If you’re starting the journey of applying for the NDIS for your child, it can feel overwhelming at first. Many families aren’t sure where to begin, what information they need, or how to know if their child is eligible.
At Ohana Physiotherapy, we support many Gold Coast families through the early stages of the NDIS process and understand how confusing it can sometimes feel. This guide breaks down the process into simple steps to help you feel more prepared and confident.
What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government-funded support system designed to help people with permanent and significant disabilities access services and supports that improve their participation, independence, and quality of life.
For children, this may include supports such as:
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech pathology
- Assistive technology
- Early intervention supports
- Community participation supports
How Do You Apply for the NDIS?
Applying for the NDIS is about providing evidence that your child meets the eligibility and disability criteria required to access supports.
Step 1: Contact the NDIS
The first step is to call the NDIS on 1800 800 110.
They will connect you with an NDIS partner who can support you through the application process. Depending on your child’s age, this may be:
- A Local Area Coordinator (LAC)
- An Early Childhood Partner
These services are designed to help families understand the process and gather the right information.
Step 2: Gather Supporting Information
One of the most important parts of the application is providing evidence about your child’s diagnosis, functional challenges, and daily support needs.
Helpful documents often include:
- Physiotherapy reports
- Occupational therapy reports
- Speech pathology reports
- Medical specialist letters
- Diagnostic assessments
- School or daycare reports
- Evidence of how your child’s condition affects daily life
The stronger and more detailed the evidence is, the easier it is for the NDIS to understand your child’s needs.
Step 3: Submit Your Child’s Application
Your NDIS partner will help guide you through the application process and ensure the required information is submitted correctly.
The NDIS will review:
- Your child’s diagnosis
- Functional impact
- Daily support requirements
- Long-term needs
If your child meets the criteria, they will move forward in the planning process.
What Happens After Approval?
Once approved, families will:
- Meet with an NDIS planner
- Discuss goals and supports
- Develop a personalised NDIS plan
- Receive approved funding
- Begin implementing services and supports
This is where therapy providers can help families understand how to use funding effectively and prioritise goals that are meaningful for the child and family.
Tips for a Stronger NDIS Application
Be Specific About Daily Challenges
Rather than only listing a diagnosis, explain how you or your child’s difficulties impact:
- Mobility
- Communication
- Self-care
- Learning
- Play
- Social participation
- Safety
- Independence
Include Multiple Professional Reports
Reports from allied health professionals can help provide a clearer picture of you or your child’s needs across different environments.
Focus on Functional Impact
The NDIS is less focused on diagnosis alone and more focused on how you or your child’s disability affects everyday functioning.
How Paediatric Physiotherapy Can Help
At Ohana Physiotherapy, our team works with children and adults across the Gold Coast through both clinic-based and mobile physiotherapy services.
Our physiotherapists support people with:
- Gross motor delays
- Neurological conditions
- Genetic conditions
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Hypermobility
- Cerebral palsy
- Developmental coordination difficulties
- Disability-related movement challenges
We can also assist families by providing physiotherapy assessments and reports that help outline functional challenges, therapy needs, and recommendations for support.
Supporting Gold Coast Families Through the NDIS Journey
Starting the NDIS process can feel like a big step, but families don’t have to navigate it alone. Early support, strong evidence, and a clear understanding of the process can make a significant difference.
If you’d like support understanding whether NDIS physiotherapy may benefit you or your child, our team at Ohana Physiotherapy is always happy to help.