If your child loses NDIS funding, they can still access support including speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, physiotherapy, exercise physiology and developmental assessments. Losing NDIS funding does not mean your child loses access to help. It means the way support is funded or accessed may change. 

There are also some Medicare pathways that may help reduce the cost of therapy for eligible families.

A GP Chronic Condition Management Plan may allow a child to access Medicare rebates for some allied health services, including speech pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, exercise physiology and psychology. These sessions are limited and shared across allied health disciplines, so it is important to speak with your GP about what is most appropriate for your child.

There is also a separate Medicare pathway called M10 pathway. It’s for children and young people under 25 with complex neurodevelopmental conditions or eligible disabilities, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. It can be used for some speech-related concerns, including stuttering, speech sound disorders, articulation disorders, phonological disorders, childhood apraxia of speech and cleft lip or palate. This is different from a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan and has its own eligibility and referral requirements.

The best first step is to speak with your GP and ask which Medicare referral pathway, if any, may be suitable for your child.

If you're trying to understand the broader reforms affecting young children, you may also find our guide helpful:

👉 What Are The Recent NDIS Changes For Children Under 8?

Key Takeaways

• Losing NDIS funding does not mean your child loses access to therapy or developmental support.
• Children can still access speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, physiotherapy, exercise physiology and developmental assessments.
• The new Thriving Kids model is changing how some children access support.
• Developmental assessments can help families understand what support may be most beneficial.
• There are often more options available than parents initially realise.
• Early intervention remains important regardless of funding source.

Why Are Some Children Losing NDIS Funding?

Some children may lose NDIS funding because of recent NDIS reforms and changes to early childhood support pathways. These reforms aim to provide developmental support earlier while reserving long-term disability funding for children with significant and permanent disabilities.

Many of the current changes are linked to the introduction of the Thriving Kids model. Rather than moving directly into long-term disability funding, some children may first access developmental support through community programs, parenting support, developmental assessments and therapy services.

For parents, this may feel frustrating. And we get it - one month you're attending therapy sessions under an NDIS plan. The next month you're being told your child may need to access support differently. It can feel like someone has changed the rules halfway through the game. But your child is in a process and requires support.

I remember speaking with a mum recently who said:

"I feel like I've spent two years learning how the NDIS works and now I have to learn a whole new system."

Many parents feel exactly the same way.

The important thing to understand is that these reforms are not based on the idea that children no longer need support. Instead, they are based on the belief that some children may benefit from earlier developmental support before requiring long-term disability funding.

Whether you agree with the reforms or not, the reality is that families are now navigating a changing landscape. Understanding your options is the best place to start.

What Happens If My Child Loses NDIS Funding?

If your child loses NDIS funding, they can still access support through a variety of pathways. Losing funding does not mean your child no longer needs support or can no longer benefit from therapy.

This is one of the biggest misconceptions we see. Parents often hear the words "no longer eligible" and immediately assume support must stop. In reality, funding eligibility and developmental needs are two completely different things. A child can lose funding and still benefit enormously from speech therapy. A child can lose funding and still need occupational therapy. A child can lose funding and still need psychology support, physiotherapy, exercise physiology or developmental assessments.

Parents aren't usually worried about funding itself. They're worried about what happens to their child. They're worried about losing progress. They're worried about missing something important. They're worried about making the wrong decision. Those concerns are completely understandable.

The First Thing Parents Need To Know

The first thing parents need to know is that losing NDIS funding is not the end of the road. It is simply a change in how support may be accessed. Many families assume they need to figure everything out immediately. You don't. Take a breath, then gather your information and start asking questions.

Seek advice from professionals who understand child development.

One of the biggest mistakes parents make during periods of uncertainty is delaying support because they are waiting for clarity. The hard part is that child development doesn't pause while systems change. Kids keep growing, learning and facing challenges at school, home and in social situations. This is why early intervention remains important, regardless of funding source.

In many cases, children benefit most when families focus on understanding their child's needs first and funding pathways second. Once you understand what support your child needs, it becomes much easier to work out how to access it. And that is where many families find confidence again.

Can My Child Still Get Speech Therapy Without NDIS?

Yes. Children can still access speech therapy without NDIS funding through private services and other support pathways. Speech therapy can support children with speech delay, language difficulties, social communication challenges, autism and childhood apraxia of speech.

"If we lose NDIS funding, does that mean speech therapy has to stop?"

The answer is no. Many families continue speech therapy because communication remains one of the most important foundations for learning, relationships and confidence.

