Play therapy is an evidence based, child-centred approach that supports children with disabilities—like those on the Autism Spectrum or with developmental delays—connect, communicate, and work through emotional or behavioural challenges. Guided by a qualified therapist, play therapy allows children to explore their feelings and build essential skills in a safe, non-verbal space. For families navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), understanding how play therapy can fit into your child’s NDIS plan is a crucial first step.

This guide breaks down what play therapy offers, how it supports children with disabilities, and how to access it through the NDIS.

What is Play Therapy?

In play therapy, trained, qualified therapists use carefully structured activities and games to help children express their emotions, develop social skills, and find healthy ways to cope with challenges. Unlike regular play, play therapy provides a therapeutic environment where children can explore complex emotions or traumatic experiences within a safe environment without relying on words.

Play therapy is especially beneficial for children who:

• Are non-verbal or have speech delays
• Struggle to communicate or express feelings through words
• Need help with social and emotional development

Using play as a language, play therapists engage children in activities suited to their abilities and needs. Through these sessions, children gradually develop emotional resilience, learn to manage their feelings, and acquire interpersonal skills that improve their relationships and overall well-being.

How Play Therapy Benefits Children with Disabilities

Play therapy is effective in many areas of development, especially for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, sensory impairments, or physical, learning, or neurological challenges. Here’s how it supports children’s growth:

• Behavioural Support: It provides a non-intimidating space for children to express emotions, helping them process complex feelings and build self-awareness.
• Emotional Regulation: Through guided play, children learn to manage their emotions and develop coping strategies, fostering resilience.
• Communication Skills: Play therapy enhances both verbal and non-verbal communication, promoting healthier relationships and greater confidence.
• Developmentally Appropriate Engagement: Therapy is matched to the child’s developmental stage, allowing them to communicate in a way that feels natural and achievable.
• Trauma Processing: Play therapy helps children work through traumatic experiences by reenacting them in a safe, controlled way.

How to Access Play Therapy Through the NDIS

The NDIS offers multiple pathways to help children with disabilities access play therapy. Here’s how you can include it in your child’s NDIS plan:

1. Early Childhood Approach

For children under 9, the NDIS has an early childhood approach that helps provide timely support, like play therapy, for those with developmental delays or disabilities. This approach connects families to essential therapies and resources early in a child’s development to build foundational skills. More information is found on the NDIS website here.

2. Capacity Building Supports

Play therapy is often funded under Capacity Building Supports, specifically within the Improved Daily Living category. This category is designed to support the development of skills and independence, including therapies like occupational therapy, speech therapy, and play therapy, which help children develop everyday skills.

3. Early Childhood Partners

Early Childhood Partners help families design a customized NDIS plan that fits their child’s needs. They connect families with qualified play therapy providers and other supports. By working with Early Childhood Partners, you can ensure that play therapy integrates smoothly into your child’s routine and addresses their specific developmental goals. More information is found on the NDIS website here.

Steps to Access Play Therapy Under the NDIS

Agency Managed

Overview: The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) directly manages your child’s funds, and services must be delivered by NDIS-registered providers.

Process:

1. Discuss the benefits of play therapy for your child during the planning meeting and ensure it is included under Capacity Building Supports.
2. Use the NDIS Provider Finder to locate qualified registered providers in your area.
3. Set up service agreements with providers; the NDIA will handle payments directly.

Tips: Regularly review progress with the therapist to ensure the therapy aligns with your child’s goals and update your NDIS planner if adjustments are needed.

Plan Managed

Overview: A plan manager oversees your NDIS funds, and you can choose from both registered and non-registered qualified therapists.

Process:

1. Confirm that play therapy is added to the plan during the planning meeting.
2. Choose a plan manager to handle financial transactions and payment processing.
3. Find a suitable provider and set up a service agreement.

Tips: Plan managers offer flexibility with non-registered providers, which can be helpful if local registered providers are limited. Keep regular contact to ensure your spending aligns with the budget.

Self Managed

Overview: You manage all funds, transactions, and administration, with complete control over provider choice.

Process:

1. In the planning meeting, ensure play therapy is part of the plan.
2. Select any qualified play therapist who fits your child’s needs, whether NDIS registered or non-registered.
3. Pay providers directly, then claim reimbursements from the NDIS.

Tips: Maintain organized records of all invoices and payments and check your NDIS plan regularly to monitor usage.

Additional NDIS Funding Categories That May Cover Play Therapy

• Core Supports: Helps with daily activities, which may include play therapy if it supports social participation.
• Daily Living: This sub-category under Capacity Building Supports is specifically aimed at improving skills for daily living
• Improved Relationships: If the therapy enhances social and emotional skills, funding may be allocated here.
• Improved Health and Wellbeing: Although mainly for physical therapies, this category might apply if play therapy is part of a holistic approach to your child’s mental and emotional health.

Discuss these options with your NDIS planner to determine the most appropriate category for your child’s therapy needs.

Final Tips for Accessing Play Therapy Through the NDIS

• Goal Setting: Discuss your child’s specific goals and needs during the planning meeting to ensure relevant supports are included.
• Regular Reviews: Stay in touch with your therapist and NDIS planner to evaluate therapy effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.
• Keep Updated: Familiarise yourself with any NDIS updates that may affect your plan and support options.

Play therapy can play a transformative role in a child’s development, helping them build essential skills and cope with challenges. With the NDIS, you can make this therapy accessible and impactful for your child’s unique journey.

How Ability Assist Supports Play Therapy

At Ability Assist, we are dedicated to helping children achieve their developmental goals through play therapy. Our team works closely with families to tailor support to each child’s unique needs, and we offer qualified play therapy services for children with self-managed and plan-managed NDIS plans. Together, we aim to create a therapeutic experience that aligns with your family’s goals and fosters your child’s development. Contact us to find out more.