Supporting infants with developmental differences

Babies are born ready to communicate – through sounds, gestures and expressions. But sometimes, their skills develop differently and they may engage in ways that are different to what we expect.  

When adults are supported to pause, tune in and respond to a baby’s cues, they can build the strong, supportive relationships that form the foundation of lifelong mental health and wellbeing. In this episode, host Jacquie Lee speaks with Professor Andrew Whitehouse about how we can strengthen understandings of infants’ developmental needs, encourage parents’ curiosity, and build connection between children and caregivers. They also explore ways to empower parents and caregivers to build a social environment that supports babies to develop in the ways that are best for them. 

Professor Whitehouse is the Director of CliniKids and Deputy Director of Research at The Kids Research Institute Australia, where he leads the Inklings program. Inklings is an evidence-based early intervention program for babies aged 6–18 months whose social and communication skills are developing differently to what might be expected. It aims to support caregivers by helping them to recognise, interpret and respond to their baby’s unique communication behaviours. Inklings is available to families across Australia, and is free for those living in South Australia and Western Australia.  

In this episode, you will learn: 

• how video feedback can be used to strengthen parent–child relationships [06:02]  

• ways to address parents’ developmental concerns in an empathetic and neuro-affirming way [11:40] 

• how these insights could be applied to environments outside the home (e.g. early childhood education and care) [16:28] 

• what decision-makers can do to support babies with developmental differences and their families [31:46]. 

Further information and resources:  

Inklings (website) 

Supporting children with early social and communication differences (Emerging Minds Families podcast episode) 

What are infants telling us: From neonatal nursery care to supporting optimal infant development (webinar) 

Infant mental health learning pathway (online courses)