Inklings program will help new parents and their babies with communication
Families can now access free support for babies aged 6-18 months with communication and interaction difficulties.
A program helping babies who are showing differences in communication and social interaction is being expanded to the Murraylands and Coorong.
The Inklings program is an evidence-based program developed by the Kids Research Institute Australia.
It aims to give free support to parents and caregivers so they can tailor their care and environment to their child’s communication needs.
The program offers support for infants aged 6-18 months and includes 6-10 sessions led by a trained practitioner.
Inklings practitioners Sarah and Amy will be working with families across the Riverland and Murraylands.
Sarah is an occupational therapist and the Inklings practitioner for the Riverland, while Amy is a speech pathologist and the practitioner for Murray Bridge.
“I’m excited to connect with local families and deliver a strengths-based, evidence informed program that supports their needs in a meaningful way,” Amy said.
Autism Minister Emily Bourke said the free program had made South Australia a national leader in inclusive supports and initiatives.
“Throughout consultation on the state’s first autism strategy, it was made clear that families are wanting support as early as possible,” she said.
“It’s great to see this program being rolled out across our regional communities to ensure more families can access this service, broadening its life-changing impact.”
The program was first piloted last year after the state and federal governments co-invested $15 million.
Federal Disability and NDIS Minister Mark Butler said he was proud to work with the state government to support the Inklings program.
“We must ensure that the needs of children with developmental challenges are appropriately met and that parents feel confident their children are getting the best possible care,” he said.
Since its launch, the program has been delivered across Adelaide, Port Lincoln and the lower Eyre Peninsula, Port Augusta, Kadina, Gawler, Tanunda, Goolwa, Mount Barker and Mount Gambier.
State Health and Wellbeing Minister Chris Picton said he was very excited for the program’s expansion.
“By helping families better understand and communicate with their baby, the Inklings program can help give confidence to families and provide new knowledge to caregivers to help their child thrive,” he said.
- More information: Talk to your GP about a referral or visit inklings.org.au/sa.
