A Guide to Navigating the NDIS
By Cathy Zhang, Provisional Psychologist, BA(Sci), GDipPsych(Adv), MProfPsych
March, 2026
By Cathy Zhang, Provisional Psychologist, BA(Sci), GDipPsych(Adv), MProfPsych
March, 2026
Navigating the NDIS: NDIS 101
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can feel overwhelming for families raising a child with different needs. However, understanding the process and available supports can make a significant difference in accessing the right services. This article will cover some of the key aspects to support you in navigating the NDIS for your child.
What Exactly is the NDIS?
The NDIS is Australia’s national system for funding disability related supports. It provides funding directly to eligible individuals, giving families greater choice and control over the services their child receives. Services children may receive include support work, psychology services, occupational therapy, speech therapy, behaviour support.
Who is Eligible?
- For children under 9, support is delivered through the NDIS Early Childhood Approach, which focuses on early intervention to improve long-term outcomes;
- For children over 9, support is delivered through the standard NDIS pathway;
- Australian citizens, permanent visa holders or individuals on a protected special category visa;
- Have a significant and permanent disability that impacts daily functioning (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder (Level 2 or 3), Global Development Delay) as evidenced by a healthcare provider (i.e., paediatrician).
What are the First Steps?
The first steps would be to determine eligibility and gather documentation for submission. Documentation may include, but is not limited to, therapy assessments, doctor reports and school feedback. You can directly submit this to the NDIS or work alongside a Local Area Coordinator (LAC). Once eligibility is confirmed, a planning meeting occurs (usually with your LAC) to discuss needs, goals and current challenges. Goals may include developing communication skills, emotional regulation or increasing independence.
Managing Funding
- Self-managed: this is when the parent manages the funding directly, meaning that the parent or guardian takes care of all the administrative tasks such as finding service providers (including non-NDIS providers), and handling invoices and payments. While this is flexible and offers more choice, self-managed funding comes with more responsibility and careful budget tracking.
- Plan-managed: this is when a plan manager handles the financial administration on behalf of you and your child. These costs are funded separately in the NDIS plan and requires less administrative burden on the parent or guardian.
- NDIA-managed: this is when the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) pays providers directly. Funding can only be used with NDIS registered providers which may limit provider choice compared to the other 2 options.
Types of Funding
- Core supports: core funding covers everyday assistance that supports a child function and participate in daily life. These can include assistance with daily activities, support workers to support at home and/or in the community and consumables.
- Capacity building supports: capacity building support funding focuses on skill development and building independence. This is usually through therapy services, support coordination and skills-based programs.
- Capital supports: capital support funding is allocated to higher cost items and equipment that support the children in everyday life and is often only allocated to children with severe disabilities. For example, assistive technology to support a non-verbal child to communicate.
NDIS Plan Reviews
NDIS plans are reviewed regularly, usually every 1-2 years. This is to ensure that supports remain aligned with the child’s needs and goals as sometimes services may be reduced or more services need to be advocated for the child. Furthermore, as children grow, goals may shift.
Putting it All Together
While navigating the NDIS can initially feel complex and overwhelming, families who seek guidance, stay organised, and focus on clear goals are better positioned to maximise available supports, empower their children, and foster meaningful progress in their development and everyday functioning.
References
National Disability Insurance Agency. (2026). Am I eligible. NDIS. https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/am-i-eligible
National Disability Insurance Agency. (2026). Supports and services funded by the NDIS. NDIS. https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/becoming-ndis-provider/am-i-ready/supports-and-services-funded-ndis
National Disability Insurance Agency. (2024). Ways to manage your funding. NDIS. https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/creating-your-plan/ways-manage-your-funding
National Disability Insurance Agency. (2026). Supports and services funded by the NDIS. NDIS. https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/becoming-ndis-provider/am-i-ready/supports-and-services-funded-ndis
National Disability Insurance Agency. (2024). Ways to manage your funding. NDIS. https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/creating-your-plan/ways-manage-your-funding