When children struggle to express themselves, understand language, join conversations or make themselves understood, those challenges often affect far more than speech alone. They can impact friendships, emotional regulation, learning and self-esteem.

I often think about a child we worked with who became frustrated almost every afternoon after school. His parents initially thought it was behavioural. After spending time understanding his communication skills, it became clear that he was working incredibly hard all day just to keep up with conversations and classroom instructions.

The frustration was a symptom.

As his communication skills improved, so did his confidence.

This is why speech therapy remains valuable regardless of where funding comes from.

Parents often seek speech therapy support when their child:

• is a late talker
• struggles to pronounce sounds clearly
• finds it difficult to follow instructions
• has difficulty expressing thoughts and feelings
• struggles with social communication
• stutters
• has autism-related communication differences

If you're concerned about your child's communication, speech therapy may still be an important part of their support plan. And you can book in to see one of our dedicated therapists to support you on this journey by filling out a booking enquiry here. 

Can My Child Still See An Occupational Therapist Without NDIS?

Yes. Occupational therapy remains available without NDIS funding and can support children with sensory processing challenges, emotional regulation difficulties, motor skills, handwriting and everyday independence.

Occupational therapists help children participate more successfully in daily life. That might sound simple, but participation affects almost everything.

• Getting dressed in the morning.
• Joining classroom activities.
• Managing transitions.
• Using cutlery.
• Writing.
• Playing with friends.
• Following routines.

Occupational therapy isn't just about fine motor skills. At All About Kids, we often see children whose biggest challenge isn't handwriting at all. It's little things that happen in everyday life.

• A child who struggles with sensory processing may find school overwhelming.
• A child who finds transitions difficult may appear oppositional when they're actually anxious.
• A child who constantly moves may be trying to regulate their body rather than "misbehaving."

Occupational therapy helps families understand what is driving those challenges and provides practical strategies to help.

Can My Child Still See A Psychologist Without NDIS?

Yes. Children can continue seeing a psychologist without NDIS funding. Psychology services can support anxiety, ADHD, emotional regulation, behaviour challenges, self-esteem and school-related concerns.

A big shift we see in modern parenting is becoming more proactive about supporting our child's emotional wellbeing. Years ago, families often waited until challenges became severe before seeking support. Perhaps even feeling embarrassed to say that they’re seeing a psychologist.

Today, many parents recognise the value of early intervention. And that's a positive thing Psychology isn't only for children experiencing significant mental health concerns.

Sometimes children simply need support understanding their emotions. It can even be parents that can use support with guidance around behaviour.

If a child is dealing with anxiety, it can show up as tummy aches, school refusal or emotional outbursts.

A psychologist can help children build skills in areas such as:

• emotional regulation
• resilience
• anxiety management
• social confidence
• behaviour support
• attention and executive functioning

If the NDIS changes affect you, there are still other pathways of working with a psychologist directly, or starting with a Mental Health Plan from your GP, going through private insurance or booking the sessions directly. 

Can My Child Still Access Physiotherapy Without NDIS?

Yes. Physiotherapy can still be accessed without NDIS funding and may support children with movement difficulties, coordination challenges, low muscle tone, developmental delays and physical disabilities. Physiotherapy focuses on helping children move more effectively, comfortably and confidently.

This can look different for every child.

• For one child, physiotherapy might focus on improving balance and coordination.
• For another, it might involve strengthening muscles needed for walking, running or climbing.
• For a younger child, it may focus on developmental milestones such as crawling, sitting or standing.

Movement plays a much bigger role in development than many people realise. And physiotherapy is not only for support after an injury or as rehab for broken bones. Children learn through movement. They build confidence through movement and connect with friends through movement. When movement is difficult, children can sometimes begin avoiding activities that help them grow.

Physiotherapy helps remove those barriers. Many families continue physiotherapy because improvements in movement often have a positive ripple effect on confidence, participation and independence.

Can My Child Still Access Exercise Physiology Without NDIS?

Yes. Exercise physiology can support children who need help with strength, coordination, fitness, endurance and participation in physical activity. Exercise physiology is one of the fastest-growing areas of support for children with developmental, neurological and physical challenges. Many children know they need to move more.

The challenge is finding movements they actually enjoy. That's where exercise physiology can be incredibly valuable. At All About Kids, our exercise physiologists work with children in engaging environments where therapy often feels more like play. We have:

• Obstacle courses.
• Gymnastics equipment.
• Games.
• Movement challenges.
• Strength activities disguised as fun.

