lifestart.org.au Lifestart charity helping early childhood intervention and school age services

Become a Member

Lifestart, a registered charity, provides early childhood intervention and school aged services to children with additional needs, including Down syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, global developmental delay and rare genetic disorders. Lifestart provides a family centred approach to meeting the needs of children living with disability and their families.  It is based on the concept of partnership with children, families and carers to assist and empower them to participate meaningfully and inclusively in our community.

“I was attending my local playgroup, and my son was not interested in anybody or anything.”

“It was very deflating seeing the other kids laughing and having a great time. I was sad and very teary eyed for the rest of the day after a playgroup session. Then I stumbled upon a newspaper article about a special needs playgroup. Perfect! I thought. Pulling up to the playgroup my son went hysterical when I hopped out the car to an unfamiliar place. He screamed all the way into playgroup and remained that way for the whole 2 hours. I decided to keep returning weekly, knowing that if I gave up going who else would put up with the tantrums. Those tantrums lasted the whole term. Today my son is much better and loves the staff there. It is great support for me also. Talking, sharing ideas and to realise that you definitively aren’t the only one out there going through challenging times.”
Read more of our member stories

Lifestart can help you and your family

To become a Lifestart Member

If you have a child with a developmental delay or disability who is under five, call one of our Lifestart Centres, fill out our contact form or call Lifestart Head Office on (02) 9807 9700.

Alternatively, you can find out about our weekly playgroups and drop in to see our staff and families there.