appropriate assessment approach.
For providers
Clearly state whether you offer developmental assessment, developmental screening, multidisciplinary assessment or another specialised assessment. Avoid implying that a private assessment is the same as a government Thriving Kids developmental check.
TK Victorian Providers/Thrivingkidsvic.au is an independent platform associated with Qaswa.au. We are not a Victorian Government, Australian Government, NDIA or NDIS website, and we do not administer the Thriving Kids program.
Independent Victorian providers offering services in this category. Availability and response data is shown where measured.
CF
Care For Your Mind
Verified information
Psychology
Developmental Assessments • Early Childhood Development Support • Parent & Family Support • Social Work • Family Support Services • Supported Playgroups & Group Programs • Capacity Building & Everyday Skills
Care For Your Mind is a private psychology and counselling clinic located in Central Victoria, with two convenient locations in Bendigo and Castlemaine.
We provide specialised therapeutic support for a range of mental health challenges, including:
Abuse (sexual, emotional, psychological, physical & neglect)
Trauma
Relationship breakdowns
Family dysfunction
Stress
Anxiety
Depression
Grief and loss
Sexuality and gender identity affirmation
Problematic Sexualised Behaviours
Sensory processing difficulties
Whether you are seeking therapy in Bendigo or Castlemaine, we are here to support you to Care For Your Mind.
Care For Your Mind is grounded in the belief that individuals truly engage and begin to experience significant change when they are seen, heard, validated, and understood.
We utilise a whole-brain approach that emphasises relational, sensory, and emotional safety to ensure our clients feel supported. Our treatment focus is person-centered and evidence-based, recognising that the strength of the therapeutic relationship is crucial for lasting change.
Our practice offers a variety of mental health services tailored to your unique needs, including:
Individual counselling
Couples and Family Therapy
Art and Expressive Therapy
Psychological Assessments
Neuroaffirming Therapy
EMDR therapy
As trusted therapists in Bendigo and Castlemaine, we are committed to guiding you on your journey to well-being.
Bendigo
Telehealth available
Ages 3-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-12 years, 13+ years
Response time not yet measured
Short waitlistNDIS services offeredPrivate payment acceptedMedicare rebate may apply
New listing · Availability updated recently · Profile 70% complete
Dr Grace Hancock - Clinical Psychology & Autism Support
Verified information
Psychology
Developmental Assessments • Early Childhood Development Support • Parent & Family Support • Family Support Services • Supported Playgroups & Group Programs • Capacity Building & Everyday Skills
Dr Grace Hancock is a clinical psychologist with over 10 years experience supporting children, teens, and their families. Dr Hancock provides a range of clinical psychology services, with particular experience in autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental differences. Services are neuro-affirming, evidence-based and focused on helping young people and their families better understand their individual strengths, needs and ways of functioning. She also focuses on balancing acceptance of differences while still working towards progress and growth.
Services include comprehensive developmental and psychological assessments (including autism, ADHD, cognitive (IQ) and adaptive functioning), individual and parent-focused psychology support, and small peer group programs. Support may focus on emotional regulation and wellbeing, anxiety, executive functioning, social understanding and connection, everyday independence, and building a young person’s understanding of their own neurotype.
The practice also works collaboratively with parents, schools and other professionals to help translate this understanding into practical strategies and supports across home, school and community settings.
Williamstown North
Telehealth available
Ages 0-2 years, 3-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-12 years, 13+ years
Response time not yet measured
Accepting enquiriesNDIS services offeredPrivate payment acceptedMedicare rebate may apply
New listing · Availability updated recently · Profile 70% complete
Speech Pathology • Psychology • Developmental Assessments • Parent & Family Support • Behaviour Support • Capacity Building & Everyday Skills
Alloy Health is a multidisciplinary allied health practice providing comprehensive assessment, evidence based therapy and consultation for children, adolescents and young adults. Our team works collaboratively with individuals, families, schools and other professionals to develop a clear understanding of each person’s strengths and support needs, and to translate clinical knowledge into practical recommendations that promote meaningful participation at home, in education and within the community.
