Little Links School Readiness Program for Children Aged 3+ with Autism and other Disabilities
Using ABA informed strategies and individualised teaching, we help children develop the confidence, independence and everyday skills in a structured, therapist supported group setting.
- Develop school readiness skills
- Improve communication & social skills
- Build confidence in group settings
- Prepare for a successful transition to school
Designed specifically for children aged 3–6, Little Links supports early learning development through structured activities that help your child learn, participate and thrive in a group environment.
Is your child finding preschool, daycare or group activities challenging?
Many children with autism are incredibly capable but need explicit teaching to develop the social, communication and independence skills expected in a classroom.
Little Links is designed to bridge that gap before school becomes overwhelming.
Your child may benefit if they:
- Have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or additional support needs
- Struggle to follow one or two step instructions
- Find group environments confusing or overwhelming
- Have difficulty sitting, waiting or participating in group activities
- Experience sensory sensitivities
- Find transitions, routines or changes difficult
- Need support developing communication and social skills
- Are not yet independent with toileting, eating, dressing or classroom routines
Who is Little Links suitable for?
Little Links is designed for children aged 3–6 years with:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other Disabilities who may be experiencing difficulties in
- Speech and Language Delays
- Social Communication Difficulties
- Emotional and Behavioural Challenges
- Other developmental or learning differences
Is Little Links evidence based?
Yes, Little Links combines evidence based early childhood intervention with ABA informed teaching strategies, natural environment learning and positive behaviour support. Every child has individual goals, and progress is measured so families can clearly see the skills their child is developing
What funding can I use
Links to Life accepts families who are NDIS or privately funded If you would like understand how the program may fit within your child's NDIS plan, Our team members will happily assist you.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to discuss your child's needs and find out if Little Links is the right fit
Welcome to Little Links
We understand that starting school can be a big step for your little one, and we’re here to make that journey smoother.
Our school readiness program in Ryde is dedicated to cultivating each child’s unique strengths, building confidence, and laying a strong foundation for school and beyond. Through a focus on communication and school routines, we empower your little one to grow and flourish in their learning journey.
Our therapeutic program is designed to support children in meeting their NDIS goals by developing the skills needed for social participation and everyday activities.
An Evidence Based Approach
Each component of the Little Links program integrates behaviour therapy based on a well established preparation framework that draws on proven principles in early learning. This evidence based approach supports children in developing the social, emotional, and communication skills essential for school success.
Whether your family is local to us in Ryde, or the Greater Sydney area, Little Links delivers exceptional early learning outcomes for every child.
What do we offer?
Little Links prepares children for school in a structured, supportive group setting. Our program is designed for families seeking effective interventions that teach the prerequisite skills children need to succeed in a group learning environment, including:
- Communication & language skills
- Social skills
- Transitions & routines
Using proven strategies and personalised support, we empower children to confidently participate in group environments and navigate daily routines. By combining structured learning, play based therapy, and individualised guidance, every child in Little Links builds the confidence and essential life skills they need before starting school.
What Your Child Will Learn
A typical day in Little Links follows most of the routines that happen at “Big School”:
Let’s get moving and grooving! This time focuses on building motor skills through music, imitation games and following auditory instructions, all while having fun in a group setting.
Unleash your child’s creativity during art and sensory time! Activities like colouring, cutting and pasting not only spark imagination and play but also strengthen necessary fine motor skills.
Snack time is more than just a break — it’s a chance to practice essential life skills. Your child is supported in developing independence with important life skills, such as self-feeding and using utensils. It is also a time to nurture social interactions by sitting and eating with peers.
Start the day with a warm welcome! During group circle time, your child will practice greeting friends, taking turns and engaging in fun songs and stories that build connection and community.
Your child’s unique learning journey starts here. During structured work time, we focus on their personalised program to develop pre-academic skills like staying on task, following instructions and exploring new challenges at their own pace.
Play is a powerful teacher! In this session, we guide your child to explore solo play while gently introducing them to shared spaces, helping them learn to engage and interact with peers.
Positive Outcomes for Little Linkers
- Strengthening communication skills: Helping your child express their wants and needs confidently, improving their interactions with others.
- Building play and social skills: Encouraging positive connections with peers through guided play and cooperative activities.
- Enhancing emotional self regulation: Supporting your child in managing big feelings, reducing impulsivity and adapting smoothly to transitions.
- Boosting confidence and independence: Empowering your child to actively participate in daily routines and activities, enhancing their overall quality of life.
At Little Links, our approach is grounded in evidence based communication strategies and developmental techniques drawn from the Preschool Life Skills program.
As one of the few school readiness programs in Sydney to integrate this framework, we’re focused on giving every child a meaningful and well supported start to school.
Our Approach
We understand that every child is unique, and our Little Links School Readiness Curriculum is carefully designed with their individual needs in mind. An experienced Behaviour Specialist oversees the programming to ensure your child’s journey is guided by expert knowledge and care of your child’s strengths, challenges, goals and preferences.
Your child will also benefit from 1 on 1 support from our skilled Therapy Assistants, all within a small, nurturing group environment.
To keep you informed and involved, our entire team meets regularly to evaluate your child’s progress and prepare a personalised Little Links End of Term Report.
This summative report shares how your child is meeting their goals and highlights the skills they are building to thrive at school and beyond.
Little Links integrates evidence based ABA practices into our school readiness program, ensuring each child receives individualised support, measurable progress, and a nurturing environment that supports their growth as a whole.
What do you need to know?
Suitable for children aged 3–6 with developmental delays.
Our Little Links School Readiness Program prepares children for the transition to school by focusing on critical social, emotional and developmental milestones. Our experienced therapists provide personalised, evidence-based strategies that
ensure lasting impact.
If you’re looking for a trusted school readiness program that families in NSW feel confident turning to, Little Links offers gentle guidance, caring support and a team committed to helping your child thrive.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9:00am – 3:00pm in our Ryde Clinic during school terms.
Our programs are grounded in proven, evidence-based practices designed to help your child achieve meaningful and lasting progress. Programming is based on the Preschool Life Skills program, a research-based, supplemental curriculum developed by Dr Gregory Hanley and colleagues that provides a set of tools to help teach important social and life skills for school success.
As one of the leading school readiness programs in Sydney, Little Links uses ABA methodologies to create tailored interventions that deliver measurable positive outcomes for each child.
Our therapists provide individualised, 1-on-1 support in every session, using evidence-based strategies to promote skill development and positive behaviour change. We create a structured yet nurturing environment that fosters trust, enhances engagement and promotes steady progress.
This attention to individual needs is what makes our ABA school readiness program ideal for children needing extra support in early education settings.
We understand the importance of staying connected, which is why we utilise the Homeroom App to send you regular updates.
Through pictures and videos, you’ll see your child’s progress firsthand as they explore new skills, make friends and grow in confidence.
To keep you informed and involved, our entire team meets regularly to evaluate your child’s progress and prepare a personalised Little Links End of Term Report. This summative report shares how your child is meeting their goals and highlights the skills they are building to thrive at school and beyond.
To access this program, families can have appropriate NDIS funding available under relevant support categories. This typically includes funding for Early Childhood Supports Improved Daily Living (Capacity Building). Our team is happy to help you understand how to support your child’s participation in this transformative program, regardless of funding source.
Our Little Links Program operates on the same schedule as the NSW Public School terms.
We can accept children up to the second week of the term.
If you are already enrolled with Little Links our staff will reconfirm your place and dates midway through the term.
Contact our friendly team to learn more about our services.




