Does your child need a diagnosis?
Whether or not your child needs a diagnosis depends on the kind of support you would like them to receive.
Support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Your child does not need a diagnosis or identified delay for you to ask for support from an NDIS Early Childhood partner.
The Early Childhood partner will work with you to understand your child’s support needs. They will be able to help you with short-term strategies and supports, or to access longer-term support through the NDIS.
To access longer-term support or become an NDIS participant, you will need evidence of a permanent disability or global delay. Your child will not need a diagnosis until the age of seven.
Evidence can include reports from therapists, specialists, or any kind of health professional that treats your child. It should show the functional impact of the disability on your child’s day to day life.
You can find out more about how the NDIS helps children under the age of 7 at the NDIS website.
Support in early childhood education
Your child’s early childhood education service must operate in line with the Australian Disability Discrimination Act 1992, with preschools also covered by the Disability Standards for Education 2005.
This means that your child should have the same access to and participation in education as other children.
Your child’s early education service should talk to you about your child’s needs and strengths, and what support they need including making reasonable adjustments for your child to learn.
Early childhood education is based on individual planning with every child developing at their own pace, with or without a disability.
Early intervention support
You will need an identified delay or a diagnosis for your child to apply for the department’s early intervention support.
Your child does not need a diagnosis to be given adjustments or support once they begin primary school.