Navigating the NDIS: How to Access Funding for Parent and Carer Training
Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can be a challenging and often overwhelming experience for families. Recent changes have only added to the confusion, leaving many parents wondering how to best utilise their child’s plan to access meaningful support. While the introduction of the "In and Out" list of supports last October was intended to simplify things, it has, for many, created even more questions.
A key example of this confusion is Parent Training. According to the list, general Parenting Programs are “Out,” but disability-specific Parent/Carer Training is still very much “In.” We agree this distinction makes sense—programs like Triple P are already government-funded and provided free to families, so it’s logical that such general parenting resources wouldn’t be covered under the NDIS.
However, training designed specifically for parents of children with disabilities—such as understanding autism and adopting neuro-affirming approaches—remains an important and eligible support within the NDIS. These programs are tailored to help parents build strategies that empower their children to become more independent, socially connected, and confident in navigating their world.
The NDIS Pricing Arrangements Guide, often referred to as the “bible” for service providers, outlines how disability-specific training can be funded. On page 94, you’ll find the Carer/Parent Training line item (#15_038_0117_1_3), which falls under the "Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living" budget of an NDIS plan. This universal line item applies to both NDIS and Early Childhood plans, making it accessible to a wide range of families.
Why Parent Involvement is Key
Parents are central to their child’s therapeutic journey, playing a crucial role in translating strategies learned in therapy into everyday life. They are the consistent figures in their child’s life, providing stability, understanding, and support. When parents actively participate in their child’s development, it enhances the effectiveness of therapies, builds stronger connections, and creates an environment where the child feels safe, supported, and understood.
Advocating for Parent Training in Your NDIS Plan
Despite the foundational NDIS principles of choice and control, recent trends toward Stated Supports have limited how funding can be used. Many plans now focus solely on traditional therapies like Occupational Therapy, Psychology, and Speech Therapy, often overlooking other valuable services such as parent training.
To ensure you can access essential resources, it’s crucial to advocate for Parent/Carer Training during the planning or review stages of your child’s NDIS plan process. This allows you to tap into programs that provide critical insights and tools to support your neurodivergent child in the most affirming and effective ways possible.
If your still under an old NDIS plan that doesn't include stated supports, there’s still an opportunity to enrol in disability-specific parent training. As long as the plan is self-managed or plan-managed, you have funds in the Capacity Building Improved Daily Living section of the plan, and your child's plan has goals around emotional regulation or improved mental health, you can use your child's NDIS plan for disability-specific parent training, like The Parental Stress Centre’s 9-week autism parenting program. This training offers parents comprehensive guidance and support. Best of all, once enrolled, you gain lifetime access to the training materials, ensuring you have ongoing support no matter what changes the NDIS might introduce in the future.
If you are coming up for a NDIS plan review or are a newly applying for the NDIS you will come under the new system of stated supports and you'll need to ask for parent training to be included in your child's plan as a stated support.
Take the Next Step
Parent and carer training is more than just a support service—it’s an investment in your child’s future. By equipping yourself with the right knowledge and tools, you can create a positive and empowering environment that helps your child thrive. For more information about the Parental Stress Centre’s autism parenting program, visit our website or contact us today. Let’s work together to ensure you have the resources and support you need to navigate the journey ahead.