Client Journey
Step 1
Noticing Concerns
Often, families come to us because something doesn’t feel quite right.
You may be noticing differences in your child or young person’s development, behaviour, communication, learning, or emotional regulation. Sometimes these concerns emerge gradually; other times they are raised by an early learning service, school, or another professional.
It’s also common to feel uncertain, conflicted, or overwhelmed, particularly if you’ve received mixed messages or been advised to “wait and see”.
You don’t need to have answers at this stage.
Noticing concerns and seeking support is the first and most important step.
Step 2
Starting with Your GP
For most families, the best place to begin is with your General Practitioner (GP) or Nurse Practitioner (NP).
GPs and NPs play a central role in coordinating care for children and families. They can help:
- Listen to and document concerns over time
- Provide referrals to allied health services
- Support access to Medicare pathways or care plans where appropriate
- Guide referrals to paediatricians or other specialists if needed
You do not need a referral to contact The Daisy Clinic or begin support. However, involving your GP or NP is often helpful to ensure coordinated care and shared understanding across services.
For families who would like more detail, we provide clear information about common referral pathways and rebates.
Learn more about referral types and rebates →
Step 3
Parent/Carer Intake
At The Daisy Clinic, we begin with a parent/carer-only intake appointment. This is a
deliberate and important part of our clinical process.
Meeting with parents or carers first allows us to understand your child’s developmental history, strengths, challenges, and everyday context without placing unnecessary pressure on your child. It also provides space for families to speak
openly, ask questions, and feel heard.
Prior to this appointment, parents/carers are asked to complete intake forms. These
help us gather detailed information ahead of time so the intake session can focus on understanding your child and your priorities, rather than information gathering alone.
This intake helps us to:
- Build a clear picture of your child within their family, school, and community
- Understand what has already been tried and what has or hasn’t helped
- Consider whether assessment, intervention, or guidance is most appropriate
- Plan purposeful and child-centred next steps
For many children, starting without formal testing allows us to build understanding in
a way that feels calm, respectful, and attuned to their needs.
Step 4
Understanding Your Child
Following the intake, we work with families to determine the most appropriate next
steps. This may involve assessment, intervention, or both, depending on your child’s
needs.
Our approach is holistic and developmental. We draw on multiple sources of
information, which may include:
- Parent/carer insights
- Direct observation and interaction
- Standardised tools, where appropriate
- Information from educators or other professionals (with consent)
No single session or test defines a child. Our aim is to understand the whole picture: your child’s strengths, needs, and the environments around them.
Some families come to The Daisy Clinic specifically for assessment. In these cases,
our role is to provide clear understanding, feedback, and recommendations. Ongoing
intervention is not always required or recommended.
Step 5
Support & Intervention
Where support is recommended, we work with families to identify approaches that are meaningful, practical, and appropriate for their child or young person.
Support may include:
- Individual therapy
- Integrated therapy programs
- Parent/carer coaching
- Group programs
- Environmental and capacity-building strategies
Parents and carers play an essential role in intervention. While clinicians guide the
process, meaningful change happens through everyday relationships, routines, and
environments. We work alongside families to build confidence and strategies that extend beyond the therapy room.
Not every family moves into ongoing intervention, for some, assessment and
guidance are the most appropriate next steps.
Step 6
Working Together
Children do best when the adults around them are aligned.
At The Daisy Clinic, we work collaboratively with families and, where appropriate,
with educators, schools, GP’s/NP’s and other professionals involved in your child’s care.
With consent, collaboration may include:
- Communication with your child’s GP for review and shared care
- Liaison with early learning services or schools
- Communication with paediatricians or other health professionals
- Supporting families to advocate for their child’s needs
Parents and carers are central members of the team, and their insights shape how
support is planned and delivered.
Step 7
Review & Growth
A child or young person’s journey is not always linear, and progress does not always
move in a straight line.
Children grow and change over time, and support needs change too.
We regularly review progress with families to ensure that support remains relevant
and helpful. This may involve adjusting goals, changing focus, or stepping back
when support is no longer needed.
Our aim is to build skills, confidence, and capacity, not to provide ongoing services
without purpose.
Step 8
Transition & Next Steps
As families build confidence and capability, support may change or come to an end.
This might involve:
- Transitioning out of regular appointments
- Moving to review or check-in sessions
- Linking with schools, community, or other services
- Continuing strategies independently
We work with families to plan transitions thoughtfully, and families are always welcome to return if needs change in the future.