Occupational Therapy for the NDIS
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian government initiative designed to provide funding and support to individuals with disabilities, including eligible children. The NDIS aims to empower children and their families by ensuring access to the therapies, resources, and services they need to develop essential skills and live their best lives.
Who is Eligible for NDIS Support?
A child may be eligible for NDIS funding if they have a permanent and significant disability that affects their ability to carry out daily activities. This includes:
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Neurodevelopmental conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Global Developmental Delay (GDD), Intellectual Disability, and Down Syndrome.
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Physical disabilities that impact movement and coordination such as Cerbral Palsy
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Sensory processing disorders that affect how a child interprets and responds to sensory information.
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Communication disorders that interfere with speech, language, or social interaction.
For children under 7 years old, support is provided through the Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) approach, which focuses on early intervention to maximize developmental outcomes.
How Does the NDIS Support an Eligible Child at iThrive Health?
NDIS funding is flexible and individualized, allowing children and their families to access services that best suit their unique needs. This may include:
1. Occupational Therapy (OT) Services
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Pediatric occupational therapists help children develop skills for daily life, including:
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Gross motor and fine motor skills for play, self-care, and school participation.
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Sensory processing support for children with heightened or reduced sensitivity to sensory input.
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Emotional regulation strategies to manage frustration, anxiety, or behavioral challenges.
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Executive functioning skills such as attention, impulse control, and organization.
2. Speech Therapy
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NDIS may fund speech pathology services to support children with:
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Communication challenges, including delayed speech or difficulty understanding language.
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Social skills development, especially for children with autism.
3. Physiotherapy
4. Psychology and Behavioral Support
5. Assistive Technology and Equipment
How Families Can Access NDIS Support
Families seeking NDIS support for their child can follow these steps:
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Determine Eligibility: Contact the NDIS or a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to check if your child qualifies.
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Submit an Access Request: Provide documentation from healthcare professionals, such as occupational therapists, pediatricians, or psychologists.
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NDIS Planning Meeting: Work with an NDIS planner to develop a tailored support plan for your child.
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Choose Service Providers: Families can select registered NDIS providers, such as iThrive Health, to deliver therapy and support services.
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Implement and Review the Plan: NDIS plans are reviewed regularly to ensure they continue to meet the child’s evolving needs.
Why Choose iThrive Health for NDIS-Funded Therapy?
At iThrive Health, we are passionate about advocating for families and ensuring children receive the best possible support through their NDIS plans. Our team:
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Provides comprehensive assessments and reports to support funding applications.
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Works closely with families to develop therapy plans that align with their child's NDIS goals.
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Offers a fully equipped therapy clinic, including a sensory gym, to provide engaging and effective therapy.
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Guides families through the NDIS process, from the initial application to plan reviews and goal setting.
We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and we are here to help families navigate the NDIS system to access the resources they need.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your child through NDIS-funded therapy!
