Up to 1300 South Australian families with babies showing early signs of social communication delays – including early signs of autism – will be among the first to benefit from a new evidence-based parent support program.
Called Inklings, the program - being delivered thanks to a joint investment by the State and Federal Governments - is currently being trialled across WA following an earlier smaller-scale trial in that state.
The program uses short videos of parents with their babies to help parents better understand their baby’s thoughts and feelings, the different ways that babies communicate, and the importance of interaction and of following their baby’s focus of interest.
Office for Autism Director Emma Goodall said Inklings would help parents and carers understand the needs of babies between the ages of six to 18 months who were showing early signs of social communication delays or differences, which can indicate the infant is autistic.
"The Office for Autism is really excited about the potential of this program to nurture the development of babies and build the confidence of their families,” Dr Goodall said.
The Office for Autism was established by the State Government in 2023 with the aim of improving outcomes for autistic individuals in South Australia.
Through the development of policies and initiatives that support access, awareness, opportunity, connection and belonging, it is working towards creating an autism-friendly state where Autistic individuals can live great lives, and their families and communities are supported and valued.
The $14.8 million Inklings pilot will be delivered by the South Australian Government with the Telethon Kids Institute across the state over the next few years.
Delivery of the pilot was a key recommendation of South Australia’s Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care. Focus will be on families from First Nations, culturally and linguistically diverse and low-socio economic backgrounds.
A second pre-emptive early intervention pilot will be announced later in 2024.
For more information visit Inklings Program.
