Does my child need a formal diagnosis before applying for the NDIS?

For the early childhood pathway, a formal diagnosis is not always required if the child has developmental delay that is likely to affect them for more than two years. The early childhood partner who receives the referral can assess whether the child meets eligibility requirements based on functional evidence. For older…

Can I get NDIS funding if my condition fluctuates?

Yes. Episodic and fluctuating conditions can meet NDIS eligibility if the person experiences significant functional impairment during episodes and the condition is likely to persist. Psychosocial disability, multiple sclerosis, and some chronic pain conditions fall into this category. The key is ensuring that the…

What if the NDIA has never heard of my condition?

The NDIA assesses functional impairment, not diagnostic familiarity. If your evidence clearly documents the functional impacts of your condition, the rarity of the condition should not in itself affect the outcome. However, it can help to include a brief plain-language summary of the condition from a reputable source…

Can I change providers if my current one does not understand my condition?

Yes. Participants have the right to change providers. If you are agency-managed, you need to give notice as specified in your service agreement and then engage a new registered provider. If you are plan-managed or self-managed, the process is more flexible. If a provider is not meeting your needs or is not…

Is assistive technology funded for all conditions?

Assistive technology is funded through the Capital budget when it is directly linked to a functional need arising from the disability. Mobility aids, communication devices, vision technology, hearing technology, and modified daily living equipment can all be funded. The NDIS applies a reasonable and necessary test,…

What is the difference between Supported Independent Living and Specialist Disability Accommodation?

SIL refers to the support workforce in a shared living arrangement: the people who assist residents with daily tasks. SDA refers to the housing itself: purpose-built or modified properties designed for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. Some participants need both SIL and SDA…

NDIS Support by Condition: A–Z Index

Updated 16 Aug 2026 · reviewed by Prakash Bartaula, Founder, Novida

A plain-English guide to how the NDIS supports people across every major disability category and condition, from autism and cerebral palsy to rare diagnoses and…

Frequently asked questions

Does my child need a formal diagnosis before applying for the NDIS?: For the early childhood pathway, a formal diagnosis is not always required if the child has developmental delay that is likely to affect them for more than two years. The early childhood partner who receives the referral can assess whether the child meets eligibility requirements based on functional evidence. For older…
Can I get NDIS funding if my condition fluctuates?: Yes. Episodic and fluctuating conditions can meet NDIS eligibility if the person experiences significant functional impairment during episodes and the condition is likely to persist. Psychosocial disability, multiple sclerosis, and some chronic pain conditions fall into this category. The key is ensuring that the…
What if the NDIA has never heard of my condition?: The NDIA assesses functional impairment, not diagnostic familiarity. If your evidence clearly documents the functional impacts of your condition, the rarity of the condition should not in itself affect the outcome. However, it can help to include a brief plain-language summary of the condition from a reputable source…
Can I change providers if my current one does not understand my condition?: Yes. Participants have the right to change providers. If you are agency-managed, you need to give notice as specified in your service agreement and then engage a new registered provider. If you are plan-managed or self-managed, the process is more flexible. If a provider is not meeting your needs or is not…
Is assistive technology funded for all conditions?: Assistive technology is funded through the Capital budget when it is directly linked to a functional need arising from the disability. Mobility aids, communication devices, vision technology, hearing technology, and modified daily living equipment can all be funded. The NDIS applies a reasonable and necessary test,…
What is the difference between Supported Independent Living and Specialist Disability Accommodation?: SIL refers to the support workforce in a shared living arrangement: the people who assist residents with daily tasks. SDA refers to the housing itself: purpose-built or modified properties designed for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. Some participants need both SIL and SDA…