Getting therapy for your child
How to get OT, speech, physio or psychology through an NDIS plan — how therapy is funded, using therapy assistants, and setting goals that count.
For many children, the practical heart of an NDIS plan is therapy — occupational therapy, speech pathology, physiotherapy or psychology, depending on what your child needs. If you are new to this, the process can feel opaque. This guide explains how therapy is funded, how to find and start with a therapist, how therapy assistants work, and how to set goals that make each session count.
Which therapies, and for what
How therapy is funded
Finding and starting with a therapist
Therapy assistants and making funding go further
Setting goals and tracking progress
Frequently asked questions
Which budget pays for my child's therapy?
Usually the Capacity Building budget, which funds skill-building. It is separate from Core (everyday supports) and Capital (equipment). Your plan sets out your budgets.
Can I choose my child's therapist?
If your plan is self-managed or plan-managed, you can choose any suitable provider. If it is agency-managed, you choose from NDIS-registered providers. You can also change therapists if the fit is not right.
What is a therapy assistant?
A therapy assistant works under a qualified therapist's direction, often at a lower cost, to help your child practise between sessions. It can give your child more regular practice and make your funding go further.
How many sessions will my child need?
It depends on their goals — there is no set number. Your therapist should explain and justify their recommendation, and you can review it as your child progresses.
What if my therapy funding runs low?
Talk to your support coordinator or planner early. Using therapy assistants, focusing on priority goals and doing home practice can help. If needs have genuinely grown, that is something to raise at your child's reassessment.