1. Understand What the NDIS Can Offer

The NDIS is designed to fund reasonable and necessary supports that help your child work towards their goals, build independence, and participate in everyday life. This might include things like:

• Therapy (speech, occupational therapy, psychology)
• Assistive technology
• Support workers for daily activities
• Community access programs
• Home modifications
• Early childhood intervention services

Every child’s plan is unique, because every child is unique. Understanding what the NDIS can fund will help you better prepare for your planning meetings.

2. Get Prepared Before Your Planning Meeting

The planning meeting is your chance to tell your child’s story and explain what supports they need. Preparation is key! Before your meeting:

• Write down a typical day/week in your child’s life — what’s working, and what’s challenging?
• List your child’s goals (short-term and long-term)
• Gather any reports, assessments, or letters from therapists, doctors, or teachers
• Think about future needs too — not just what’s urgent right now

The more clearly you can explain your child’s needs, the stronger and more accurate the NDIS plan will be.

3. Speak Up — You Know Your Child Best

You are your child’s biggest advocate. Don’t be afraid to speak up during meetings, ask questions, or clarify anything that feels confusing. If something doesn’t sound right, it’s okay to ask for more information or to request a review later on. Remember: no one knows your child like you do. Your insights are incredibly valuable to the planning process.

4. Understand Plan Management Options

There are three main ways to manage your NDIS funding:

• Agency-managed: The NDIS pays providers directly.
• Plan-managed: A plan manager helps you manage payments and paperwork.
• Self-managed: You handle the finances and invoices yourself.

Choosing the right option depends on how much flexibility and responsibility you want. Many parents find plan management a good balance — it offers more choice of providers without all the admin!

5. Build Your Dream Team

You don’t have to do this alone. Part of navigating the NDIS successfully is finding the right supports: therapists, support workers, service providers, and possibly even support coordinators. Take your time to find people and organisations who understand your child’s needs, share your values, and make you (and your child) feel heard and respected. Good providers aren’t just ticking boxes — they’re building dreams alongside you.

6. Remember: It’s a Journey

NDIS plans are not set in stone. As your child grows, learns new skills, or faces new challenges, their plan can (and should) change to match. You’ll have opportunities for plan reviews, and you can always request changes if something isn’t working. Be kind to yourself. There’s a lot to learn, but you don’t have to be perfect — just present, proactive, and full of heart.