Families in the Riverland, Murraylands and Coorong now have access to a program designed to help parents better understand and support babies who show early differences in how they communicate and interact.
The Inklings Program, developed by The Kids Research Institute Australia, focuses on infants aged six to 18 months. It gives parents practical tools to recognise how their child naturally communicates and to adjust the environment around them in ways that encourage connection. Sessions are delivered at no cost to families and are led by trained practitioners over six to 10 appointments.
The program first launched in South Australia last year after a joint $15 million investment by the Malinauskas and Albanese governments. It has been running across Adelaide and regional centres including Port Lincoln, Port Augusta, Kadina, Gawler, Tanunda, Goolwa, Mount Barker and Mount Gambier. The expansion now places practitioners in the Riverland and Murray Bridge, with services available both in person and via telehealth.
Local practitioners Sarah, an occupational therapist, and Amy, a speech pathologist, are already working with families. Their roles involve helping parents interpret their baby’s behaviours, build confidence in daily interactions and foster stronger bonds.
State Health Minister Chris Picton welcomed the expansion, noting that while babies are born with natural communication abilities, development can sometimes take an unexpected path that leaves families unsure how to respond. He said the program gives parents greater confidence by offering strategies that are grounded in evidence.
Assistant Minister for Autism Emily Bourke linked the program to the state’s broader Autism Strategy, pointing out that families consistently ask for earlier support. She said extending Inklings to regional communities helps ensure that no family misses out due to geography.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler also expressed support, describing the program as an important complement to national initiatives such as the NDIS and the federal government’s Thriving Kids plan. He said it was crucial that families feel confident their children are receiving the right supports at the right time.
For the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network, which is hosting the pilot, acting CEO Karen Hollitt described the program as a welcome addition. She said it would help babies with early communication differences while equipping parents with strategies tailored to their family’s needs.
Both practitioners leading the expansion highlighted the program’s emphasis on relationships. Sarah said her work centres on strengthening interactions between parents and their babies, while Amy spoke of her commitment to helping families use everyday routines as opportunities to nurture communication.
Families can be referred by health professionals or can self-refer through the Inklings Program website.
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