Cerebral Palsy — NDIS Support
Yes — Cerebral Palsy can qualify for NDIS support. CP is on the NDIA’s List A, so the disability requirement is treated as met — the focus is confirming the diagnosis. Funding covers reasonable and necessary supports across daily living, therapy, social participation and capacity building.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability in childhood, affecting approximately 1 in 500 births — around 34,000 Australians. It is caused by damage to or abnormal development of the brain before, during or shortly after birth, resulting in permanent disorders of movement and…
CP & the NDIS FAQs
- Is Cerebral Palsy automatically eligible for NDIS?
- Yes. Cerebral palsy is a List A condition and is likely to meet NDIS disability requirements automatically. A clinical diagnosis from a paediatrician, neurologist or rehabilitation specialist is needed for the Access Request. CP is one of the most commonly funded conditions in the NDIS. Plan funding varies enormously…
- How is CP funding allocated in an NDIS plan?
- CP funding is typically allocated across Core Supports (personal care, community access, support workers) and Capacity Building (therapy, skill development) and Capital Supports (wheelchairs, communication devices, home modifications). The allocation is based on the individual's support needs and goals as identified in…
- What is the GMFCS and why does it matter for NDIS?
- The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) is a five-level system describing the gross motor function of people with CP, from Level I (walks without limitations) to Level V (transported in a manual wheelchair, very limited self-initiated movement). GMFCS level is a key indicator of support needs and is…
- How does CP affect ageing?
- Adults ageing with CP can experience what is called "post-CP syndrome" or "ageing with CP" — increased pain, fatigue, loss of functional abilities and musculoskeletal complications (arthritis, joint deterioration, scoliosis progression). These changes typically occur earlier than in the general population. NDIS plans…
- Can a child with mild CP get NDIS?
- Yes. Even children with mild CP (GMFCS Level I or II) can access NDIS supports, as CP is a List A condition regardless of severity. Mild CP still typically causes permanent impairment of movement and may require therapy, orthotics and assistive technology. Children can access the NDIS Early Childhood approach from…
CP & the NDIS — practical guides
- Applying for the NDIS with Cerebral Palsy
- Assistive Technology for Cerebral Palsy
- NDIS Funding & Budget for Cerebral Palsy
- Therapy & Allied Health for Cerebral Palsy
- Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) for Cerebral Palsy
- Supported Independent Living (SIL) for Cerebral Palsy
- Finding & Managing Support Workers for Cerebral Palsy
Related conditions
- Epilepsy and the NDIS
- Multiple Sclerosis and the NDIS
- Motor Neurone Disease and the NDIS
- Parkinson's Disease and the NDIS
- Huntington's Disease and the NDIS
- Stroke and the NDIS
- Spina Bifida and the NDIS
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy and the NDIS
- Tourette Syndrome and the NDIS
- Joubert Syndrome and the NDIS
Sources
Reviewed by the Novida editorial team · last reviewed 2026-07-12. General information only — not medical advice.