Evolving our early childhood intervention services
15 Nov 2025
Across 2024-2025, Autism Queensland (AQ) has completed a significant review of our early childhood services including a name change to EarlyAQtion Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) in line with NDIS support changes.
In 2024, AQ initiated a review of its EarlyAQtion Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) services following changes to National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) supports. The review examined how services could best support children aged 0–9 years through individualised, goal-directed intervention that promotes participation in everyday environments.
The review identified challenges with the full-day group model, including costs exceeding the NDIS funding available to many families, limiting access to other important supports such as individual therapy, community visits and parent coaching. It also highlighted the need to distinguish therapy-based NDIS supports from care-based elements more closely aligned with childcare and early childhood education.
Previously, ECI groups ran in 12-week blocks across school terms, with fixed 2 or 3 full-day day blocks per week. At the end of 2024 and into 2025, the fixed option was removed, allowing parents flexibility with funding and allow their children to attend one, two, or three full-day groups per week, across a selection of one to four blocks per year. Children could also access visits from their key worker in settings such as the home, kindergarten, and childcare.
NDIS changes and funding restraints into 2025 have continued to cause difficulty for families accessing these services. AQ has now announced it will progressively close its full-day ECO group program, with complete closure planned by the end of the year. The shift allows us to move towards more flexible, individualised supports aligned with children’s goals and NDIS requirements, and evolving the future of our ECI services.
EarlyAQtion continues to offer a range of supports, including individual therapy, home and early childhood setting visits, transition support, parent coaching and targeted small therapy groups. This approach prioritises continued collaboration with families and support within children’s natural environments, helping them build skills and participate in everyday life.
Contact AQ to discuss your child’s strengths, needs and goals, and explore the EarlyAQtion supports available for your family.
Please note: Fees apply to AQ services. Service availability and offerings vary by location and waitlists may apply. As a registered provider of NDIS supports, NDIS funding may be used (if applicable). Cancellation policy and conditions apply, visit our policy page for full details.
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