NDIS-Aligned OT for Autistic Kids with High Support Needs
Wanting to ensure your support aligns with evidence-based neurodiversity-affirming practices?
Gain practical strategies to make therapy more accessible, foster environmental accommodations, document functional support needs clearly and build your confidence when advocating for appropriate and sustainable supports.
Date: Friday 5 September 2025
Time: 11:00am – 12:30pm AEST
Duration:Â 1.5 hours
What will you learn?
Whether you support toddlers, teens or anyone in between, this practical session will help you navigate the complexities of working with autistic children and young people with high support needs under the NDIS whilst honouring their strengths, autonomy and preferences.
You’ll gain practical tools to translate neurodivergent traits into functional evidence, make funding recommendations that reflect real-world support needs and structure therapy in a way that feels achievable, even for clients who engage differently or require flexible approaches.
You’ll also explore neurodiversity-affirming support ideas, strategies to reduce therapist and carer burnout and tips for writing reports that justify Core, Capacity Building and Assistive Technology funding.
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We will cover:
- How to translate Autistic high support needs into clear, NDIA-ready functional evidence
- Recommended assessments for parents and how to use them to strengthen NDIS funding requests
- Goal-writing that reflects authentic capacity and needs across ages 0–18 that doesn’t encourage masking or reducing autistic traits
- Practical, affirming therapy strategies for non-speaking and emotionally dysregulated children in sessions
- Report-writing techniques to justify Core, Capacity Building and AT supports
- Strategies to protect your energy and support sustainable practice
- Case studies across age groups with functional insights and practical examples
This workshop also includes downloadable tools including therapy planning flowcharts, goal examples and neurodiversity-affirming home program templates.
Who is this workshop for?
- Occupational Therapists working with children or teens with high support needs
- OTs looking for affirming, practical tools to guide therapy, assessment and reporting
- Clinicians seeking creative, respectful ways to engage children who may not participate in traditional therapy models
- Early career and experienced OTs wanting to strengthen their confidence in NDIS advocacy
Why attend?
- Learn how to confidently translate neurodivergent traits into functional evidence
- Streamline your therapy and assessment process using accessible, practical tools
- Build your capacity to justify NDIS Core, Capacity Building and AT supports effectively
- Discover flexible ways to structure therapy, even when sessions are unpredictable
- Walk away with templates, real-world examples and resources you can implement immediately
About the Presenter
Laura McNab is a dedicated community-based Occupational Therapist with 9 years of experience in community work, including 5 years as an OT. She has worked extensively with organizations such as the YMCA and Child Safety, where she developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by preteens and teens. This experience has fueled her passion for supporting young people, particularly in the NDIS space.
Specialising in complex cases, Laura is skilled in using evidence-based approaches to engage teens and preteens, manage challenging behaviours, and align therapy goals with stakeholder priorities. Her expertise includes leveraging frameworks like attachment theory and developmental milestones, integrating standardised assessments such as the BRIEF and the Sensory Profile, and using tools like Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) to ensure measurable progress.
Through this training, Laura aims to empower fellow occupational therapists with advanced strategies for enhancing their practice, advocating effectively within the NDIS framework, and ultimately supporting young people in achieving meaningful participation and independence.
