When your child or loved one is newly diagnosed or begins their NDIS journey, it can feel overwhelming trying to work out where to start – or which therapist to see first. Do you need a physiotherapist (PT), an occupational therapist (OT), or a speech and language pathologist (SLP)?
The truth is, for many people living with disability, developmental delay or complex needs, the best support doesn’t come from just one therapist – it comes from a multidisciplinary therapy team working together.
At Ohana Physiotherapy, we support many NDIS participants across the Gold Coast through a collaborative, family-centred approach that looks at the whole person, not just one area of need.
What Is a Multidisciplinary NDIS Therapy Team?
A multidisciplinary therapy team brings together professionals from different allied health backgrounds to work toward shared functional goals under an NDIS plan.
These goals are often focused on:
- Increasing independence
- Improving mobility and participation
- Supporting communication
- Developing daily living skills
- Enhancing confidence and quality of life
This type of joined-up care is especially valuable for people with:
- Developmental delay
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Cerebral Palsy
- Genetic conditions
- Hypermobility or low muscle tone
- Acquired brain injury
- Neurological conditions
How Each Therapist Supports NDIS Participants
Physiotherapists (NDIS Physiotherapy)
Physiotherapists focus on movement, strength, balance, posture and mobility. We help children and adults with:
✅ Sitting, crawling, standing and walking
✅ Balance and coordination
✅ Gross motor skill development
✅ Mobility aids and assistive technology
✅ Pain and fatigue management
✅ Community access and participation
For children receiving NDIS physiotherapy, our sessions are often play-based and focused on gross motor milestones such as crawling, walking, climbing, jumping and running.
For adults on the NDIS, physiotherapy may involve:
- Functional gym exercises
- Mobility training
- Falls prevention
- Strength and conditioning for daily living
- Assistive Technology Prescription
Occupational Therapists (NDIS Occupational Therapy)
NDIS occupational therapists support daily living skills and independence. This can include:
✅ Dressing, toileting and hygiene
✅ Handwriting and school participation
✅ Using cutlery and feeding skills
✅ Sensory processing support
✅ Environmental modifications
✅ Assistive technology assessments
For children, OT often looks like play-based therapy to improve fine motor skills, attention, self-care and participation at school, home and in the community.
For adults, OT can help with:
- Returning to work or study
- Home safety and modifications
- Energy conservation
- Equipment and independence planning
Speech & Language Pathologists (NDIS Speech Therapy)
Speech pathologists (also called SLPs) focus on communication and swallowing. They support:
✅ Speech clarity and sound production
✅ Understanding and using language
✅ Social communication and interaction
✅ Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
✅ Safe swallowing and feeding
For children on the NDIS, this may involve help with:
- First words and sentence building
- Using visuals, signs or communication devices
- Developing social skills
For adults, speech therapy may be required after:
- Stroke
- Brain injury
- Neurological disease
- Voice disorders
Real-Life NDIS Example: A Team-Based Approach
A young child with developmental delay and low muscle tone, funded through the NDIS, attends physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech pathology.
Rather than each therapist working in isolation, the team collaborates regularly, sharing insights, strategies and goals.
In physiotherapy, the focus is on:
- Improving strength
- Building balance
- Supporting gross motor skills and mobility
During movement sessions, the physiotherapist incorporates a communication system developed by the speech pathologist so the child can make choices, request turns and engage with their environment.
In occupational therapy, the child works on:
- Fine motor skills
- Using cutlery
- Grasping and manipulating objects
The OT incorporates postural strategies from the physio to support improved sitting and stability during tasks.
In speech therapy, the child develops early communication using:
- Visuals and gestures
- Play-based interaction
- Movement breaks (using physio strategies) to support regulation and focus
This collaborative, multidisciplinary approach means therapy is consistent, meaningful and functional across environments.
Why a Multidisciplinary NDIS Approach Works
✅ Holistic care – we see the whole person, not just isolated symptoms
✅ Shared NDIS goals – everyone is working in the same direction
✅ Consistent strategies – no conflicting advice across disciplines
✅ Stronger outcomes – improved function, participation and wellbeing
✅ Family-centred – you are part of the team
Research and experience show that children and adults receiving coordinated, multidisciplinary NDIS support achieve better progress and long-term outcomes.
Your Role in the NDIS Therapy Team
Families, carers and support workers are a vital part of every therapy plan.
You provide crucial insight into:
- Daily routines and challenges
- Strengths and motivators
- Home and school environments
- Functional priorities
At Ohana, we work with you, not just for you, and we aim to make coordinating services as smooth and supportive as possible.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are supporting a child with developmental delay, autism or a complex disability, or an adult rebuilding function after injury or illness, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
A multidisciplinary NDIS therapy team that includes physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology and more can provide joined, personalised support for meaningful change.
At Ohana Physiotherapy, we proudly support NDIS participants of all ages through compassionate, play-based and evidence-informed therapy.
👉 To learn more about NDIS physiotherapy or to book an appointment, contact our friendly team today.