Occupational therapist supporting a child with assistive technology - Assistive technology for children

Assistive Technology for Children

The right equipment, tool or device can change what a child is able to do each day. At National 360, our qualified allied health clinicians assess your child’s functional goals and prescribe assistive technology that helps them move safely, communicate effectively, build independence and take part fully in everyday life at home, at school and in the community.

From simple, low-cost aids to more complex equipment, our team guides your family through what’s needed and how it can be funded.

What Is Assistive Technology Support?

Assistive Technology (AT) is any piece of equipment, tool or device that helps a child do something they would otherwise find difficult because of a developmental delay, disability or health condition. For children, this can range from a simple adaptive spoon through to a custom seating system or a communication device.

Our qualified allied health clinicians, including occupational therapists, speech pathologists and physiotherapists, assess each child individually to understand their functional goals before recommending specific items or equipment. This ensures every recommendation is matched to what your child actually needs to achieve, not simply their diagnosis or disability category.

Assessments consider how your child moves, communicates, manages daily routines and engages with their environment, then identify practical, evidence-informed solutions that support participation at home, at school, in early learning settings and in the community.

What Does Assistive Technology Support Include?

Assistive Technology recommendations are built around your child’s individual goals. Depending on what your child is working towards, our clinicians may recommend supports across one or more of the following areas:

*Please note: Every recommendation is tailored to your child’s individual assessment – these examples below are to highlight the type of support available, not a fixed list.

Assistive Technology for Children

Funding Your Child’s Assistive Technology

The right funding pathway for assistive technology depends on the cost, complexity and risk associated with the item, as well as your child’s funding scheme.

Low-cost assistive technology (generally items under $1,500) can often be accessed quickly, without the need for a formal quote or pre-approval. Higher-cost or more complex equipment, such as custom seating systems or AAC devices, generally requires a clinical assessment, a trial period and a written report from a qualified allied health clinician to support a funding application.

Our clinicians can complete the assessment, documentation and recommendations needed to support a funding application, whether your child is funded through the NDIS, a private arrangement, or another funding pathway. We work with families to explore options at every price point and help identify what is genuinely needed to support your child’s goals.

Who is it for?

Assistive technology support is suitable for children who:

  • Are working on functional goals related to mobility, communication, daily living or sensory regulation
  • Have a diagnosed disability, developmental delay or complex health need
  • Are NDIS participants seeking assistive technology funding, or families exploring private or other funding pathways
  • Need a clinical assessment to identify, trial or justify the need for specific equipment
  • Are already receiving National 360 services and need equipment recommendations as part of broader support

We support children from early childhood through adolescence, and can work alongside existing therapy and supports your child is already receiving.

Assistive Technology for Children

Frequently Asked Questions

What is assistive technology for children?

Assistive technology is any piece of equipment, tool or device that helps a child do something they find difficult because of a developmental delay, disability or health condition. It can support mobility, communication, daily living or sensory regulation.

Assistive technology should be assessed and recommended by a qualified allied health clinician, such as an occupational therapist, speech pathologist or physiotherapist, based on your child’s individual functional goals.

No. While many families access assistive technology through the NDIS, National 360 also supports families accessing assistive technology privately or through other funding pathways.

Low-cost assistive technology (generally under $1,500) can often be purchased without a formal quote or pre-approval. Higher-cost or more complex equipment typically requires a clinical assessment, trial and written report to support a funding application.

Timeframes vary depending on the complexity of the equipment and your funding pathway. Low-cost items can often be accessed quickly, while higher-cost or custom equipment may take longer due to assessment, trial and approval requirements.