If your child has a disability and requires extra support from the NDIS, don’t hesitate to reach out for extra support. It is important to receive the most appropriate care for your child. This is in order for them to achieve their highest potential and best abilities as they continue to develop. There is early intervention via the NDIS for children of different age groups, which are discussed below. The point of early intervention is to reduce the amount of support that may be required in the future. However, if required though, there will be long-term support available as well.
Addressing Early Intervention Requirements
Regarding the early intervention via the NDIS, the Early Childhood Early Intervention program provides families with kids from 0-6 years access to these services. There are different services for children aged 7 and above, which will be covered later on. Keep in mind that children under the age of 7 do not require a diagnosis in order to be eligible for early intervention support from the NDIS. Furthermore, under this program- if the child does not require long-term support, they will not have to become an NDIS participant.
Steps to Access Support
Come into contact with your National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), who can easily be reached with the number: 1800 800 110. Following that, they may tell you to contact your local NDIS early childhood partner, or get them to contact you. There are many ways you could also be referred to an NDIS early Childhood partner. These range from you GP, family nurse or paediatrician, or even through your child’s preschool or early educator. Everyone will be there on the lookout for you, to try and make this process as smooth as possible.
Then, this is where you meet them and talk about goals and needs. Both you and your child’s goals and needs are looked at. They will support you to their best of their abilities, and ensure you feel well cared for.
There is a large range of supports that are provided by early childhood partners. These are aimed to improve the resilience of the family and create a positive home environment. It is very important that there are support systems available!
Types of Support
Emotional care and support for families. NDIS will acknowledge that it is not only the child going through changes, but their loved ones as well. That’s why support is well-rounded. Every family is different and thus the advice and care provided is personalised and unique.
Acknowledgment of communities or groups that could increase support systems. Furthermore, this could provide the child a safe place to embrace themselves. These support groups can also discuss ways to help you support your child in the best way.
Meetings with Early Childhood Early Intervention Providers for however long necessary
If in the event you require access to NDIS for long term support, they can help you with this too.
The support could also consist with a combination of these, and not just one or the other.
An extra thing to note: these consultations are free of charge. The information they provide and referrals provided by an early childhood partner will not cost you anything.
For Children 7 And Above…
The situation for children aged 7 and above is slightly different. For them to receive support, there needs to be a permanent and significant disability to pass the criteria. An inclusive list of disabilities covered by NDIS can be found here, if you are unsure. Additionally, you can also call the NDIA on the same number listed above if you believe your child has a disability, just to be certain. If it comes to it, you can also get a referral from your local/ family GP or pediatrician.
Once your child has qualified for this, you will then have a meeting set up between you and your NDIA planner. Once again, the core focus will be your child’s goals and requirements, in order for them to reach their full potential. A plan will be formulated specifically, which will then be submitted to the NDIA for approval. It is important that your NDIS plan is constantly reviewed and followed up on to account for any major life changes or goal alterations.
What’s Next?
Now that you have a basic idea of all the steps, and what category your child should fit in, there are two simple options to choose from. The article above has been divided into two distinct categories, hopefully making this process a little easier for you and your loved ones. The most preferred outcome is ensuring that intervention is staged in the early ages, so as to prevent the child from requiring lifelong support. As this is important, it can become a priority, and therefore wait times will not be too long. Just remember, everyone is doing their best to support both you and your loved ones, so take it easy!
