Early Intervention for Children in Werribee
Harpley Doctors provides early intervention for children in Werribee, and for young people with unique developmental and health needs who may be at risk of poor outcomes without additional assistance. Give your child the best chance for healthy growth and development.
Why Early Support Matters
Children develop at different rates, but some need extra help to reach their milestones. Getting support early, while children are still growing and learning quickly, gives them the best chance to build skills and take part in everyday life at home, at childcare and at school.
Signs It May Be Worth a Chat
- Delays in speech or language
- Delays in movement, such as sitting, crawling or walking
- Difficulty with fine motor skills
- Challenges with social interaction or play
- Concerns raised by a teacher, childcare worker or carer
- Changes in behaviour, sleep or eating that worry you
How Our GPs Can Help
Your GP will listen to your concerns, review your child’s health and development history and examine your child. From there, we can help you work out the next steps, which may include monitoring over time, further assessment or a referral to a paediatrician or other specialist.
Other Support for Families
Outside the clinic, two other services can help:
- Your local Maternal and Child Health nurse, whose visits look at your child’s growth, learning and development
- The NDIS early childhood approach, for children younger than 6 with developmental delay or younger than 9 with disability
Preparing for the Appointment
Before your visit, write down what you have noticed, when it started and a few examples. Bring your child’s green book (My Health, Learning and Development book) if you have one, and any reports from childcare, kindergarten or school. Short videos on your phone of what worries you can also help. Hearing and vision can affect speech and learning, so your GP may check these as part of the assessment.
Mental Health for Young People
Early intervention is not only about development. If your child or teenager is struggling with worry, low mood or behaviour, talking to a GP early can help. Our GPs can assess what is going on and connect you with the right support.
Bulk Billing
All consultations and procedures at Harpley Doctors are bulk billed.
For our fees, billing and appointment policies, see Patient Info and Fees.
Our Doctors
Get to know the GPs at Harpley Doctors on our Our Team page, or browse everything we offer on Our Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need a diagnosis to get support?
No. You can talk to your GP about any concern, and young children can often get NDIS support for developmental concerns before any diagnosis is made.
Can I see the same doctor each time?
Yes. Seeing the same GP helps your doctor notice changes in your child’s development over time. Choose your preferred doctor when you book online, or ask reception.
Can I bring an interpreter?
Yes. Tell reception before your visit, and we can request an onsite interpreter in advance or arrange a telephone interpreter.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly with a GP at Harpley Doctors, online or by calling (03) 8731 1330.