Frequently Asked Questions
What funding schemes does Neuronirvana accept?
Neuronirvana welcomes children and families under various funding schemes, including:
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
- Medicare Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP), accessed through your GP
- Helping Children with Autism Plan, accessed through your paediatrician
- Private health insurance
- Private pay options
How do I receive a Medicare or private health insurance rebate?
families are fully responsible for submitting a claim request through Medicare or private health insurance.
How do I know if I am eligible for a Medicare rebate?
Speak with your GP or paediatrician to determine if your child is eligible for any Medicare plans that offer rebates. They can issue the appropriate plan. Please note that Medicare rebates do not cover the full cost of appointments, so there will be some out-of-pocket expenses.
Is Neuronirvana a registered NDIS provider?
No, Neuronirvana is not a registered NDIS provider. This means services are available only to self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants
What NDIS services does Neuronirvana offer and what services are not included?
Neuronirvana offers paediatric occupational therapy services that support children and families by focusing on areas such as daily living activities, emotional regulation, sensory processing, motor skills, and individualised parent coaching. We also provide early intervention for children under 7 and collaborate with educators.
However, we do not offer services like Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy, feeding-related sensory therapy (SOS therapy), or treatment for complex mental health and behavioural challenges in children over 7. Additionally, we do not offer services for complex physical needs, assessments for assistive technology and home modifications, or specific therapy models such as Zones of Regulation™ and Ayres Sensory Integration®.
What services will I be charged for?
NDIS funding covers various service types included in your plan. These include direct support, like face-to-face therapy with your child, and non-direct support, such as phone consultations, progress notes, provider travel, cancellations, and reports. For further details, please refer to the fee section, and comprehensive information will be provided in the service agreement. All services and costs will be reviewed when finalising your schedule of support.
What is a Schedule of Supports?
The Schedule of Supports details the costs for your personalised therapy plan, developed with your occupational therapist. It helps guide how funds are used within your NDIS plan and each funding period. While you are responsible for managing funds and achieving goals, the schedule assists in organising services throughout the plan period.
I have an NDIS review/planning meeting coming up. What do I need to do?
Provide at least four weeks’ notice for your NDIS report, starting after a Checking Progress Session (50 minutes face-to-face with a parent/guardian) and any necessary assessments. Your therapist will outline the report’s scope, estimated time, and costs at $193.99 per hour. Reports are prepared during canceled appointments or designated times, so we ask for your patience to ensure high quality. Requests are managed on a first-come, first-served basis, so please provide early notice.
How do I book an appointment?
Start by completing the intake form. The therapist will review it to ensure our services are a good fit for you and your child. Afterward, the therapist will contact you to explain the next steps.
What’s going to happen when my referral is accepted?
The therapist will contact you with available appointment slots. If a time works for you, you’ll receive our Service Agreement via email to complete and sign electronically at your convenience. A signed copy will be emailed back to you for your records. After you sign these forms, the initial consultation will be scheduled, and a Microsoft Teams link will be sent for the session.
What is the purpose of service agreement?
The main purpose of our service agreement is to provide families with our policies, procedures, and terms of service before receiving services. We aim for transparency, allowing families to complete it at home and ask questions before their next session. We strive for high compliance standards and appreciate your cooperation with these requirements. We want you to feel comfortable with Neuronirvana, so please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
What if I have questions about the service agreement before signing?
You can email us or request a phone call, and we will do our best to answer your questions promptly.
What should I expect before the initial consultation?
You’ll receive an appointment reminder via text and email two days before the session. Please ensure you have access to Microsoft Teams on your phone or computer. If possible, provide all relevant reports and letters to the therapist before the appointment
What will your first appointment look like?
Your intake appointment will take 90 minutes. This may be over 2 sessions depending on your booking. In our first part of the session we will focus on gathering information from the family which informs our family-centered goals
What will happen after the initial consultation?
After the initial consultation, the therapist will schedule an observation session. During this session, the therapist will meet your child, conduct informal assessments and observations, and collaborate with you to set goals.
