Telethon Kids program receives $13.8m NDIA funding

A Telethon Kids Institute program supporting about 700 Western Australian families is set to receive three years of funding valued at $13.8 million from the National Disability Insurance Agency.

Led by Telethon Kids' Andrew Whitehouse, the institute's Angela Wright Bennett professor of autism research, the Inklings Program is based on research into early intervention in children aged six to 18 months who have exhibited behaviour common in infants that later develop autism.

The official launch of the Inklings pilot program today comes nearly one year after it was first unveiled by National Disability Insurance Scheme Minister Bill Shorten in April 2023.

A four-way partnership between NDIA, Telethon Kids, Child and Adolescent Health Service and WA Country Health Service has been announced by Mr Shorten and Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson as part of the launch of the program.

The research conducted through the pilot is expected to uncover whether early intervention would reduce levels of support required later in life for participants.

Mr Shorten said this was a game-changing pilot which would improve the lives of many families.

“The program puts Australia at the head of the world in redefining early childhood supports,” he said.

“What we learn from Inklings has the potential to change the way we help our littlest Australians who have delays.

“The Albanese Government is excited to fund this program to eligible families in WA as it will allow us to explore new ways in how we go about supporting future generations.”

Ms Sanderson said it was encouraging to see innovative and groundbreaking programs such as the Inklings Program coming out of WA.

“The hope is that Inklings will help support parents and provide easy access to developmental support for babies experiencing a delay in social and communication skills,” Ms Sanderson said.

“It means parents can also be proactive in their approach to their baby’s development, and if they have an ‘inkling’ about a delay in these areas, they will be empowered to act.”

Professor Whitehouse said Telethon Institute welcomed the federal and state government funding support.

“It’s a great feeling to see translation of this life-changing research actually making a difference to families who need support so that each child has their very best chance to reach their potential,” he said.