31/01/2026
📘 NDIS Education: What Does “Reasonable and Necessary” Mean for Children Under 9?
Understanding what the NDIS considers reasonable and necessary can feel confusing — especially as children move from preschool into school and therapy needs begin to change.
For younger children, early intervention and higher therapy intensity may be appropriate. As children grow, therapy often shifts toward supporting functional participation, skill consolidation and sustainability. Throughout this process, it’s important to recognise therapy exhaustion — for both children and parents — and ensure supports remain effective, beneficial and realistic.
The NDIS does not fund therapy based on model names alone (such as ABA or ESDM). Decisions are made based on functional impact, value for money, and whether supports are effective and beneficial.
At Footprints Advocacy, I support families to determine what is truly reasonable and necessary for their child at their current stage of development. This includes reviewing the past 12 months, aligning therapy evidence with NDIS language, and supporting families through the planning and review process so they feel informed, prepared and confident.
📖 Read the full blog here: https://footprintsadvocacy.com.au/news/what-is-reasonable-and-necessary-for-a-child-under-9/