Dravet Syndrome — NDIS Support
Yes — Dravet Syndrome can qualify for NDIS support. Children may access support through early childhood intervention, based on developmental need rather than a fixed diagnosis. Funding covers reasonable and necessary supports across daily living, therapy, social participation and capacity building.
Dravet syndrome is a rare, severe genetic epilepsy that usually begins in the first year of life, most often triggered by fever or temperature change. It is most commonly caused by a change in the SCN1A gene. The seizures are frequent, prolonged and highly resistant to standard epilepsy medications,…
Dravet Syndrome & the NDIS FAQs
- Is Dravet syndrome eligible for the NDIS?
- Yes. Dravet syndrome is a permanent condition causing significant developmental and functional impact, so it strongly supports NDIS access. While it is not on List A, the combination of treatment-resistant epilepsy and developmental delay provides clear functional evidence. Children under seven can access the NDIS…
- What is the early childhood approach and how does it help?
- For children under seven, the NDIS early childhood approach connects families with an early childhood partner who helps access supports and therapies as early as possible. Early intervention during the critical developmental years can improve communication, movement and daily skills. For a condition like Dravet…
- What evidence supports a Dravet syndrome application?
- Helpful evidence includes the genetic or specialist diagnosis, a paediatric neurologist's report, and functional assessments from allied health professionals describing developmental delays and support needs. A seizure management plan and documentation of how frequent seizures and developmental impact affect daily…
- Can families access respite and carer support?
- Yes. Support workers funded in a child's plan can provide supervision and personal care, giving parents essential breaks from the constant vigilance Dravet syndrome demands. Because seizures are unpredictable and often need emergency medication, trained, consistent support is important, and coordinated planning helps…
- Will the NDIS fund seizure medication?
- No. Anti-seizure medications and medical treatment are funded through the health system and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, not the NDIS. The NDIS funds disability supports that build capacity and independence — therapy, support workers, assistive technology and equipment — while the child's medical epilepsy care…
Dravet Syndrome & the NDIS — practical guides
- Applying for the NDIS with Dravet Syndrome
- Assistive Technology for Dravet Syndrome
- Day Programs & Community Participation for Dravet Syndrome
- NDIS Early Childhood & School Support for Dravet Syndrome
- NDIS Funding & Budget for Dravet Syndrome
- Therapy & Allied Health for Dravet Syndrome
- Supported Independent Living (SIL) for Dravet Syndrome
- Finding & Managing Support Workers for Dravet Syndrome
Related conditions
- Dup15q Syndrome and the NDIS
- Dystonia and the NDIS
- Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18) and the NDIS
- Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and the NDIS
- FOXG1 Syndrome and the NDIS
- Friedreich's Ataxia and the NDIS
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome & CIDP and the NDIS
- Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome and the NDIS
- Long COVID and the NDIS
- Marfan Syndrome and the NDIS
Sources
Reviewed by the Novida editorial team · last reviewed 2026-07-12. General information only — not medical advice.