Bright Start Kids Hub

01/09/2026

The Home Education Network (HEN) is running a free webinar on home educating children with Autism and PDA. It is a safe, supportive space run entirely by volunteers with lived experience, and there is absolutely no upselling. It will cover practical topics like navigating burnout, engagement, separation anxiety, and managing therapies.

Key details:

Topic: Home Education for Autism and PDA

When: Sunday 6 September 2026, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM AEST

Where: Online via Zoom (not recorded to protect privacy)

Bookings:

Some of the topics we will cover include engagement and motivation, separation anxiety, socialisation, managing therapies, getting others on board,...

13/08/2026

Starting Prep: Support your child's positive start to school

Is your child with disability starting Prep next year? This free Starting Prep workshop can help you feel informed, prepared and confident for this important transition.

Led by facilitators who are parents of children with disability, the workshop shares practical tips on working with your child's school, planning for a smooth transition and understanding the supports available.

One parent said:

"Absolutely loved this workshop. I feel so much more confident that there are resources to support my son."

No diagnosis is needed to attend. Book your place today and take the next step towards a positive start to school.

16/05/2026

Multidisciplinary psychology and speech pathology assessments available!

Bright Start combine speech pathology and psychology to offer a comprehensive and holistic approach to evaluate complex developmental, learning and communication needs of children.

We collaborate for assessments to ensure a considered diagnosis and integrated therapy plan.

To book in please email [email protected]

25/04/2026

We are excited to welcome Rachel Manderson, an amazing Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience with paediatric clients, to the Bright Start team.

Rachel is skilled in the assessment and development of fine and gross motor skills, including handwriting, and has current availability for new clients.

To book in an OT session call the clinic on 1300 754 079

19/04/2026

✨ A Bright Beginning for Every Child ✨
We feel so grateful every day to do what we love — supporting babies, children, teens and families right here in Bentleigh. 💛
We’re here to help with:
🗣️ Speech Pathology
🖐️ Occupational Therapy
🧠 Psychology
🎵 Music Therapy
🎭 Play Therapy
👄 Orofacial Myology
🤝 Allied Health Assistants
Every child deserves to grow, thrive and shine — and we’re honoured to be part of that journey. 🌟
NDIS participants are welcome!
📍 Bentleigh
📞 1300 754 079
🔗 Link in bio
playtherapy NDIS Bentleigh alliedhealth childdevelopment kidshealth melbournefamilies supportingfamilies abrightbeginningforeverychild

19/04/2026

✨We feel so grateful every day to do what we love — supporting babies, children, teens and families right here in Bentleigh. 💛

Whether your little one is just starting out or navigating the teenage years, our friendly team is here to help. We offer:
🗣️ Speech Pathology
🖐️ Occupational Therapy
🧠 Psychology
🎵 Music Therapy
🎭 Play Therapy
👄 Orofacial Myology
We work closely with families to build communication, confidence, emotional wellbeing, social skills and independence — because when children thrive, families thrive too.
NDIS participants are welcome!
📍 77a Tucker Road, Bentleigh
📞 1300 754 079
📧 [email protected]
📩 Reach out today — we’d love to be part of your child’s journey!
✨ A Bright Start for Every Child ✨

31/03/2026

It's almost school holidays - how did that happen?!? Never fear, Bright Start has you covered with a bunch of group programs available for kids of all ages.

Check out the flyers here and let us know if you'd like to book a spot for your child - [email protected]

21/03/2026

Every day we swallow food, liquids, medicine and saliva. People who have trouble swallowing are at risk of poor nutrition and dehydration, while babies and children may not take in enough nutrients to support growth and brain development.

What can be done to relieve dysphagia symptoms and ensure swallowing is easier and safer?

1. Exercises can sometimes help to improve the muscles used to swallow.
2. Thickening fluids can sometimes make drinking safer.
3. Environmental and postural changes can be made to improve the safety of a swallow.
4. Altering the texture of the diet can sometimes make eating safer.
5. Mealtime partners can be trained to support the person with dysphagia to enjoy mealtimes and enhance their quality of life and independence.

To book in a swallowing assessment call our clinic on 1300 754 079

18/03/2026

It is Swallowing Awareness Day today Wednesday 18 March 2026!

Swallowing is an essential part of everyday life, and many people have swallowing difficulties, known as Dysphagia. Swallowing is a reflex and humans on average swallow between 500–700 times a day.

Speech pathologists help to treat people with dysphagia by:

1. Completing detailed and accurate assessments
2. Providing an accurate diagnosis of dysphagia, which may assist with a medical diagnosis
3. Ensuring safety (reducing or preventing aspiration) with regards to swallowing function
4. Balancing risk factors with quality of life, taking into account the individual’s preferences and beliefs
5. Working with other health professionals, particularly dietitians, to optimise nutrition and hydration
6. Stimulating improved swallowing with oral motor/sensory exercises, swallow techniques and positioning.

To learn more about dysphagia see the Swallowing Fact Sheet at brightstartspeechpathology.com.au/resources