A Parent’s Guide to the NDIS

If you’re a parent or carer exploring therapy supports for your child, you’ve probably heard about the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme).

Many families we meet want to know:

How can the NDIS help with occupational therapy?

How do I apply?

And what can the funding actually cover?

Here’s a simple guide to help you navigate NDIS funding and understand how it can support your child’s growth and development.

What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Inclusion Scheme (NDIS) provides individualised funding for children and adults with disability, helping them access supports that build skills, independence, and participation in everyday life.

For children, this might mean support with:

• Getting ready for school

• Building friendships and social skills

• Managing big feelings and behaviour

• Developing independence in daily routines (like eating, dressing, or toileting)

• Building motor skills (handwriting, coordination, balance)

• Feeling comfortable in their bodies through sensory regulation

  
  

How Occupational Therapy Fits In

Paediatric occupational therapists (OTs) work with children to support the skills they need for daily life, play, and learning. With NDIS funding, OT can help your child:

• Engage in play — the foundation for learning and development

• Join in at kinder, school, and community activities

• Regulate emotions and behaviour to stay calm and connected

• Develop independence in self-care routines

• Build confidence and resilience in tackling challenges

• Access equipment or supports like pencil grips, seating, or sensory tools if needed

  
  

How to Apply for NDIS Funding for Your Child

1. Check eligibility

   • Your child must live in Australia, and have a developmental delay or disability that significantly impacts daily life.

   • For children under 9 years old, you’ll start through the NDIS Early Childhood Approach partner.

     
     

2. Apply

   • Complete an Access Request Form (available from the NDIS).

   • Provide supporting reports from professionals (OTs, GPs, paediatricians, or speech pathologists) that describe your child’s needs.

   
   

3. Planning meeting

   • You’ll meet with an NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator.

   • Share your child’s goals (e.g., “I want my child to manage morning routines more easily” or “I want them to build friendships at school”).

   
   

4. Receive your plan

   • Your plan will include specific funding categories, such as therapy supports, that you can use to access paediatric OT.

     
     

Using NDIS Funding for OT

Families can manage their plans in different ways:

• Self-managed — you pay providers directly and then claim back from the NDIS.

• Plan-managed — a plan manager handles invoices and payments.

• NDIA-managed — you can only use NDIS-registered providers.

At Growing Occupational Therapy, we work with both self-managed and plan-managed families to make accessing support as smooth as possible. We currently do not accept NDIA-managed participants.

FAQs About NDIS and Paediatric OT

1. Can OT reports help with my child’s NDIS application?

Yes. Occupational therapy assessments and reports provide valuable evidence about your child’s needs and strengths, helping demonstrate why therapy support is reasonable and necessary.

2. What if my child’s NDIS plan doesn’t include OT?

You can request a plan review if your child’s needs change or if OT was overlooked in the original plan. Having updated therapy reports can strengthen this request.

3. How often can my child access OT through the NDIS?

It depends on the amount of funding in your child’s plan and their individual goals. Some children benefit from weekly sessions, while others may attend fortnightly or monthly.

4. Does OT through the NDIS only happen in a clinic?

No. Paediatric OTs often work across different settings—home, kinder, school, or the community—depending on what’s most meaningful for your child.

Growing Occupational Therapy – Here to Help

At Growing Occupational Therapy, we understand the NDIS can feel complicated. Our team is here to support families through the process—from providing reports to help with your application, to delivering therapy that makes a real difference in your child’s everyday life.

If you’d like to learn more about accessing OT with your child’s NDIS plan or applying for the NDIS, reach out to our friendly team today. Together, we can help your child grow, thrive, and flourish!