Children often arrive thinking they're going to play. Parents know they're building important physical skills at the same time. And in today’s very stagnant lifestyle, encouraging children to move more is very important.

Exercise physiology may help children with:

• autism
• ADHD
• developmental coordination disorder
• hypermobility
• low muscle tone
• physical disabilities
• reduced strength or endurance
• confidence with movement

Children make their best progress when they're engaged, motivated and enjoying the process. And for many children, movement becomes easier when it feels less like therapy and more like success when they see themselves imporving.

Can My Child Still Access Therapy If They Don't Qualify For NDIS?

Yes. Children can still access a wide range of therapy services even if they no longer qualify for NDIS funding. The most important thing is identifying which supports are most appropriate for your child's needs. One of the challenges families face after losing funding is assuming they need to replace every service immediately.

Sometimes children need ongoing support from multiple professionals. But other times they only need one key service.

They may also benefit most from a developmental assessment first so families can better understand what support will have the greatest impact.

We don’t try to push the kids we work with into every possible service, we want to help find the right one or two for your child’s specific needs. This is where professional guidance can make a significant difference. Understanding your child's strengths and challenges helps families make informed decisions rather than reacting from a place of fear.

What Is The Thriving Kids Model?

The Thriving Kids model is a new approach to supporting children with developmental concerns. Rather than directing all children toward long-term disability funding, the model focuses on providing earlier developmental support through community services, parenting support, therapy and developmental guidance.

For years, many families felt like they had to wait until concerns became significant enough to meet NDIS eligibility requirements. The Thriving Kids model aims to shift that thinking by connecting families with support sooner.

While the model is still being rolled out across Australia, the intention is to create a system where children can access help without necessarily requiring lifelong disability funding.

Should My Child Have A Developmental Assessment?

A developmental assessment can help identify whether concerns relate to autism, ADHD, developmental delay, speech and language difficulties, learning differences or emotional regulation challenges. It provides a clearer picture of how your child is developing and what support may be beneficial.

Many parents describe having a feeling that something isn't quite right. They can't always explain it. They just know their child seems to be finding things harder than other children. Or teachers may bring something up with you. Even grandparents mention differences. And a lot of the time parents have been wondering for years.

A developmental assessment helps replace uncertainty with understanding.

It helps answer questions like:

• Why is my child struggling socially?
• Why does my child become overwhelmed so easily?
• Why are routines so difficult?
• Why is learning harder than expected?
• Does my child have ADHD?
• Could my child be autistic?

Parents often tell us that receiving answers is a huge relief. Because understanding creates direction and confidence to take charge and to help your child.

How Do I Know If My Child Needs A Psychological Assessment?

A psychological assessment can help identify concerns related to ADHD, autism, learning difficulties, cognitive development, behaviour and emotional wellbeing. It provides detailed information about how a child thinks, learns and processes information.

Parents often ask:

"When should I get my child assessed?"

… sooner than you think.

You don't need to wait until your child is failing at school. You don't need to wait until everyone is exhausted. And you don't need to wait until problems become so severe that there’s conflict at home. If concerns have been present for some time and you're struggling to understand why, an assessment may provide valuable answers.

A psychological assessment can help families understand:

• learning strengths and challenges
• attention and concentration difficulties
• executive functioning skills
• emotional wellbeing
• behaviour patterns
• cognitive abilities

What Is A Multidisciplinary Assessment?

A multidisciplinary assessment involves multiple professionals working together to understand a child's development. This approach often provides a more complete picture than a single assessment alone. Children are wonderfully complex. One element affects the other. 

• Communication affects behaviour.
• Motor skills affect confidence.
• Attention affects learning.
• Emotional regulation affects relationships.

Everything is connected. That's why multidisciplinary assessments are often so valuable.

Rather than looking at one small piece of the puzzle, multiple professionals work together to understand the whole child.

Depending on your child's needs, this may include:

• psychologists
• speech pathologists
• occupational therapists
• physiotherapists
• exercise physiologists

Parents often leave multidisciplinary assessments with a clear roadmap.

What Should I Do This Week If My Child's Funding Has Changed?

If your child's funding has changed, focus on understanding your child's needs before making major decisions about services. Gathering information now will help you make more confident decisions later.

A simple starting point is:

Step 1: Write down your biggest concerns.

What is affecting your child's daily life the most?

