Navigating the NDIS Transition: Supporting Your Child When They Turn 18

Turning 18 can bring important changes for young people with NDIS plans and their families. Learn how to prepare early, support decision-making and help your young person build confidence and independence as they move into adulthood.

Turning 18 is a big milestone for young people with intellectual disability and their families.

It can bring new opportunities, greater independence and important decisions about the future.

For young people with NDIS plans, turning 18 can also mean changes to how they make decisions and manage their supports.

As a parent or carer, you may be wondering what changes, what you need to prepare for and how you can continue supporting your young person as they move into adulthood.

Planning early can make this transition feel more manageable.

By helping your young person build decision-making skills, understand their NDIS plan and explore their goals for the future, you can support them to take greater control of their life at a pace that feels right for them.

The Importance of Decision-Making

Building independence often starts with having more opportunities to make choices.

These choices might be about everyday activities, goals, supports or plans for the future.

For young people with intellectual disability, developing decision-making skills can help build confidence and create greater choice and control over their lives.

This does not mean they have to make every decision alone.

Families, carers and other trusted people can continue to provide guidance and support while helping the young person have a say in decisions that affect them.

As your young person approaches adulthood, these skills can become increasingly important when making decisions about their NDIS plan, supports and future goals.

Preparing for Independence Starts Early

Preparing a child for the responsibilities of adulthood does not happen overnight.

It is a gradual process that begins early, and for NDIS participants, it involves developing the skills necessary to manage their NDIS plan and make decisions about their life.

As your child enters their teenage years, it is the perfect time to focus on specific skills that will help them manage their NDIS plan confidently when they turn 18.

Here is how you can support your young person during their early teenage years:

• Setting goals: Help your young person set both short-term and long-term goals. Whether it is a short-term goal like joining a sports team or a long-term goal like pursuing further education, or exploring career options, setting goals helps them visualise their future and stay motivated.
• Choosing providers: Encourage your young person to be part of the decision-making process when it comes to selecting service providers or spending their NDIS funds. If your young person identifies as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, ensure they feel comfortable asking questions to find inclusive and suitable services.
• Involvement in plan reassessments: At plan reassessment time, let your young person take the lead. They should be prepared to discuss their progress and suggest changes or new goals. This will foster a sense of ownership and responsibility.
• Learning administration: Show your young person how to manage the paperwork involved in their NDIS plan, such as submitting claims. By guiding them through these tasks, you will equip them with the practical skills they need to manage their plan independently once they turn 18.

Providing Ongoing Support After 18

The transition to adulthood can be a significant milestone for a young person with disability. While they may be ready to take on more responsibility, they may still need ongoing support to manage their NDIS plan effectively.

Here are some ways you can continue to support your young person:

• Informal Support: Offer guidance and assistance as needed, whether it is helping with paperwork or providing emotional support.
• Professional Support: Consider hiring a Support Coordinator, Plan Manager, or Advocate to provide tailored support and guidance.
• Appoint a Nominee: If your young person struggles with decision-making, appointing a nominee can ensure their needs are met. However, it's important to remember that the nominee should act in the best interests of the young person and with their consent.

By providing ongoing support and empowering your young person to make their own decisions, you can help them thrive and achieve their goals.

How the NDIS Supports Young Adults

At 18, young people with NDIS plans are encouraged to take more responsibility for their decisions.

The level of support they require will vary depending on their individual needs and the complexity of their disability.

Supported decision making is a process that empowers young people to develop the skills and confidence to manage their own lives. It involves working with trusted individuals who can provide guidance and support.

Nominees play a key role in supporting decision-making. These individuals can be family members, friends or other trusted people who help manage certain aspects of an NDIS plan.

There are two types of nominees:

• Correspondence nominees: These nominees handle administrative tasks like handling communication with the NDIS, such as receiving letters or making requests. They cannot make decisions about funding or the NDIS plan itself.
• Plan nominees: These nominees have more significant responsibilities, with the authority to make NDIS plan decisions including reviewing and adjusting the plan, managing funding and overseeing the budget. A participant can have multiple plan nominees who collaborate to support their needs.

Choosing the right type of nominee is essential to ensure that the young person with disability receives the appropriate level of support and has their best interests represented.

Reviewing the NDIS Plan When Turning 18

As young people approach adulthood, their priorities often shift.

They may be thinking about higher education, entering the workforce or moving out of home.

This makes it an ideal time to review their NDIS plan to ensure it aligns with their evolving goals and needs.

Here are some questions to consider when reviewing an NDIS plan at age 18:

• Independence: Does the plan support a transition to independent living, such as help with finding accommodation or learning life skills?
• Employment: Does the plan provide funding for career development, including training, work experience or assistance with finding paid employment?
• Education: If the person aims to continue their studies, does the plan include the necessary support for tertiary education?
• Decision-making: Are there supports in place to help the young person develop their decision-making abilities?

Practical Steps Before Turning 18

Before your child reaches adulthood, there are several steps you can take for a smoother transition:

Review their NDIS plan:

• Schedule a plan reassessment meeting to discuss your young person's evolving needs and goals.
• Explore how their plan can be adjusted to support their transition to adulthood, including independent living, employment, and further education.

Set up financial management:

• Set up a bank account for your young person to manage their NDIS funds.
• If applicable, create a MyGov account to access government services and manage their NDIS plan online.

Appoint Nominees

• If necessary, appoint nominees to assist with decision-making and financial management.
• Ensure the chosen nominees are reliable and have your young person's best interests at heart and appointed ahead of time.

The transition to adulthood is a critical time for young people with disability.

While their NDIS plan is designed to help them grow and thrive in this new phase, adequate planning and preparation is essential for maximising its potential.

As a parent, you are influential in making that happen.

Need More Support Planning What Comes Next?

Every young person’s journey into adulthood is different.

Whether your young person is exploring greater independence, community participation, employment or future living options, the right support can help them work towards their goals.

Our team can help you explore the options available and plan your next steps with confidence.