Occupational therapist raises concerns about supports for autistic children (Provider experience)

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

Submission 556

I am writing as a resident of Tasmania and a strong supporter of the Occupational Therapy Society for Invisible Disabilities (OTSi).

I have serious concerns regarding the proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 and would like to see better support for people living with invisible disabilities. I am a paediatric occupational therapist working within this sector, supporting children who experience difficulties with emotional regulation, communication, sensory processing, transitions, social and emotional

skills, participation, and functional activities of daily  living  skills. These challenges can

significantly  affect a  child’s  ability  to engage  consistently  in everyday environments,

participate meaningfully alongside their peers, and independently manage age-appropriate daily living skills.

I see firsthand the impact that proposed funding cuts would have on children and families in my community. Many of the children I support are autistic, and while their challenges may not always be obvious in structured settings such as school, this does not mean they are coping well. In particular, many autistic girls become highly skilled at masking their difficulties in order to appear compliant and capable throughout the school day.

However, parents usually describe a very different picture at home. After school, these

children  are  often  overwhelmed  and  emotionally  exhausted,  leading  to  distress,

dysregulation, conflict within the family, difficulty managing daily routines, and significant sleep disturbances. Many are functioning in a constant state of stress and hypervigilance, without the emotional insight, coping strategies, or therapeutic support needed to manage these experiences effectively.

Early intervention and ongoing therapeutic support are critical in helping these children develop the skills they need to participate successfully in daily life, maintain their mental wellbeing, and reduce long-term impacts on both the child and their family. Reducing access to supports risks placing even greater pressure on families, schools, and the broader health system. Children who are not adequately supported to reach their potential are at greater risk of poorer educational outcomes, reduced employment opportunities, and ongoing economic disadvantage. Also autistic girls are increasingly vulnerable to the gender pay gap later in life.

There are a lot of pressures facing our health system, including high demand, diminished referral pathways, workforce shortages, and limited allied health capacity across both health and community settings. I see firsthand the consequences when people cannot access support early. For example. When I see a child who is aggressive in the classroom we can intervene with ways to reduce aggression through helping them to manage their emotions and advising adults in the educational and home setting to provide modifications to minimise triggers. When there is no intervention, the child becomes bigger and stronger and their aggressive outbursts become a lot more serious.

Many of the systems are over-subscribed and already operating with big wait lists. I am therefore deeply concerned about the reforms being rolled out in Tasmania, where the

market  is  thin. Also, those families who do not have the resources or wherewithal to

advocate for their child, are particularly vulnerable. Without the current model of Early Intervention, many children would not have access to essential specialised support to manage the increasing functional difficulties they experience.

Some parents who pay privately for intervention are willing to do so with the understanding that NDIS funding might be available down the line. Financially, if this option is stripped

away, families would simply be unable to help  their  child without  significant personal

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

Submission 556

sacrifice. It is not sustainable for the average Australian family. The alternative is watching their child struggle without support.

At present, there appears to be no clear or adequately developed plan for how existing services will manage the increased demand if the proposed NDIS changes are implemented. While initiatives such as “Thriving Kids” have been discussed, after attending a recent local

consultation meeting with participants and providers,  I left with very  little confidence that

there is a practical framework in place. There were few concrete answers about what the future system will look like, how services will be delivered, or how children and families with complex needs will continue to access the supports they rely on.

I am urging you not to proceed with the proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026. Or at the very least to put in a robust model of sufficient supports before enacting any changes to the NDIS.