About Us
Understanding yourself starts here, with the right people
Headstart is an Adelaide-based allied health clinic providing psychology, speech pathology, and occupational therapy for individuals of all ages. As a registered NDIS provider, we're committed to delivering evidence-based practice in a warm, neuroaffirming environment where every person feels genuinely seen and supported.
Our story
Headstart was established with a clear purpose: to ensure that our clients could access high-quality, compassionate allied health care that truly reflects how they experience the world.
From the beginning, our approach has been grounded in research, guided by clinical experience, and shaped by the people we work with.
What started as a vision for better, more connected care has grown into a multidisciplinary team spanning psychology, speech pathology, and occupational therapy, with two clinic locations serving communities across greater Adelaide.
We remain an independent, privately owned practice. That means our focus stays where it belongs: on you.
About our founder
Headstart was founded by Dr Robyn Young, one of Australia's most respected clinical psychologists and autism researchers, whose research has shaped national and international understanding of autism across the lifespan.
Dr Young developed the Autism Detection in Early Childhood (ADEC) assessment, a widely used screening instrument designed to identify autistic behaviours in children aged 12-36 months. Her doctoral research on savant syndrome was the basis for the ABC documentary Uncommon Genius, in which she appeared as principal presenter.
She is a recognised authority on autism and the justice system, has prepared numerous medico-legal reports, and has appeared in Australian courts as an expert witness. She has authored or co-authored more than 80 peer-reviewed journal articles and sits on professional advisory boards related to autism nationally.
Dr Young's founding vision — that every person deserves support built around their unique mind — remains the heart of everything Headstart does.
Introducing our clinicians
Headstart has an extensive multidisciplinary team of outstanding psychologists, speech pathologists and occupational therapists, all committed to helping you thrive.
Many of our clinicians have specific experience in autism assessment and support, and all diagnosticians are registered with Autism SA to conduct diagnostic assessments.
We're a collaborative, multi-disciplinary practice, which enables us to deliver support for our clients that's connected rather than fragmented. When you see one member of the Headstart team, you have the whole team in your corner.
Our PsychologistsOur Speech PathologistsOur Occupational Therapists
What we stand for
Everything we do at Headstart reflects our belief that understanding yourself is the first step toward a fuller, more connected life. We exist to make that possible, for children, young people, adults, and the families who support our clients.
- Neuroaffirming care: We celebrate neurodiversity. Our clinicians use strengths-based, identity-affirming approaches that honour who you are, not who others think you should be.
- Evidence-based practice: We don't follow trends; we follow the evidence. Our assessments and therapy services are grounded in current research and delivered by experienced, qualified clinicians.
- Holistic support: We look at the whole person. Your wellbeing, your environment, your relationships, and your goals all matter — and your care plan reflects that.
- Family partnership: For younger clients especially, families are an essential part of the team. We keep you informed, involved, and equipped to support your child beyond the clinic walls.
- Continuity of care: We believe the relationship between a clinician and client is one of the most powerful tools in healthcare. Where possible, we support clients from assessment through to ongoing therapy, building trust and momentum over time.
- Accessibility: As a registered NDIS provider, we aim to improve access to services by offering both telehealth and in-clinic appointments.
Serving Adelaide and beyond
We operate from two clinic locations in South Australia, making it easier for individuals and families to access allied health support close to home.
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 |
We'd love to hear from you
If you'd like to learn more about our team, our approach, or whether Headstart is the right fit for you or your child, please get in touch. We're happy to answer your questions and help you find the right clinician for your needs.