National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 1742
To whom it may concern,
I am a paediatric occupational therapist working in a private clinic in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. I support neurodivergent children and their families, both privately and through the NDIS. I am writing personally and on behalf of my workplace, as the proposed reforms will directly affect the children we see and the stability of our team.
I understand the need for a sustainable NDIS. My concern is that some changes may unintentionally reduce access to early intervention and ongoing supports. In practice, early and consistent therapy prevents challenges from escalating. When children wait too long or lose funding, we often see school refusal, sensory overload, anxiety, and behaviour linked to overwhelm. These situations are harder and more costly to address later.
Many of the children I work with have fluctuating capacity. Their functioning changes with sensory load, fatigue, masking, and the environment. A short or highly standardised reassessment rarely captures this. A child who appears capable in a quiet clinic room may struggle significantly at home or school. If funding decisions rely too heavily on brief assessments, some children will lose supports they still need.
Families also describe the emotional strain of repeatedly proving disability. Reassessments can feel invalidating and add pressure to already stretched households.
There is also a risk that tighter access pushes families to wait until things reach crisis point. Preventative support is always more effective and more economical than responding to crisis. Without it, we see increased mental health needs, school disengagement, and greater pressure on public systems.
The economic impacts extend to families too. Many parents reduce work hours or leave employment when their child cannot access adequate support. Over time, this affects workforce participation, family income, family well-being, and long term outcomes for the child.
I am particularly worried about children with moderate but significant needs. They may not meet strict thresholds but still rely on regular therapy to manage daily life. Without support, their needs often escalate.
I support the goal of strengthening the NDIS. I simply ask that reforms protect access to early intervention, recognise fluctuating disability, and value preventative, relationship-based support. A balanced approach will help children participate, learn, and thrive.
Thank you for your time and for considering the experiences of clinicians and families.
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Submission 1742
Kind Regards,
Melbourne Clinic: Level 1, Jess Senzio (she/her) Suites 1&2 Occupational Therapist 74 Doncaster Road, Balwyn North VIC 3104
Office Phone: 0489 088 665
Email: melbourne@ leapfrogtherapy.co m.au
Website: www.leap frogtherapy.com.au