Lifeheart NDIS Autism Support Central Coast

Autism NDIS Support Central Coast

Finding NDIS approved programs for young people living with autism, Neurodiversity, and Psychosocial Disability on the Central Coast has been no small feat for families and carers for some time. That’s why Josh Holder stepped in, reshaping the landscape with the creation of Lifeheart – with fun, useful programs designed to help young people get outdoors, find connections and learn invaluable life skills to thrive.

Coasties was thrilled to have a chat with Josh to find out more about how Lifeheart helps change lives.

Q: Hi Josh! Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself and how Lifeheart came to be?

A: Lifeheart was born from my experiences in child and adolescent mental health. I realised there was a gap in NDIS-approved support, especially for young neurodivergent people. We wanted to create something engaging and fitting for young people, blending youth work and disability work together to provide clear, natural, evidence-based approaches.

Q: Who is Lifeheart designed for, and what kind of activities do you offer?

A: Lifeheart is for those aged 12-28 on the NDIS who might be on the autism spectrum, neurodivergent, or have a psycho-social disability. We focus on crucial socialisation skills for their ages, offering tailored activities that might look like sports and recreation, outings to museums, paddleboarding, or even Dungeons and Dragons meet-ups. We really try to incorporate nature and outdoor therapy where we can, and guide them towards hobbies and interests that give them a sense of belonging.

Q: How does Lifeheart stand out from other support services?

A: What makes us different is the blending of mentoring approaches into our programs. Our staff are well trained in mentoring and leadership, to help teach practical life skills like safely and confidently using public transport, or applying for a tax file number. We also focus on alleviating carer fatigue and offer a family-centered approach: understanding the impact on the whole family; and working with other providers like schools and allied health providers like occupational therapists and psychologists so that the care is integrated.

Q: Why did you choose to focus on the age group of 12-28, and what impact do you hope Lifeheart will have on these young individuals?

A: We believe these ages are crucial for learning social and life skills. Many neurodiverse kids struggle with a sense of belonging, and we aim to fill that gap. Our goal is to equip them with the skills necessary for future endeavors like work and study, ensuring they don’t slip through the cracks.

NDIS Youth Neurodiversity Support on the Central Coast

Q: What inspired you to start Lifeheart, and how does your personal background contribute to your mission?

A: Personally, my brother had high-needs autism, and growing up watching my mum navigate the right care and services for him really fueled my mission to help others. I saw a gap in appropriate services and decided to create a solution to that, especially when I could see there really wasn’t much on offer for this age group. I studied psychology at university and have a decade of experience working in adult mental health, child and adolescent intervention services, and crisis services, so I understand the sector inside out.

Q: How has Lifeheart grown since its launch in February 2023, and do you have any success stories you’d like to share?

A: We’ve grown a lot in the past year, partnering with allied health professionals to ensure a holistic approach. I’m thrilled to see progress in the young people we work with – from overcoming fears to achieving personal milestones. One standout is a young person who wouldn’t go past knee-deep water; now, they’re swimming confidently. It’s so rewarding to see their progress and their confidence shine.

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Q: Finally, how can interested individuals get involved or benefit from Lifeheart’s services?

A: Lifeheart offers a unique blend of tailored activities, mentoring, and family-centered support. We offer families a genuine commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of neurodivergent youth. If you’re interested, feel free to reach out – we’re always excited to welcome new members into the Lifeheart community!

You can find out more about Lifeheart’s services at their online home here.

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