AblePath Living Supports

29/07/2026

NDIS funding periods: Why isn’t my full budget available?

Have you received a new NDIS plan and wondered why the full amount isn’t available to spend immediately?

Some new and reassessed plans now include funding periods. This means portions of the plan funding become available at set intervals instead of the entire budget being accessible from the beginning.

What you need to know:

🔹 Funding periods will usually be three months, although they can vary depending on individual circumstances.

🔹 Different parts of your plan may have different funding periods.

🔹 Funding periods don’t reduce your total plan funding—they only change when you can access it.

🔹 Any unused funding will roll into the next funding period within the same plan.

🔹 Funding from a future period generally can’t be brought forward, although the NDIA may consider this in exceptional or urgent circumstances.

🔹 Your plan document, participant portal or my NDIS app should show how much is available and when the next amount will be released.

This means supports need to be planned around both the total plan budget and the amount actually available during each funding period.

A Support Coordinator or Plan Manager can help you understand your funding periods and work out whether your current supports are sustainable.

Have funding periods appeared in your latest plan?

26/07/2026

🔬 Have you ever considered participating in a clinical trial or research study?

I have personally enrolled my daughter in clinical trials and found our experiences really positive. We were given clear information, had opportunities to ask questions and understood exactly what participation involved.

Clinical trials and research aren’t always about medications or medical procedures. Participation might involve:

• Completing an online survey
• Sharing your lived experience
• Participating in an interview
• Trialling a therapy, program or assistive technology
• Attending appointments or completing assessments

I have also participated in ACODA—the Australian Children of the Digital Age, a long-term study exploring children’s use of digital technology.

Every study is different and participation won’t be right for everyone. It should always be voluntary, and you should understand the possible risks, benefits, time commitment and privacy arrangements before agreeing.

Interested in exploring Australian research opportunities?

🔹 Australian Government Clinical Trials Search
🔹 Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry
🔹 Autism CRC – Participate in Research
🔹 Aspect – Take Part in Autism Research
🔹 Autism Queensland – Research Participation
🔹 ACODA – Australian Children of the Digital Age

These links are provided for general information. AblePath Living Supports is not affiliated with or endorsing any particular study.

Have you or someone in your family ever participated in research?

23/07/2026

🌟 Hypermobility – More Than Just Being Flexible?

Following on from my recent post about retained primitive reflexes, I’ve also been learning more about hypermobility and thought it would be helpful to share.

Hypermobility means that one or more joints move beyond the usual range. Some children and adults are naturally very flexible and experience no difficulties at all. However, for others, hypermobility may be associated with:

✨ Joint or muscle pain
✨ Fatigue, particularly after physical activity
✨ Poor balance or coordination
✨ Frequent sprains, strains or joint instability
✨ Clicking or “popping” joints
✨ Difficulties with posture
✨ Reduced strength or endurance
✨ Difficulty with fine motor activities, including handwriting
✨ Avoiding physical activities because they feel tiring or uncomfortable

Hypermobility does not automatically mean that someone has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or another connective-tissue condition. It can occur by itself, and each person’s experience is different.

If you recognise these difficulties in yourself or your child, it is a good idea to raise them with your professional team. A GP, paediatrician, physiotherapist, occupational therapist or other appropriately qualified health professional can consider the person’s individual symptoms and determine whether assessment or additional support may be helpful.

This information is shared for general awareness only and is not intended to diagnose or replace professional advice. 💚

22/07/2026

🌟 Retained Primitive Reflexes – Something I’ve Been Learning About

I’ve recently been researching retained primitive reflexes, and I thought it was worth sharing because it may be something many families have never heard of.

Primitive reflexes are automatic movements babies are born with. They usually integrate as the brain and nervous system develop, but in some people, these reflexes may remain active for longer than expected.

Retained primitive reflexes may be associated with challenges involving:

✨ Balance and coordination
✨ Posture and core strength
✨ Handwriting and fine motor skills
✨ Attention and concentration
✨ Sensory processing
✨ Emotional regulation
✨ Motor planning and body awareness
✨ Becoming easily overwhelmed by everyday tasks

These signs can also be related to many other developmental, neurological or physical factors. Having one or more of them does not automatically mean that someone has retained primitive reflexes.

If you recognise these challenges in yourself or your child, it may be worthwhile raising the topic with your professional team, such as your occupational therapist, physiotherapist, paediatrician or another appropriately qualified health professional. They can determine whether further assessment may be appropriate.

This information is shared for general awareness only and is not intended to diagnose or replace professional advice. 💚

14/07/2026

⚠️ Important reminder for Monday, 27 July ⚠️

Australia will be conducting a nationwide test of the new AusAlert emergency warning system at approximately 2:00 pm AEST. Compatible mobile phones—and potentially some connected tablets, smartwatches and other devices—may suddenly sound a loud siren, vibrate and display a test alert. The critical alert is designed to override silent and “Do Not Disturb” settings.

While this is only a test, please take a moment to prepare anyone in your home who may be frightened, distressed or overwhelmed by unexpected loud noises. This may be especially important for autistic and sensory-sensitive children and adults.

