Description
⚠️ Important Update — NDIS Has Changed
This guide was written to help families prepare strong applications for early intervention funding. The core steps — documenting needs, understanding the process, and advocating for your child — are still highly relevant. But since the June 2025 reforms, the NDIS has restricted what can be funded. Supports like general psychology, art/music therapy, and sensory items are now harder to secure unless tied directly to functional outcomes and supported by strong allied health evidence.
What this means for you:
Use this guide as a foundation, but cross-check all requests against the current rules.
Remember: NDIS ≠ Medicare. Psychology for anxiety or trauma may now sit under Medicare, while the NDIS will only cover supports linked to functional participation (e.g. emotional regulation, daily living skills, school readiness).
Always frame your child’s needs in function-based language (e.g., ‘cannot attend school without 1:1 support’ rather than ‘has anxiety about school’).
I’ve left this guide accessible because the structure still helps families prepare. But please read it alongside the June 2025 update notes so you don’t waste precious time (or hope) on requests the NDIS no longer funds.
What’s Inside A Guide to Getting the NDIS Support You Need for Children Under 9:
- Get Clear on NDIS Basics (Without the Overwhelm)
- Understand what the NDIS is, what the NDIS means by “early intervention,” and why what they mean by this is so valuable for your child’s development.
- Learn the essentials to kickstart your child’s journey so you don’t have to navigate endless websites or make repeated calls to get answers.
- Insight into Global Developmental Delay (GDD) Support
- Find out how GDD can potentially unlock immediate NDIS support without a formal diagnosis and how this allows time for your child to catch up.
- Access tips on gathering the right evidence for the NDIS if GDD is relevant to your child, easing the financial and emotional burden on your family.
- Practical Tips for Managing Wait Times and Staying Proactive
- Learn proactive strategies for handling long wait times so you can push your child’s application forward without feeling powerless.
- Document what the NDIS needs to know about your child’s unique challenges, helping them understand the urgency and complexity of your situation.
- Make the Most of NDIS Funding Options Early On
- Explore how NDIS funding can cover key therapies from the start, bringing financial relief without waiting for a formal diagnosis.
- Tips on navigating the referral process to access essential early support – helping you reduce out-of-pocket expenses sooner.
- A Neuro-Affirming, Child-Centred Approach
- Insightful advice on finding neuro-affirming practitioners who respect your child’s individuality and strengths, not just treating them to fit in.
- Understand the benefits of early intervention for your family, empowering you with the right tools to support your child’s growth and well-being.
- Realistic Expectations and Honest Guidance
- Transparent explanations of what to expect at each stage, so you can go in prepared and feel less overwhelmed by the process.
- While approval isn’t guaranteed, this guide gives you the best chance at a strong, well-prepared application that speaks directly to your child’s needs.
This guide is designed to give you peace of mind, clarity, and actionable steps to take now – so you’re not left wondering what to do next. It’s a practical resource for families just starting with the NDIS, bringing you closer to the support your child deserves.