What happens after the initial observation session?
Your child’s therapist will develop a personalised Occupational Therapy Support Plan tailored to your child’s goals, strengths, and support needs. This includes a proposed Schedule of Supports aligned with your NDIS plan or funding arrangement. Your child’s therapist will also collaborate with you to schedule a block of therapy sessions for each funding period, ensuring services are organised and delivered according to your child’s priorities and available funding. In this schedule, you and the therapist can discuss the frequency of sessions (e.g., fortnightly.)
How many sessions will my child need?
Determining the exact number of sessions can be challenging, as it largely depends on the family’s preferences and goals. Some families may choose a few sessions focused on parent education, while others may attend for a longer period to address more complex goals. The number of sessions will be decided collaboratively between the family and the therapist. By sharing what works for you and your therapy goals, we can tailor our program to suit your needs and provide an estimate based on your objectives.
What happens at the end of a block of therapy sessions?
Therapy is delivered in planned blocks aligned with your child’s goals and available funding. At the end of each block, your child’s progress is reviewed, and we reflect on what has been most helpful. Together, we decide on the next steps—whether to continue with new goals or conclude therapy if your child has achieved their goals.
Cancellation
The participants will always receive a reminder via SMS or email two (2) business days before your scheduled appointment.
Neuronirvana offers regular, ongoing therapy sessions. Due to the nature of these bookings, it is generally not possible to fill cancelled appointments at short notice.
The following cancellation policy applies:
- Short Notice Cancellation (within 2 business days, excluding weekends and public holidays): 50% of your scheduled appointment fee (inclusive of travel) will be charged.
- Late Cancellation (less than 24 hours’ notice, excluding weekends and public holidays): 90% fee of your scheduled appointment fee (inclusive of travel) will be charged.
- No Show (non-attendance without notice): 100% of your scheduled appointment fee will be charged, plus applicable travel time and mileage if the session was scheduled off-site.
The NDIS recognises that families may occasionally need to cancel at short notice due to unforeseen circumstances and generally covers these fees under the participant’s plan.
Can I switch to telehealth if I can't attend in person?
Yes, you can request to switch to a telehealth appointment if you’re unable to attend in person. Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice to make this change.
Additional Information:
We understand that occasionally, cancelling within 48 hours is not
permissible, for example, in the instance of an emergency. In this case,
- You may request to switch to a telehealth session if you cannot attend in person. Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice to facilitate this change.
- If needed, a homework pack or a parent consultation can be scheduled via telehealth without incurring a cancellation fee.
- Neuronirvana will use the fees from any cancelled sessions to complete report writing or prepare resources related to your child’s therapy.
What does Neuronirvana do with cancelled session time?
Where possible and if it’s applicable, Neuronirvana will use the time from cancelled sessions to complete report writing or resource preparation related to your child’s therapy.
What if there are repeated cancellations or no-shows?
Repeated cancellations or no-shows, such as two consecutive missed sessions, may be reviewed by Neuronirvana’s management team. This could lead to a discussion about the continuation of services.
What happens if the therapist cancels a session?
If your therapist cancels a session due to reasons such as illness or training, no cancellation fee will apply.
Do I need to be present in my child’s therapy session?
Yes, as a family-centred OT service, we prioritise partnership. Your presence allows you to share concerns and goals, enabling us to tailor and adapt the therapy sessions to meet your child’s and family’s specific objectives.
What if my child’s therapy session is held at their school or kindergarten? Do I still need to be present?
Yes, as a family-centred OT service, we prioritise partnership. Your presence allows you to share concerns and goals, enabling us to tailor and adapt sessions to meet your child’s and family’s objectives. If the appointment time conflicts with commitments like work, we can discuss the best collaboration method. Some families choose a follow-up phone call after the appointment, while others prefer a parent coaching call in alternate weeks.
What is paediatric occupational therapy?
