NDIS early intervention is now up to 9 years of age

Early intervention supports for children on the NDIS scheme have only been available until a child is 7 years old at their time of NDIS plan review. At that time they were transitioned to the main scheme.

From July 1 2023, the age of early intervention is now birth to 9 years of age.

This means:

• if you are already in the scheme under early intervention when you turn 7, you can continue til 9 years of age if you continue to need services

• if you are entering the scheme before your 9th birthday, you are eligible for early intervention.

Why does this matter?

• there is a great deal of evidence around how vital early intervention is to optimise children's learning and independence. It's one of our key values

• the NDIS supports a higher level of supports in capacity building in the early intervention program in recognition of this

• the NDIS supports a more collaborative model of care between allied heatlh professionals in the early intervention program

• a formal diagnosis is not needed for entry into the early intervention section of the NDIS. Eligibility is based on demonstration of developmental delay in one or more developmental area. This is important as children have often not received a formal diagnosis other than 'developmental delay' by age of 7.

• this allows for improved levels of care for children in their first few years of transitioning into school

Potential concerns:

• there is a great deal of neuroplasticity and opportunity for development and learning throughout the lifespan, and in particular in childhood

• before school is the best known time frame, however progress can continue throughout school years

• there is another burst of neuroplasticity again at adolescence

• it's vital that children receive the level of support necessary to achieve their goals, and support everyone around them to build their capacity and provide an accessible and supportive environment, at all stages

• we need to continue to recognise that neuroplasticity is life long, and that gains can be made at any age as long as the participant identifies goals that are important to them, relevant to their life, looked at within the social model of Disability, and that interventions are goal directed and specific to the individual's changing needs.

Reference:

https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/9175-age-children-supported-under-ndis-early-childhood-approach-changing

Shayna Gavin is a physiotherapist who is passionate about helping babies, children and young people learn functional skills so they can participate in life at home, school and in their community. Recognising that children do best in their own environments, she visits homes, schools, and leisure activities from football fields to ballet classes. She also has daily aquatic physiotherapy sessions available at two private swimming schools in Moonee Ponds and Greensborough, Melbourne. She combines principles of paediatric physiotherapy, Contemporary Neuro Developmental Treatment, motor learning, and swimming teaching to address the individual needs of each child and their family. She loves providing professional development to physiotherapists, allied health and education professionals, allied health assistants and swimming teachers.