• Communication?
• Behaviour?
• Learning?
• Friendships?
• Movement?
• Emotional regulation?

Step 2: Speak with professionals you trust.

This may include your GP, paediatrician, psychologist, speech pathologist or occupational therapist.

Step 3: Speak with your GP about Medicare options.

Ask your GP whether your child may be eligible for a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan, a Mental Health Treatment Plan, or another Medicare referral pathway.

This does not replace NDIS funding, and it may not cover the full cost of therapy, but it can reduce some of the out-of-pocket cost for eligible families.

Step 4: Create a plan based on your child's needs rather than your funding pathway.

The families who navigate change most successfully are the ones who take the time to inform themselves of the changes and how they will affect their family. 

If you would like to book an appointment for an assessment you’re welcome to fill out a booking enquiry here and we will get back to you to make sure it’s the right fit for your individual situation.

Services Available Without NDIS Funding

Service	What It Can Help With
Speech Therapy	Speech delay, language development, communication, social skills
Occupational Therapy	Sensory processing, emotional regulation, motor skills, independence
Psychology	ADHD, anxiety, behaviour, emotional wellbeing, learning
Physiotherapy	Movement, balance, strength, gross motor development
Exercise Physiology	Strength, coordination, fitness, endurance, participation
Developmental Assessment	Autism, ADHD, developmental delay, learning differences
Multidisciplinary Assessment	Whole-child understanding and support planning

 

Related Questions Parents Ask

What happens if my child loses NDIS funding?

If your child loses NDIS funding, they can still access support including speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, physiotherapy, exercise physiology and developmental assessments.

Can my child still get therapy without NDIS?

Yes. Many children continue therapy through private services, Medicare-supported pathways, schools, community programs and alternative funding options.

Can Medicare Help Pay For Allied Health Therapy?

In some cases, yes. If your child has a chronic or ongoing health condition, your GP may decide that a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan is appropriate. This used to be commonly referred to as an EPC or Chronic Disease Management Plan, so you may still hear people use those older names.

A GP Chronic Condition Management Plan can help eligible families access Medicare rebates for some allied health services. This may include speech pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, exercise physiology, psychology and other allied health supports, depending on your child’s needs and what your GP includes in the plan.

At the moment, eligible patients can usually access up to 5 individual Medicare-supported allied health sessions per calendar year under this pathway. These sessions are shared across allied health services, so for example, they are not 5 sessions for speech therapy plus 5 sessions for OT plus 5 sessions for physiotherapy. Your GP will help decide which services are most appropriate.

It is also important to know that Medicare usually does not cover the full cost of therapy. It provides a rebate, which means there may still be an out-of-pocket gap fee.

For children with speech sound difficulties, stuttering, articulation concerns, phonological disorders, childhood apraxia of speech or cleft lip and palate, there may also be another Medicare pathway available through the M10 allied health items. This is separate from the GP Chronic Condition Management Plan and has its own eligibility and referral requirements.

The best starting point is to speak with your GP. You can ask: “Is my child eligible for a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan or another Medicare referral pathway for allied health support?” If you are unsure what to ask for, our team can help you understand what information may be useful to take back to your GP.

Can my child still get speech therapy without NDIS?

Yes. Speech therapy remains available regardless of NDIS eligibility and can support communication, language development and social communication skills.

Can my child still see an occupational therapist without NDIS?

Yes. Occupational therapy can help with sensory processing, emotional regulation, motor skills and everyday independence.

What services can still be accessed without NDIS?

Children can access speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, physiotherapy, exercise physiology, developmental assessments and multidisciplinary assessments.

Does my child need a developmental assessment?

If you have concerns about communication, behaviour, attention, learning, emotional regulation or development, a developmental assessment may help identify what support is needed.

What is the Thriving Kids model?

The Thriving Kids model aims to provide earlier developmental support through community services, therapy and developmental pathways before long-term disability funding is considered.

Can my child still receive support if they don't qualify for NDIS?

Yes. Many children continue to receive valuable support through therapy services, assessments and community-based programs even if they do not qualify for NDIS funding.

How do I know if my child has ADHD?

Children who struggle with attention, impulsivity, organisation, emotional regulation or hyperactivity may benefit from a psychological or developmental assessment to explore whether ADHD may be contributing to their challenges.

How do I know if my child has autism?

Children who experience differences in communication, social interaction, sensory processing or behaviour may benefit from a developmental assessment to better understand whether autism may be present.

 

- All About Kids Team