Paediatric occupational therapy helps children improve their ability to participate in everyday activities. At Neuronirvana, we focus on understanding each child’s unique needs and strengths. We collaborate with families, schools, and other support networks to create a tailored therapy plan that builds skills and addresses challenges. Our goal is to remove barriers to participation, particularly for neurodivergent children, by fostering an inclusive environment.
How do I know if my child benefits from occupational therapy?
Your child might benefit from occupational therapy if they encounter challenges with daily tasks, such as self-care, play, or school activities. Occupational therapy can support skill development and improve participation in various settings. If you notice difficulties that impact your child’s confidence or daily routine, consulting with an occupational therapist can provide insights and strategies to empower your child’s growth and engagement
What is neurodiversity affirming therapy?
Neurodiversity affirming therapy views neurodivergence as a natural variation rather than a deficit. The focus is not on fixing but on supporting and empowering children and their families to advocate for their needs. Key principles include respecting autonomy, following the child’s interests, prioritising co-regulation, supporting stimming, and respecting and supporting sensory processing differences and needs. We collaborate with children and families to build safety and trust, emphasise strengths, and provide education to empower parents as advocates for their children.
What is family-centred practice and why do we use it at Neuronirvana?
Family-centred practice involves collaborating with families as equal partners in supporting a child’s development. At Neuronirvana, this means prioritising your family’s needs and goals. We work together to identify challenges and develop strategies, relying on active parent involvement and open communication to ensure the therapy program aligns with your child’s unique context.
In what areas can Neuronirvana support children and their families?
Neuronirvana offers paediatric occupational therapy that supports children and families in various areas, including celebrating neurodiversity, enhancing daily living skills like toileting and dressing, and building emotional regulation. We aid children with sensory processing differences, develop motor planning and coordination, and promote both gross and fine motor skills. Our services include individualized parent coaching, early intervention for children under 7, collaboration with educators, and assistance with social interaction challenges.
What approaches and methodologies are offered at Neuronirvana?
Neuronirvana employs a parent education model to enhance capacity building and collaboration. We utilise a variety of programs and methodologies, including but not limited to:
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Occupational Performance Coaching
- Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (Dr. Ross Greene)
- Play-based and child-led therapy
- Emotional regulation strategies
- Task analysis and skill development
- Social Stories
- Sensory processing education, with tailored sensory profiles to create personalised sensory toolboxes in collaboration with families.
Where does Neuronirvana provide services?
Neuronirvana offers mobile OT services in natural environments such as your child’s home, school, kindergarten, or childcare.
Does Neuronirvana provide telehealth appointments?
Yes, Neuronirvana offers telehealth appointments. The therapist will collaborate with you to determine if this option suits your goals and support needs. Some families choose telehealth for parent coaching and education, especially if they cannot attend sessions at school or kindergarten.
What is a functional capacity report?
A functional capacity report is a broad and in-depth assessment of a person’s ability to participate in everyday life activities.
How are they different from a regular progress report?
They’re very different! Progress reports will usually just deal with 1 area, such as occupational therapy or speech therapy, but a functional capacity report will need to cover all areas and all supports.
Progress reports will just summarise OT intervention, measure progress against the goals and make recommendations around that one particular area. Functional capacity reports will try to cover all areas of difficulty and will also include information about carer needs, home environment, school, other mainstream supports etc. So expect lots of questions!
Why do I need one?
Functional capacity reports are now commonly asked for by the NDIS. They are often requested if:
- Your child’s circumstances have changed
- You are asking for a review of your child’s funding
- You feel that there is a mismatch between your child’s needs and their funding.
What can I expect as a part of the process?
In order to complete the functional capacity report:
- Your therapist will need to have an in-depth initial consultation with you.
- Your therapist will need to speak to your other providers, or read reports that they have written.
- Your therapist will need you to complete some questionnaires of standardised assessment tools. These are requested by the NDIS as a part of their decision-making process.
- Your therapist will need to observe your child. This could be done at school, in the clinic, in a community setting or at home.
- The reports are typically long (typically anywhere between 8-25 pages) and will usually take at least 8-15 hours or more in some cases within 6 to 8 weeks to complete.