Headstart is an Adelaide allied health practice providing assessments, psychology, speech pathology, and occupational therapy for children, teens, and adults across South Australia.
As a neuroaffirming, research-led practice, we celebrate diversity — and we're here to help you thrive on your own terms.
Headstart is an Adelaide allied health practice providing assessments, psychology, speech pathology, and occupational therapy for children, teens, and adults across South Australia.
As a neuroaffirming, research-led practice, we celebrate diversity — and we're here to help you thrive on your own terms.
Get in touch Explore our services Book an assessment
A practice built around you
You don't need to fit a mould to belong here. Whoever you are, however your mind works — you're in the right place.
Whether you're autistic, have ADHD, experience learning differences, or are navigating life's challenges in your own unique way, our experienced clinicians are here to offer support that suits you.
Our multidisciplinary team of psychologists, speech pathologists, and occupational therapists takes a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, tailoring care to suit you, your age and your goals.
As a registered NDIS provider offering assessments and therapy services for all ages, we're committed to making quality, long-term care accessible to individuals and families across greater Adelaide, including those moving into the new Thriving Kids program.
Learn more about us and our team
Grounded in decades of research and practice
Headstart delivers evidence-based support for autistic individuals and the wider neurodivergent community.
Our practice is led by Dr Robyn Young, an internationally recognised clinical psychologist and one of Australia's foremost autism researchers.
Dr Young developed the Autism Detection in Early Childhood (ADEC) screening tool and has dedicated her career to ensuring neurodivergent people receive the understanding and support they deserve.
Our services
We provide ongoing, neuroaffirming therapy services that help you to build on your strengths and work toward your goals. To support you best, these sessions are available via telehealth or through in-clinic appointments.
Psychology therapy
Individual psychological support for emotional wellbeing, behaviour, and mental health, drawing on evidence-based approaches tailored to how your mind works. |
Speech pathology
Helping you or your child develop language skills, build social communication, improve literacy, or make mealtimes easier. |
Occupational therapy
Practical support to help you engage in the activities that matter most to you, at home, at school, at work, and in the community. |
Assessments
A thorough, neuroaffirming assessment can be life-changing, providing clarity, opening doors to NDIS support, and helping you and the people around you better understand how you experience the world.
We offer:
- Autism assessments: Comprehensive, gold-standard autism diagnosis assessments for children and adults, conducted by clinicians registered with Autism SA.
- Psycho-educational assessments: Understanding your learning profile to support child development, educational planning, and access to appropriate accommodations.
- OT assessments: Evaluating sensory, motor, and daily living skills to guide targeted occupational therapy support.
- Speech & language assessments: Identifying communication strengths and needs across speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
- Functional capacity assessments: Assessments to support NDIS funding decisions and help you access disability support services.
An assessment is often just the beginning. Many clients choose to continue with ongoing therapy at Headstart — and that continuity offers real benefits.
Talk to us about assessments and ongoing therapy
Everyone is welcome at Headstart
We work with people across the lifespan, from toddlers and school-age children through to teenagers and adults. Although many of our clients are autistic, we welcome any clients who are seeking support.
Early support is at the heart of our work with younger children; the earlier a child receives the right support, the greater the impact on their childhood growth, development, and long-term wellbeing.
Our clinicians have particular experience supporting people who are:
- Autistic or exploring an autism diagnosis
- Living with ADHD
- Experiencing anxiety, depression, or emotional regulation challenges
- Navigating learning difficulties or developmental delays
- Working through communication and language needs
- Seeking support after a significant life change or challenge.
We welcome people from all backgrounds and communities, and we're committed to providing affirming, respectful care that honours your identity and lived experience.
Our clinicians provide a trauma-informed, neuroaffirming approach that prioritises safety, predictability, and genuine collaboration. We work at your pace, adapt our methods to your communication style, and ensure that therapy is respectful, empowering, and grounded in your lived experience.
Two locations, one approach.
We have welcoming clinic spaces in two locations across greater Adelaide, making it easier to access allied health support wherever you are in South Australia.
Wayville43–51 Goodwood Rd, Wayville SA 5034 Phone: (08) 8373 4531 Email: admin@headstartis.com.au |
Gawler21–23a Twelfth St, Gawler South SA 5118 Phone: (08) 8522 2621 Email: admin@headstartis.com.au |
Ready to take the next step?
If you're seeking an assessment, ongoing therapy, or just want to find out if Headstart is the right fit for you, we'd love to hear from you.
Our friendly team is happy to answer your questions and help you find the right clinician.