This article was originally published by Australian Associated Press and is republished with permission.
Children with developmental delays could be at risk of falling through the cracks of the new Thriving Kids program if psychologists aren't included.
The warning from the peak bodies representing psychologists comes just days before the Thriving Kids scheme is due to begin at the start of October.
Under the program some children aged eight and under with autism or developmental delays would be shifted onto state supports.
But families could risk missing out without proper collaboration, according to a statement by the Australian Psychological Society and the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc.
Society president Kelly Gough said psychologists were uniquely equipped to navigate advanced training in child development, psychological assessment and evidence-based interventions.
"That expertise is critical if Thriving Kids is to respond effectively to children's developmental, behavioural, emotional and family needs," he said.
The joint statement includes recommendations to ensure children still have access to psychologists outside the Thriving Kids program and to stop GPs from "gatekeeping" assessments and referrals.
Collaboration between families, educators and everyday settings must be built into the Thriving Kids design to avoid duplication and families having to retell their stories at every step of the way.
The peak bodies have also called for the expansion of annual subsidised psychology sessions and improved subsidies for children who require more intensive or sustained care.
While not the only way to access support, psychologists can offer a referral pathway for children in need of early intervention.
The Thriving Kids advisory group report published in February supported the delivery of some supports by psychologists.
It outlined two primary pathways to access targeted supports through a GP or child and family nurse or a Thriving Kids provider before engaging with professionals trained in areas including psychology.
Most jurisdictions have agreed to chip in a combined $4 billion into Thriving Kids over five years, with Queensland the only state or territory still refusing to shoulder the cost of the new program.
Despite the conflict, Labor remained confident people living with a disability would not be left without the support they needed.