Ethan (Name changed for privacy) was struggling significantly with emotional regulation and compliance. His family had recently received an NDIS plan but was completely overwhelmed by the complexity of the funding categories. They were unsure how to access the right behaviour therapy for children or how to interpret the "Improved Relationships" budget. Meanwhile, Ethan’s behaviour was escalating—he was refusing to attend school three days a week and had frequent, intense verbal outbursts at home when asked to follow simple routines.
The Challenge
The primary challenge for Ethan’s family wasn't just the behaviour itself, but the administrative burden of the NDIS which was delaying critical support.
- NDIS Confusion: Ethan’s parents felt "lost in the system." They had funding but didn't know how to use it effectively to get a behaviour support practitioner. They were stuck in a cycle of calling providers and getting confused by the terminology.
- Escalating Behaviour: While the family tried to figure out the paperwork, Ethan’s school refusal was becoming a chronic issue. He was falling behind academically and socially.
- Family Strain: The stress of managing Ethan’s outbursts combined with the frustration of navigating the NDIS created significant tension at home. His parents felt unsupported and isolated, unsure if they would ever find a team that "got it."
We had the funding, but we had no idea how to use it. daar didn't just give us a therapist; they gave us a roadmap. For the first time, we feel like we're actually in control of our NDIS plan, and seeing Ethan happy at school is priceless.
daar Therapy Approach
The team at daar took a dual-pronged approach: first, guiding the family through the NDIS maze, and second, implementing a robust Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) plan.
Phase 1: NDIS Navigation & Education
Before therapy could even begin, we sat down with the family to demystify their NDIS plan.
- Budget Breakdown: We explained exactly what their funding covered, specifically how the "Improved Relationships" budget could be used for specialised behaviour support.
- Goal Alignment: We helped them articulate clear, NDIS-aligned goals (e.g., "Ethan will increase school attendance to 4 days a week") to ensure long-term funding security.
- Provider Connection: We matched them with a practitioner who had specific experience with ODD and school refusal, ensuring a good personality fit for Ethan.
Phase 2: Socialised Behaviour Therapy & PBS
Once the administrative hurdles were cleared, we implemented a tailored therapy plan:
- Routine & Structure: We established a visual morning routine to reduce the friction of getting ready for school.
- Emotional Regulation Skills: Ethan worked on identifying his "anger triggers" and learned specific calming strategies (like deep breathing or using a fidget tool) before reaching a crisis point.
- Parent Coaching: We empowered his parents with positive behaviour support strategies, teaching them how to reinforce positive choices rather than getting into power struggles during defiance.
Results and Progress
The relief of having a clear path forward allowed the family to focus entirely on Ethan’s progress. Within four months, the changes were transformative.
- School Attendance: Ethan went from missing most of the week to attending 4 full days on average. He began to engage in classroom activities and even joined the school soccer team.
- Home Harmony: The morning battles disappeared. Ethan now completes his morning routine independently 90% of the time.
- Family Empowerment: His parents no longer feel "lost." They understand their plan, know how to advocate for Ethan, and feel supported by a team that communicates clearly.
Key Outcomes
- Effective Funding Utilisation: The family maximised their NDIS budget to get the exact support Ethan needed without waste or confusion.
- Reduced School Refusal: By addressing the anxiety behind the refusal, Ethan re-engaged with his education.
- Skill Building: Ethan learned vital child behaviour and progress skills, moving from reactive outbursts to proactive self-regulation.
- Stress Reduction: The entire family dynamic shifted from high-stress management to positive, supportive interaction.
Conclusion
Navigating the NDIS can be as challenging as managing the behaviours themselves. But you don't have to do it alone. Ethan’s story proves that with the right guidance—both administrative and therapeutic—families can move from confusion to clarity.
At daar, we help families understand their NDIS plans so they can access the socialised behaviour therapy and support they deserve. We are committed to making the process simple, transparent, and effective.
Don't let paperwork stand in the way of your child's progress. Contact daar today to help you navigate your NDIS journey.