Your Guide to NDIS Funding for Exercise Physiology

Written By Step Up Disability Services

Navigating NDIS funding can feel complex, especially when trying to understand which supports are covered and how to use your plan effectively. This guide explains how Exercise Physiology fits within the NDIS, how it is funded, and how participants, particularly individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), can benefit from this evidence based support.

How the NDIS Funds Exercise Physiology

NDIS funding is divided into Core Supports, Capacity Building Supports, and Capital Supports. Exercise Physiology is funded under Capacity Building, most commonly within:

Improved Health and Wellbeing

This category includes Physical Wellbeing Activities, which explicitly covers Exercise Physiology services (NDIS, 2024a).

Exercise Physiology may also be funded under Improved Daily Living when it supports functional capacity, independence, or participation in everyday activities (NDIS, 2024b).

To be funded, Exercise Physiology must meet the NDIS reasonable and necessary criteria. This means the support:

  • Is directly related to the participant’s disability

  • Helps achieve stated NDIS goals

  • Is evidence based and delivered by a qualified professional

  • Represents value for money

  • Does not replace informal supports (NDIS, 2024c)

What Exercise Physiology Can Support

For individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Exercise Physiology may support:

  • Motor skill development

  • Strength, balance, and coordination

  • Physical regulation and routine

  • Participation in school, work, or community activities

  • Management of anxiety and sensory related movement challenges

Research shows structured exercise programs can improve physical function, reduce anxiety, and enhance quality of life in individuals with ASD (Bremer et al., 2016; Lang et al., 2010).

Pricing and Billing Explained

The NDIS sets price limits through the Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits document.

  • Exercise Physiologist (AEP): Approximately $166.99 per hour plus GST

  • Travel: May be charged at 50 percent of the hourly rate

  • Reports and non face to face supports: Claimable when related to participant outcomes

  • Short notice cancellations: Claimable if within 2 business days (NDIS, 2024a)

Plan Management Options

  • NDIA managed: Must use a registered provider

  • Plan managed: Can use registered or non registered providers

  • Self managed: Maximum flexibility and provider choice

How to Use Your NDIS Plan for Exercise Physiology

  1. Check your Capacity Building budget for Improved Health and Wellbeing or Improved Daily Living

  2. Align Exercise Physiology services with your goals, such as improving independence, confidence, or physical capacity

  3. Provide supporting evidence, such as GP or allied health reports

  4. Work with your Support Coordinator or Plan Manager to allocate funding appropriately

  5. Review progress regularly and use outcome data at plan reviews

Exercise Physiologists often provide functional assessments and progress reports that support ongoing or increased funding.

Autism Focused Case Studies

Case Study 1, Child with Autism

Ethan, a 10 year old boy with Autism Spectrum Disorder, had difficulties with balance, coordination, and fatigue, which limited his participation at school and in the community.

Through NDIS funded Exercise Physiology under Improved Health and Wellbeing, Ethan participated in weekly play based sessions focusing on balance, strength, and movement confidence. After four months, he demonstrated improved postural control, increased walking endurance, and greater willingness to engage in playground activities. His parents also reported improved self confidence and reduced avoidance of physical tasks.

Case Study 2, Young Adult with Autism

Daniel, a 22 year old man with autism and mild intellectual disability, accessed Exercise Physiology to support independence and overall health.

His program focused on resistance training, functional movement, and routine based exercise. After several months, Daniel showed improved motor planning, strength, and confidence using public facilities. He reported feeling more capable and motivated to participate in community activities, supporting his NDIS goals of independence and social participation.

These outcomes align with research showing that structured exercise interventions improve physical function and psychosocial outcomes in individuals with ASD (Bremer et al., 2016).

Helpful Resources

References (APA 7th Edition)

Bremer, E., Crozier, M., & Lloyd, M. (2016). A systematic review of the behavioural outcomes following exercise interventions for children and youth with autism spectrum disorder. Autism, 20(8), 899–915. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361315616002

Lang, R., Koegel, L. K., Ashbaugh, K., Regester, A., Ence, W., & Smith, W. (2010). Physical exercise and individuals with autism spectrum disorders, A systematic review. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 4(4), 565–576. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2010.01.006

National Disability Insurance Scheme. (2024a). NDIS pricing arrangements and price limits 2024 to 2025. https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-arrangements

National Disability Insurance Scheme. (2024b). Capacity building supports. https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/using-your-plan

National Disability Insurance Scheme. (2024c). Reasonable and necessary supports. https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/using-your-plan/reasonable-and-necessary-supports

Step Up Disability Services
Next

A Step-by-Step Guide to Including Exercise Physiology in Your NDIS Plan: Goals, Planning Meetings, and Getting Started