You may wish to:

🔹 Explain beforehand that a loud alarm will sound, but everyone is safe.
🔹 Use a visual story, countdown or reminder earlier in the day.
🔹 Have headphones, earmuffs or another regulation tool ready.
🔹 Let schools, support workers and carers know how the person may respond.
🔹 Stay nearby to offer reassurance when the alert occurs.

Important safety reminder: Anyone keeping a hidden or emergency phone for personal safety, including people experiencing domestic or family violence, should be aware that the alert may cause the device to make noise even if it is on silent. Consider switching the device completely off before the test or temporarily leaving it with a trusted person, provided this can be done safely.

A little preparation may prevent a very big fright—please share so families, carers and support teams have time to plan.

08/07/2026

🌟 Have you heard of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program?

Parenting doesn't come with a handbook, and every child is different. Whether you're navigating tantrums, anxiety, challenging behaviours, school transitions, or simply looking for new parenting strategies, the Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) offers practical, evidence-based support.

There are different levels of Triple P available, ranging from general parenting advice through to more intensive support for families with additional needs. Many programs are available online, in groups, or one-on-one, and some may be free depending on where you live.

As a Support Coordinator, I often encourage families to explore supports that can build confidence and make everyday life a little easier. Sometimes the right information can make all the difference.

If you've completed a Triple P program, I'd love to hear what you found most helpful. 💙

07/07/2026

Exciting news! 🎉

Kylie’s Nursing has officially passed NDIS audit for Level 3 Support Coordination and High Intensity Support Work ✅

Did you know Kylie’s Nursing is registered NDIS provider and offers supports across NDIS, DVA, My Aged Care and NIISQ, including:
💙 Nursing
🤝 Support work
⭐ High intensity supports
🧭 Support coordination & Care Planning

Support coordination is provided by Kate from AblePath Living Supports, working alongside Kylie’s Nursing to help participants understand their plans, connect with the right providers, and get supports moving.

We have also welcomed a new team of amazing nurses and support workers 👩‍⚕️🙌

This means our capacity has increased and we are able to take on new participants across the region.

If you are looking for reliable, experienced and person-centred support, please reach out. We would love to help 💙💕

[email protected] - 0494585767

01/07/2026

When should you contact your Support Coordinator?

A lot of people are unsure when to reach out, but you do not have to wait until things feel urgent.

It can be helpful to contact your Support Coordinator if:

Your funding is running low
Your needs have changed
A provider has stopped services
You are unsure what your plan means
You need help finding or changing providers
Reports or quotes are needed
You are preparing for a plan review or reassessment
Your current supports are not working well together

Your Support Coordinator may already be keeping an eye on these things, but we are all human and sometimes the little details can get lost in the busyness of life.

If something changes, feels unclear, or is starting to become stressful, please reach out. It is always better to talk things through early.

AblePath Living Supports
Coordination of Supports on behalf of Kylie’s Nursing
Email: [email protected]

01/07/2026

Local shout-out for families looking for babysitting or child minding support.

All Smiles Babysitting and Child Minding have introduced Sheridan, who brings experience working with children through her role as a swim teacher and has a lovely, family-focused approach.

It is always great to see more child minding options available locally, especially with school holidays here.

Head over to All Smiles Babysitting and Child Minding to check them out.

My Name is Sheridan, I'm a 30 yr old kind and attentive sitter for kids of all ages! I normally work as a Swim Teacher in the summer but due to it going into the cooler months, I am now offering child minding services for the Kingaroy area. I am a current Woking with children Blue Card holder, have my CPR qualifications and First Aid Certificate.

Prices:
$30 per hour (8am) - before 12am
$40 per hour after 12am - (8am)
Bookings and Available Dates will be at a first come and first served.

Happy to help with it all:
Entertaining and engaging activities
Homework support
Meal preparations
Basic tidying
Bedtime routines
And more...

I'm happy to provide any extra information, If you have any questions, please feel free to message the page.

29/06/2026

A reminder during the school holidays…

School holidays can be enjoyable, but for many families of children with additional needs, they can also bring increased pressure, fatigue and disruption to routine.

What may appear to others as a simple outing, quick catch-up or last-minute play date often involves a significant amount of preparation behind the scenes.

For many families, this can include:

• preparing their child well in advance for leaving the house
• managing anxiety or resistance around changes to routine
• navigating the challenges of getting dressed, transitioning out the door or into the car
• considering sleep disruptions and the impact this has on morning plans
• packing snacks, drinks, medication, comfort items, spare clothes and planning for different weather conditions
• thinking ahead about sensory needs, safety, toileting, regulation and recovery time
• managing the ongoing fatigue that can come with repeated daily battles during holiday periods

For families supporting children with additional needs, it is often not as simple as “just jumping in the car” for a spontaneous outing.

A little extra notice, flexibility and understanding can make a big difference.

So this school holiday period, a gentle reminder to the broader community: when inviting a family to a play date, outing or catch-up, please remember there may be far more involved than you realise. If a parent says no, asks for more notice, or needs more time to plan, it is rarely personal — it is often about making sure the outing is manageable and successful for their child.

At AblePath Living Supports, we understand that behind every outing is often a great deal of planning, emotional energy and unseen work.

To the families navigating this over the holidays — you are doing an incredible job.