What Can a Paediatric Physiotherapist Do for My Child on the NDIS?

What Can a Paediatric Physiotherapist Do for My Child on the NDIS?

 

My child has recently been accepted into the NDIS – what does this mean?

If your child has recently been accepted into the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), it means they’ve been identified as having a disability or developmental delay that is impacting their physical function and ability to participate in everyday life.

There are two main categories of NDIS funding for children:

• Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI): For children under 6 years old, with or without a formal diagnosis. This stream provides early intervention for developmental delays and aims to support families during their child’s early years. Children between 6 and 9 years may still be eligible if they meet specific NDIS criteria.
• NDIS (standard stream): For children over 9 years old with a diagnosed disability that significantly impacts their ability to function and participate long-term.

The NDIS funds reasonable and necessary supports to help children maximise their independence and engagement in self-care, social situations, and community participation.

 

Why has my child been referred to a paediatric physiotherapist?

If your child is on the NDIS and has been referred to a paediatric physiotherapist, it may be due to delays in gross motor skills, difficulties with movement, or challenges keeping up with peers in physical activities.

At Unbreakable Physiotherapy in Moorabbin, our experienced paediatric physiotherapists are trained to assess both typical and atypical movement patterns. We understand the developmental milestones expected for your child’s age and provide evidence-based physiotherapy to help improve function, mobility, and participation.

We support NDIS participants across various settings, including our paediatric physiotherapy clinic in Moorabbin, home, school, or childcare – depending on your child’s goals.

 

What should I expect during the first NDIS paediatric physiotherapy appointment?

Your child’s first NDIS appointment will begin with your physiotherapist obtaining a detailed history, from birth and early childhood up until the present. This is to ensure that a clear picture is obtained about how your child’s physical impairments impact their daily life.

Your physiotherapist will then perform a detailed physical assessment, combining both manual assessments and activity or play-based assessments. This will help your physiotherapist identify any areas that may be impacting their function.

In your initial sessions, your child’s physiotherapist will want to discuss their physiotherapy goals. This ensures that ongoing treatment, if applicable, is goal-oriented specifically to the needs of your child, which is best-practice.

Your therapist may also provide you with a home exercise program to further promote the progression of your child’s goals outside of the physiotherapy clinic.

In accordance with the NDIS Price Guide, appointments are charged at $193.99 per hour. Initial NDIS appointments are scheduled for 1 hour. The length of ongoing appointments will be discussed with your child’s physiotherapist. We may also charge for non-face-to-face time, including admin time, travel time, or report writing and meetings that take longer than 15 minutes, at the discretion of your physiotherapist.

If you have chosen for your child’s plan to be self-managed, you can pay on the day, or an invoice can be sent to you. If your child’s plan is plan-managed, then the invoice will be sent directly to your plan manager after your appointment.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide services to NDIA managed (Agency-managed) NDIS participants.

Does my child need ongoing physiotherapy?

After a full assessment, your paediatric physiotherapist will make recommendations about the type and frequency of ongoing therapy — if needed.

This may include:

• Weekly, fortnightly, or monthly sessions
• Therapy blocks (e.g. 6–12 weeks of targeted physiotherapy working on 1-2 specific goals, followed by a home program during a break period)
• Therapy can be delivered in our Moorabbin paediatric clinic, at home, or at your child’s educational setting – such as school or child care

All treatment is goal-based, following best practice guidelines to support your child’s specific needs.

 

How do paediatric physiotherapists report to the NDIS?

Before your child’s NDIS plan is reviewed or renewed, your paediatric physiotherapist will prepare a comprehensive progress report (if requested by the NDIS). This may include:

• Functional reassessments
• Goal progress updates
• Recommendations for future support
• Evidence of how physiotherapy has improved participation and independence

Your therapist may also ask for feedback from you via questionnaires or interviews to inform the report.

 

How do I know if my child needs paediatric physiotherapy?

If your child:

• Has a diagnosed physical disability
• Struggles with movement or motor development
• Has difficulty participating at childcare, kinder, or school
• Is not keeping up with peers in physical activities

They may benefit from paediatric physiotherapy, especially when supported by the NDIS.

At Unbreakable Physiotherapy Moorabbin, we specialise in helping children improve their physical function so they can thrive in daily life. Contact us today to book an initial assessment with one of our highly experienced paediatric physiotherapists.

 

Helpful Resources and Links

As of 20 May 2025, the following information and resources are current. The NDIS is undergoing some changes, so please speak with your healthcare provider about how these may affect your child’s support.

• Early Childhood Approach (ECEI)
• Applying for the NDIS (Under 6)
• What is the NDIS?
• What the NDIS funds
• Reasonable and Necessary Supports
• Changes to NDIS Funding Periods
• NDIS Legislation Changes