Early Intervention
Early intervention refers to the range of therapeutic supports provided to children aged 0-5, who for a variety of reasons need additional support along their developmental journey.
Early intervention for speech & language is provided by speech language therapists (SLTs) who are specialists in communication development. You do not need a referral to access early intervention services with Eden Speech & Language Therapy.
For more information read the FAQs below, or download our current Early Intervention Services Brochure:
Who is it for?
Early intervention is suitable (and recommended) for any child who is delayed in their communication development or is at known risk of becoming so.
Although a diagnosis is not necessary, many children begin early intervention after receiving a diagnosis.
Parents often seek additional support when their child experiences difficulties with:
-early interaction and play skills
-communicating their daily wants and needs
-understanding and using words
-joining words together (using phrases)
-producing speech sounds
-fluency (stuttering).
Why is it important?
In the early years, children‘s brains are built for absorbing information and learning new skills. This creates an important developmental window in which additional therapeutic supports are especially effective.
Communication is a social act and communication skills are learned from interacting with others. In the early years, children spend a lot of time with their primary caregivers, providing a unique opportunity for intensive social learning.
How do I know if my child's communication development is delayed?
For information about communication development, you can check out:
The Eden Speech & Language Therapy Early Intervention Services Brochure
You can have a chat with your child's early childhood educator, Plunket nurse, GP, or paediatrician.
Contact Eden Speech & Language Therapy for a chat with one of our clinicians.
What does it involve?
Early intervention is...
...person- and family-centered.
We tailor the programme to the needs of your child and whānau, meaning every child’s plan will look slightly different.
...collaborative.
Plans and goals are created in conjunction with the child’s family and wider team.
...naturalistic, child-led, and play-based.
Therapy is embedded into the rhythms, routines, and relationships in your child’s daily life and uses their interests to spark engagement.
...evidence-based.
Early intervention therapy can sometimes look and feel just like play, but rest-assured, all the strategies provided are backed by decades of research and clinical practice.
...empowering.
Caregivers and educators are coached in a variety of strategies so they can become effective communication partners and can confidently support their own child’s development between sessions, and in the long-term.
What happens during an early intervention session?
Early intervention sessions are either 30 or 45 minutes long and can be scheduled either weekly or fortnightly. Sessions can be held at our clinic in Mt Eden, at your home, or at your child's ECE/daycare centre (travel costs apply to sessions outside of the clinic).
At the beginning of the session the therapist checks in with how the goals from the previous week have gone, notes any progress, and helps with any problem-solving necessary.
Then we begin the fun bit - play! Using a range of evidence-based strategies, we follow the child’s lead and provide the therapy. During this time the therapist will provide coaching and support for the adults present so that they feel confident to continue with the therapy during the week.
Lastly, we collaborate on goals for the coming week, so that we have something to work towards and measure. The plan is updated and any resources needed for the week are supplied to the family or centre.
How many sessions will we need and how much does it cost?
Engagement starts with an initial consultation (45 minutes), followed by an assessment session (45 minutes). This time is used to gather information about your child’s current communication skills and needs, and develop the therapy plan. These sessions can take place at our clinic, your home, or your child’s daycare/ preschool (travel costs apply to visits outside of the clinic*).
Once that is completed, we can begin therapy. The number of sessions required depends on a number of factors, including the child’s unique profile of needs, and the time and resources at the family’s disposal.
Some families require a block of 6-12 sessions and then report that they are happy with progress and feel confident to continue with the therapy at home.
Other families prefer their child to receive regular, on-going support.
Fees are current for 2025:
45 minute initial consultation = $120
45 minute assessment session = $120
30 minute therapy session = $95
45 minute therapy session = $120
Early intervention assessment report and therapy plan = $160
*Travel = $1.50/km
Please click here for more information about our fees, and our terms and conditions.
Can I access free early intervention services?
Eden Speech & Language Therapy Ltd is a private provider of speech therapy (SLT) services.
The Ministry of Education (MoE) provides free early intervention services, although there are wait times involved.
Because of the importance of accessing support early, families may engage with private speech therapy services while they wait for their MoE referral to be picked up. Other families engage with private SLT services alongside Ministry support.
Engaging with a private speech therapist will not affect your eligibility for MoE services.
You can self-refer to the MoE or have your child’s ECE centre/daycare submit a referral on your behalf.
To refer your child to the MoE you can call
0800 622 222 or email Special Education on special.education@education.govt.nz
Visit the Ministry of Education's website here for more information.