What is the Inklings Program?
The Kids Research Institute Australia's Inklings is a program to support babies aged 6-18 months who are showing early differences in their social interaction and communication development.
How does Inklings work?
The 10-session program uses short videos of a caregiver interacting with their baby to help them to better understand the different ways that their baby communicates their thoughts, feelings and needs.
With the guidance of a trained practitioner, caregivers will learn strategies to build on their own strengths as a responsive communication partner for their baby.
Sessions can be delivered in clinic (Subiaco or Joondalup) or via telehealth.
What does the research say?
Inklings has been developed over a decade by an international team of health professionals and researchers interested in supporting babies who are developing differently.
Through a systematic process of rigorous research in the United Kingdom and Australia, the program was found to be effective in supporting caregiver communication with their baby, and boosting social communication and language development.
Who is Inklings for?
Families who may benefit from Inklings include:
- Those who have noticed differences in how their baby (aged 6-18 months) communicates and relates with others. For example, your baby may not use gestures such as clapping or waving in the same way as other babies, you may find it difficult to gain your baby's attention, they may not point to show you things or join in social games like peek-a-boo.
- Caregivers, health care providers, or early childhood educators are worried about baby’s social interaction and communication development.
How do I register interest?
If you live in Western Australia or South Australia and your baby is aged between 6-18 months, you may be eligible to participate in Inklings with no out-of-pocket expense. Visit inklings.org.au to find out more.
For all others interested in hearing more about Inklings, please email clinikids.reception@thekids.org.au or phone 08 619 1133.