Niddrie
Telehealth available
Ages 0-2 years, 3-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-12 years, 13+ years
Response time not yet measured
Accepting enquiriesNDIS services offeredNDIS registeredPrivate payment acceptedMedicare rebate may apply
New listing · Availability updated recently · Profile 70% complete
Speech Pathology • Developmental Assessments • Early Childhood Development Support • Parent & Family Support • Family Support Services • Supported Playgroups & Group Programs • Assistive Technology • Capacity Building & Everyday Skills • Help Navigating Support Pathways
At The OT Group, our paediatric allied health team delivers integrated Occupational Therapy (OT) and Speech Pathology services across Greater Melbourne, Bendigo, and regional Victoria. We provide goal-directed, evidence-based, and neuroaffirming supports across home, clinic, early learning centre, and school environments to build capacity and empower children to achieve independence and active participation.
We focus on helping children develop the skills they need to grow into functional, independent adults. We support children to address challenges associated with sensory, motor, social and emotional development which can impact a child's ability to perform everyday tasks, engage in meaningful activities and perform at school.
Our Occupational Therapists support children to develop the functional skills required for everyday activities, play, and learning:
Fine & Gross Motor Skills: Strengthening hand function, dexterity, posture, coordination, handwriting, and physical play skills.
Sensory Processing & Self-Regulation: Supporting sensory modulation and emotional regulation so children can comfortably engage and focus in various environments.
Independence & Daily Living Skills: Developing self-care routines, personal independence, and practical life skills.
Executive Functioning & School Readiness: Building organisation, planning, attention, task completion, and social participation skills
Our Speech Pathologists evaluate and support all facets of communication, literacy, and mealtime safety:
Early Intervention & Language Development: Assessing and treating expressive, receptive, and pragmatic language skills in early childhood and school-aged children.
Speech Sound & Articulation: Improving speech clarity, articulation, phonological sound production, and fluency.
Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC): Assessing, prescribing, and trialling low-tech and high-tech AAC devices using a total communication and neuroaffirming approach.
Literacy & Phonics Support: Conducting phonological awareness and literacy assessments to deliver evidence-based reading, writing, and spelling instruction.
Paediatric Feeding & Swallowing: Evaluating oral motor mechanics, drinking, and mealtime safety to provide interventions for eating and swallowing challenges.
Clinics in Bendigo
Telehealth available
Ages 0-2 years, 3-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-12 years, 13+ years
Response time not yet measured
Accepting enquiriesNDIS services offeredNDIS registeredPrivate payment acceptedMedicare rebate may apply
New listing · Availability updated recently · Profile 70% complete
Capacity Building & Everyday Skills • Early Childhood Development Support • Assistive Technology • Family Support Services • Parent & Family Support • Developmental Assessments
At SdW Therapy Services, therapy is never a battle. We believe real progress starts with connection—not forcing a child to sit still, behave, or perform.
When your child feels safe, understood, and regulated, that's when the magic happens! Through play and positive relationships, we help kids build essential skills like emotional regulation, confidence, and active engagement.
Most importantly, we work right alongside you. You're an essential part of the journey, and we're here to make sure you feel supported, confident, and empowered every step of the way.
Melton
In person only
Ages 0-2 years, 3-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-12 years
Response time not yet measured
Accepting enquiriesNDIS services offeredPrivate payment acceptedMedicare rebate may apply
New listing · Availability updated recently · Profile 70% complete
Developmental Assessments • Early Childhood Development Support • Parent & Family Support • Family Support Services • Supported Playgroups & Group Programs • Capacity Building & Everyday Skills
The Psych Approach Clinic | Broadmeadows
The Psych Approach Clinic provides warm, neuroaffirming and culturally responsive psychological support for children and families. We support young children experiencing developmental differences, autism, emotional regulation difficulties, ADHD, anxiety, behavioural challenges and other social-emotional needs.
Our approach is family-centred and evidence-based, incorporating play and art-based approaches, CBT, ACT, parent support and skills-based interventions. We work collaboratively with families and other professionals to help children build confidence, emotional skills and meaningful participation at home, school and in the community.
We are committed to making psychological support accessible and culturally safe for diverse families across Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
Broadmeadows
In person only
Ages 0-2 years, 3-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-12 years, 13+ years
Response time not yet measured
Accepting enquiriesNDIS services offeredPrivate payment acceptedMedicare rebate may apply
New listing · Availability updated recently · Profile 70% complete
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