A practical guide in simple NDIS language for families and carers
The NDIS planning review process can feel confusing. With the right preparation you can walk in with clarity, confidence, and the best chance of getting the supports your child truly needs.
This guide explains the essentials in everyday language with practical tips, real examples, and golden rules to help you advocate without the overwhelm.
1. Understand What “Reasonable and Necessary” Really Means
NDIS will only fund supports that meet this test:
• Help your child pursue their goals
• Are directly related to their disability
• Represent value for money
• Are not everyday parental responsibilities
• Build independence or participation in daily life
Example
A child with apraxia may need regular speech therapy to communicate. That qualifies as reasonable and necessary.
2. Set Powerful Multi Faceted Goals
The stronger the goal the easier it is to justify supports.
Strong goal example
“To improve my ability to communicate with others, participate in community activities, and build friendships.”
This one goal can support:
• Speech therapy
• Social skills development
• Support worker hours for community access
3. Link Goals to Value for Money
Funding is not just about need. It is about outcomes and cost effectiveness.
Ask yourself:
• Will this support help my child make meaningful progress
• Is it the most effective way to reach the goal
• Will it reduce reliance on future supports
Example
Weekly occupational therapy sessions may build independence and reduce long term need for one to one support workers.
4. Write a Clear and Compelling Impact Statement
Frame your child’s situation in four steps:
What your child can and cannot do
Comparison to a typical child of the same age
Extra support your family provides
Risks if support is not provided
Example
My six year old cannot speak in full sentences and uses an AAC device to communicate. A typical six year old would ask questions, tell stories, and interact with peers. Without speech therapy he will fall further behind in school and struggle with friendships.
5. Get a GP Letter to Support Your Statement
Ask your GP or paediatrician to confirm:
• Your child’s diagnosis
• Functional impacts
• The need for ongoing supports
Tip
Make sure it is written for NDIS purposes not just school use.
6. Know What Counts as Parental Responsibility
The NDIS will not fund what all parents normally do.
Typical parental tasks
• Packing lunch
• Helping with homework
• Driving to school
Above and beyond responsibilities
• Managing a feeding tube
• Monitoring for seizures overnight
• Attending multiple therapy appointments each week
Frame requests around the care that exceeds what parents are usually expected to provide.
7. Ensure Therapy Reports Are Collaborative and Comprehensive
Funding cuts often happen when evidence is vague or disconnected.
Avoid reports that work in silos and do not reference each other.
Do this instead
• Ask therapists to connect recommendations across disciplines
• Include quotes for consumables and equipment
• Ensure reports use NDIS language and show supports are reasonable and necessary
Think of your evidence bundle as a team presentation not separate speeches.
8. Be Prepared but Stay Human
Take with you:
• Clear disability related goals
• A one page impact statement
• Supporting letters from therapists GP or teachers
• Evidence of previous supports
• A list of what is working and what is still needed
Final Thought
You are your child’s voice and your voice matters.
Go into your review with this mindset:
“I am not asking for a favour. I am asking for the right support to give my child the best chance.”
You are already doing an incredible job just by showing up.
Need Help With Your NDIS Plan or Review
Feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Our support coordinators specialise in guiding families through the NDIS with clarity and care.
📞 Call Kylie or Gemma today. We would love to support you.
Because navigating the NDIS should not feel like a full time job.
