National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 1002
To whom it may concern,
I am writing as a 4th year Occupational Therapy student at with paediatric private practice placement experience, alongside expenence suppo1img neurodivergent children as a Leaming Suppo1i Officer and tutor.
Through my placements and suppo1i roles, I have worked with children and adolescents with autism, ADHD, and senso1y processing differences across home, school, and community environments. Although I am still a student, I have become increasingly aware of how significantly proposed reductions or restrictions to suppo1is may impact children and families in eve1yday life.
One concern is that highly standardised or snapshot-style reassessments may not accurately capture the lived experiences of many children and young people. During placement, I observed that some children may appear “fme” or capable during sho1i assessments, while still experiencing substantial challenges with emotional regulation, senso1y overload, executive functioning, school paiiicipation, fatigue, and social engagement across daily environments. Many neurodivergent children also mask difficulties in stmctured settings, which can make support needs less visible.
I am paiiiculai·ly concerned that some children may lose suppo1is once they become verbally capable or appear academically functional, despite continuing to experience significant functional challenges. Families often continue managing emotional dysregulation, bmnout, school difficulties, and high suppo1i needs behind the scenes, even when these difficulties ai·e not immediately obvious within fonnal assessments.
I have also become awai·e of the emotional and financial pressure many fainilies experience when repeatedly required to justify or “prove” their child’s disability through reassessments and repo1is. During placement, I observed families reducing therapy frequency due to funding pressures, despite clinicians identifying ongoing needs. Long waitlists across paediatric allied health services fmiher increase stress for families attempting to access timely suppo1i .
From my developing clinical perspective, early intervention and consistent allied health support appeai· critically impo1iant, not only for children’s pa1iicipation and wellbeing, but also in preventing more intensive long-te1m difficulties. Suppo1is that strengthen emotional regulation, senso1y processing, independence, and school paiiicipation may reduce future strain on mental health services, schools, healthcai·e systems, and families.
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 1002
I am also concerned about the broader impact on parents and carers, many of whom reduce work hours or experience significant stress while coordinating care and support for their child.
While I understand the importance of creating a sustainable NDIS system, I hope reforms continue to recognise the importance of early intervention, continuity of care, trusted therapeutic relationships, and flexible, neuroaffirming supports that reflect real-world functioning across environments.
Thank you for considering this student perspective informed by practical paediatric placement experience.
Kind regards,