National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026

Submission 1613

I am writing as both a paediatric speech pathologist working in private practice and as a parent navigating disability and developmental support systems.

I support the intention to improve the long-term sustainability and integrity of the NDIS. It is important that the scheme remains viable for future generations and that funding is used appropriately. However, I am concerned that aspects of the proposed reforms may unintentionally disadvantage children with developmental and communication disorders whose functional impairments are often less visible or difficult to capture within standardised assessment processes.

In paediatric practice, communication disabilities frequently present differently across environments. Many children are able to demonstrate isolated skills within structured assessment settings yet experience significant functional difficulties within everyday life, including participation in education, social interaction, emotional regulation, independence, and safety. This is particularly relevant for children with Developmental Language Disorder, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, autism spectrum disorder, and other neurodevelopmental conditions.

There is a risk that increased reliance on standardized functional assessments or narrower eligibility interpretations may fail to accurately reflect the real-world impact of these disabilities on children and families. Communication disorders are often ‘invisible disabilities,’ and their impact can easily be underestimated when decisions are based on brief observations or limited documentation.

I am also concerned about the potential impact of increased administrative burden and repeated reassessment requirements on both families and clinicians. Families of children with disability are already navigating significant emotional, financial, and practical stressors. Additional complexity, uncertainty, or interruptions to supports may negatively affect both child outcomes and family wellbeing.

From a clinical perspective, continuity of care and timely early intervention are critical. In many cases, early therapy reduces later educational, behavioural, mental health, and social support needs. Restricting access to appropriate early supports may ultimately increase long-term costs across multiple systems, including education and health.

Private paediatric practices also play a significant role in reducing waitlists and ensuring children can access services within their local communities. It is important that reforms do not unintentionally reduce flexibility or create barriers that impact the viability of community-based services and family choice.

I respectfully urge the government to ensure that implementation of these reforms includes:

• meaningful consultation with frontline clinicians, participants, and families; safeguards for children with communication and developmental disorders;

National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026

Submission 1613

• Recognition of functional impacts across real-world environments, not solely standardized assessment contexts; reduced administrative duplication wherever possible.
• and preservation of continuity and flexibility in therapeutic support.