Comprehending the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and its provisions for individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is essential for effective support and management. But does the NDIS consider ADHD qualifiable for NDIS funding? Unfortunately, ADHD is not an approved disability as per NDIS eligibility requirements. However, you can still benefit from the NDIS services provided you are eligible for the plan under some specific conditions. If that’s the case, here is a guide to the NDIS ADHD plan management.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, one of the types of disorders that affects the nervous system development. It can affect how an individual pays attention, behaves and controls impulses. The severity and treatment options for ADHD vary from person to person.
NDIS ADHD Plan
On its own, the NDIS doesn’t cover ADHD because it’s a treatable condition that can go away with proper interventions and treatments. Moreover, it’s hard for anyone with ADHD to meet the NDIS eligibility criteria for severe or permanent disability. However, when ADHD occurs alongside another condition like autism, learning disability, intellectual disability or global development delay, you might get NDIS funding and NDIS plan management.
NDIS ADHD Plan Management
Once an individual meets all the requirements for ADHD funding by NDIS, they receive an NDIS plan which includes allocating the fund, accessing the necessary services and achieving their goals. Here is how the plan management works:
-
Understanding Your Plan
The ADHD participant should ensure to familiarise themselves with the details of their NDIS ADHD plan, including the budget allocation, outlined goals and supports and services covered. This makes making informed decisions and utilising the NDIS funding effectively easy.
-
Choosing Plan Management Options
The NDIS offers three plan management options:
Self-management is when the participant or their nominee is responsible for managing their funds.
Plan-managed is where the individual with ADHD receives assistance from a registered NDSP plan management provider (NDIS plan management expert) to handle all their financial aspects on their behalf.
NDIA-managed – This is where the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) directly manages the funding for ADHD supports and services on behalf of the individual.
-
Set Goals And Priorities
The support providers and plan managers for ADHD participants should clearly define the participant’s goals and prioritise them based on their needs. Together with the NDIS planner, they should ensure these goals align with the available funding, supports, and services the individual needs.
-
Exploring Service Providers
The support coordinator and the family members of the ADHD participant should help the individual research and identify registered NDIS service providers. While doing so, it’s crucial to consider factors such as expertise, experience, reputation and location. NDIS professionals and support coordinators are invaluable resources when pursuing assistance for ADHD, as they have extensive knowledge of the support organisations that specialise in ADHD and are well-versed in navigating the challenges associated with this condition.
Other aspects of the NDIS plan management include developing a service agreement, keeping track of all your expenses and regularly reviewing your progress.
Conclusion
Managing the NDIS ADHD plan requires active engagement and ongoing communication with the NDIS service providers and all the relevant bodies. This will help the participant evaluate their progress, make necessary adjustments and maximise the benefits of the NDIS plan outcomes.
