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NDIS reform impact

NDIS changes and ADHD

Review risk Updated 2026-05-07

ADHD is one of the higher-risk diagnoses under the April 2026 reforms. NDIS participation for ADHD has grown significantly, and the government has flagged capacity building and community participation supports — the most common ADHD support types — as under review. Adults and children with ADHD who rely primarily on these supports face a meaningful chance of reassessment.

What this means for your situation

ADHD is not a condition with obvious physical functional limitations, which creates challenges in the new assessment framework. Many ADHD participants receive supports for executive function, daily living organisation, and community participation — exactly the support types the reforms are scrutinising. ADHD with significant co-occurring conditions (ASD, learning disabilities, anxiety) is in a stronger evidential position than ADHD alone.

What determines your risk

  • One of the faster-growing NDIS diagnostic groups — under government scrutiny
  • Functional capacity assessments will require evidence beyond a diagnosis
  • ADHD with co-occurring conditions is better positioned than ADHD alone
  • Capacity building and community participation supports are the primary targets

Support lines under scrutiny

  • Capacity building — daily life skills, executive function coaching
  • Community participation supports
  • Social skills programs

What to do now

1. Get a current OT or neuropsychological assessment that documents functional impact — not just diagnosis
2. Document how ADHD affects your daily functioning in specific, concrete terms
3. If your plan relies heavily on capacity building supports, build a clear evidential case for why they're necessary
4. Use the check tool to assess your exposure level

Get a personalised read in 5 minutes.

The check tool asks 8 questions about your specific plan, support types, and situation — not just your diagnosis. You'll get a clear risk assessment plus a printable roadmap.

Start the check

Frequently asked

Will ADHD be removed from NDIS eligibility?

ADHD is not being removed — but the bar for demonstrating functional impairment is rising. Under the new framework, a diagnosis alone will not be sufficient. Participants will need to demonstrate how their ADHD creates significant functional limitations that require NDIS-funded support rather than mainstream services.

My child has ADHD and is on the NDIS — what should I do?

For children with ADHD who also have ASD or significant co-occurring conditions, the evidential position is stronger. For children with ADHD as a primary diagnosis, it's worth engaging your paediatrician or psychologist now to build a functional impact record — specifically documenting the support your child needs to participate in daily activities.

What evidence will support my ADHD NDIS plan under the new framework?

Evidence of functional impairment in daily tasks: difficulty completing self-care routines, inability to manage household tasks, impact on employment or education, risk of harm from impulsivity. The stronger this functional evidence is — from multiple sources including OT, psychology, and support worker notes — the better positioned you are.

What's happening in your state

Other conditions

Information current as of 2026-05-07. Rules are subject to change as legislation is finalised. This page is general information, not legal or clinical advice. For advice on your specific situation, talk to your plan manager, support coordinator, or a free disability advocate. Full disclaimer