Navigating an autism diagnosis? We’re here to support your family—contact us anytime.

Rise High Therapy

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Rise High Therapy

Rise High TherapyRise High TherapyRise High Therapy
Home
Site Menu
  • Services
  • Meet the Team
  • What Parents Say
  • FAQ
  • Contact Us
Services
  • Our Services
Resources
  • Why ESDM?
  • Blog
  • Parent Downloads
Contact Us
More
  • Home
  • Site Menu
    • Services
    • Meet the Team
    • What Parents Say
    • FAQ
    • Contact Us
  • Services
    • Our Services
  • Resources
    • Why ESDM?
    • Blog
    • Parent Downloads
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • Site Menu
    • Services
    • Meet the Team
    • What Parents Say
    • FAQ
    • Contact Us
  • Services
    • Our Services
  • Resources
    • Why ESDM?
    • Blog
    • Parent Downloads
  • Contact Us

Empowering Families Through Evidence-Based Early Intervention in Hurstville

Empowering Families Through Evidence-Based Early Intervention in HurstvilleEmpowering Families Through Evidence-Based Early Intervention in HurstvilleEmpowering Families Through Evidence-Based Early Intervention in HurstvilleEmpowering Families Through Evidence-Based Early Intervention in Hurstville

Supporting young autistic children with ESDM—an evidence-based, play-based early intervention approach.

Contact Us

Empowering Families Through Evidence-Based Early Intervention in Hurstville

Empowering Families Through Evidence-Based Early Intervention in HurstvilleEmpowering Families Through Evidence-Based Early Intervention in HurstvilleEmpowering Families Through Evidence-Based Early Intervention in HurstvilleEmpowering Families Through Evidence-Based Early Intervention in Hurstville

Supporting young autistic children with ESDM—an evidence-based, play-based early intervention approach.

Contact Us

Support and Services for You and Your Child

Play-Based Early Intervention (ESDM)

School Readiness & Social Development

School Readiness & Social Development

Child receiving play-based ESDM therapy to build early social and communication skills

We offer the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), an evidence-based therapy for young autistic children aged 1–5. Through fun, play-based sessions, we support your child’s development in communication, social engagement, imitation, and everyday skills. ESDM builds strong relationships and confidence—because learning happens best through connection. Therapy can take place at our clinic or in your home.

School Readiness & Social Development

School Readiness & Social Development

School Readiness & Social Development

Sunday Social Explorer group session helping autistic children build friendships and school readines

We support 4–5-year-olds in building the confidence and social skills they need to thrive in both structured and unstructured settings. Our focus includes easing the transition to school, supporting group participation, and helping children learn how to make and keep friends. Our small group program, Sunday Social Explorer, provides a safe, fun space where children can practise turn-taking, shared play, and building meaningful relationships in a supportive environment.

Registered Developmental Educator Services

Registered Developmental Educator Services

Registered Developmental Educator Services

Developmental Educator providing NDIS-aligned support and assessment for early childhood

As a registered member of Developmental Educators Australia (Reg. No. 3324981), we provide allied health support that is NDIS-aligned and neuro-affirming. Services include individual assessments, planning, and collaboration across home, early learning, and community settings. We help families navigate the NDIS, set meaningful goals, and coordinate with other professionals. School visits, strategy plans, and reports are available to support transitions and reviews.

Parent Coaching for Everyday Success

Registered Developmental Educator Services

Registered Developmental Educator Services

Parent coaching session using neuro-affirming strategies to support everyday routines

We work alongside families to build skills, routines, and strategies you can use every day. Coaching sessions are tailored to your goals—whether it’s helping your child transition more smoothly, encouraging communication, or managing mealtimes. We use ESDM-based coaching and Project ImPACT strategies to empower you to feel confident and supported at home and in the community.

Meet the Team

Rita and Vasily Shchegolev – ESDM therapists and early intervention specialists at Rise High Therapy

Together in Life and Practice

At Rise High Therapy, we’re more than a therapy team—we’re also partners in life and parents to two wonderful children, one of whom is autistic. Our experience as both professionals and parents gives us a genuine understanding of what families need during and after the diagnostic process.


We offer a compassionate, neuro-affirmative, and evidence-based approach—always focused on helping children grow and supporting parents every step of the way.

Vasily Shchegolev

Developmental Educator | Certified ESDM Therapist | Academic


Vasily is a registered Developmental Educator (DEAI Reg. No. 3324981), certified ESDM therapist, and a casual academic at the University of Wollongong. He holds a Master of Autism and a Graduate Certificate in Neurodiversity and has dedicated his work to supporting autistic children and their families during the early years.


Through Rise High Therapy, Vasily provides early intervention using the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), along with developmental assessments, school consultations and neuro-affirming parent coaching. He also mentors future professionals, contributes to neurodiversity-focused advocacy and brings practical insight as both a clinician and a parent.


Areas of focus:

  • ESDM therapy and early intervention for children aged 1–5
  • Parent coaching and family capacity-building
  • Developmental assessments and NDIS reports
  • Preschool visits and school readiness planning
  • Educator mentoring and interdisciplinary collaboration

Rita Shchegoleva

Certified ESDM Therapist | Early Years Specialist | Multilingual Educator

Rita is a certified ESDM therapist with over a decade of experience in early childhood education, therapy, and autism support. She holds postgraduate qualifications in teaching and early childhood development, blending evidence-based practice with an understanding of children’s social-emotional and learning needs.


In addition to her work at Rise High Therapy, Rita provides ESDM therapy at the University of Wollongong and contributes to early intervention research at the Brain and Mind Centre (University of Sydney). She offers therapy in English, Russian and Mandarin, supporting culturally responsive care for families from diverse backgrounds. Rita has particular expertise in supporting minimally speaking children to build connection, engagement, and early communication through joyful, play-based learning.


Areas of focus:


  • ESDM therapy and play-based learning
  • Early communication and joint attention
  • Emotion regulation and sensory support
  • Parent coaching and collaborative practice
  • Therapy in English, Russian, and Mandarin

Why Families Work With Us

We know what it’s like to sit on the other side of the therapy room—full of questions, hopes, and worries. That’s why we created Rise High Therapy: to offer the kind of personalised, relationship-based support we once needed ourselves.


We bring together years of professional experience, formal training, and personal insight to support your child’s development in a way that is affirming, practical, and truly connected to your family’s journey.

Want to hear from families we’ve worked with?

Frequently Asked Questions from Families

You’re not alone—these are the questions we hear most often from families just like yours.

No. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to begin. We support families at any stage of their journey, including during the diagnostic process.


Yes. We support both self- and plan-managed NDIS participants and can provide therapy, developmental educator services and reports for reviews.


We offer ESDM therapy for children aged 1 to 6, and Developmental Educator services for both early years and primary school-aged children.


ESDM is a play-based, relationship-focused therapy that supports learning through connection, social interaction, and everyday routines. Unlike compliance-based models such as traditional ABA, ESDM focuses on building meaningful engagement through the child’s strengths and interests.


It is also one of the most well-researched early intervention models for young autistic children, recognised internationally and aligned with Australia’s best practice guidelines. ESDM is neuro-affirming, family-centred, and evidence-based.


Most sessions are delivered at our Hurstville clinic. We also offer preschool visits and telehealth when suitable for the family and child.


Feel free to email us at hello@risehightherapy.com.au or use the contact form below—we’re always happy to help.


Contact Us

Get in Touch with Rise High Therapy

Whether you’re just starting your journey or ready to begin therapy, we’d love to hear from you. Our team is here to answer your questions and guide you through the next steps.

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Find Us in Hurstville, NSW

Level 4, 12-14 Ormonde Parade, Hurstville New South Wales 2220, Australia

📧 Email: risehightherapy@gmail.com 📞 Phone: 0402 676 475 📍 Clinic Location: Hurstville, NSW We proudly support families across Hurstville, Peakhurst, Kogarah, Mortdale and surrounding suburbs.

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Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 6:00pm


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Contact Rise High Therapy – early intervention support for autistic children in Hurstville
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