Questions about Music Therapy for Children with Autism and ADHD, special needs

FAQ

Can NDIS funding be used for music therapy?

Absolutely! Music therapy can be funded through the NDIS. Voices of Heaven is currently only taking plan managed or self-managed NDIS clients.

Which part of my NDIS plan do the funds for music therapy come from?

Music therapy funding comes from the Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living section of your NDIS plan.

For participants aged 7 years and over, the line item used is 15_615_0128_1_3 Assessment, Recommendation, Therapy or Training – Music Therapist.

For participants under 7 years of age, the line item used is 15_005_0118_1_3 Capacity Building for Early Childhood Interventions – Other Professional.

How do I request funding for music therapy in my NDIS plan?

To access funding for music therapy, your music therapy sessions must be provided by a Registered Music Therapist and is a ‘reasonable and necessary’ support that will assist you to work towards your NDIS plan goals. Please ask your NDIA planner and/or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to include funding for music therapy in your plan.

You can refer your planner to the NDIS section of the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA) website and share the following documents with your planner should they require further information:

Provider Registration Guide to Suitability
Music Therapy in Disability Information Booklet
Music Therapy (General) Information Booklet
Australian Music Therapy Association NDIS
AMTA Disability Evidence Summary

What should I expect in music therapy?

Clients will be involved in interactive music-making with the therapist. This may include singing, movement and playing musical instruments. Sessions are 60 minutes for each client, which involves 45 minutes of musical activities, plus 15 minutes of evaluation.

This is to allow your RMT to create resources, prepare and clinically evaluate your program each week.

Do you see kids with additional needs and learning difficulties?

Yes! Voices of Heaven is an all-inclusive music therapy service for your child. We specialise in music therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, ADHD, and learning difficulties.

Music therapy is a powerful tool that can help your child build connections and strengthen communication.

Do I need to have musical skills to do music therapy?

No, you do not need to have musical skills to participate in music therapy. Nor is music therapy about teaching musical skills, it is using music as a therapeutic medium to achieve therapeutic goals.

Do you need anything from me before my first session?

Yes, please fill out the online referral and complete the service agreement and return to the therapist 2 working days before a booked assessment. This allows the therapist to personalise the assessment to the individual client. Music Therapy sessions will not begin until all the necessary forms are completed.

How many music therapy sessions will be needed?

Sessions are conducted on a weekly basis. The length of therapy depends on the goals and how clients respond to the musical intervention. There will be progressive goals as each client achieves new milestones.

Some clients stay in therapy for many years and achieve progressive goals as they come.

Why do I need a progress report?

It is recommended that a progress report is done 10-15 weeks after the initial assessment to compare and contrast the progress of music therapy with the client and, if necessary, set any new goals. After that, it is still recommended that regular progress reports are done at least every 3-6 months to review goals achieved and any new goal setting.

What is your cancellation policy?

Our cancellation policy is as such:

  • Cancellation made 48 hours or more prior to appointment – no charge
  • Cancellation made between 24 and 48 hours prior to appointment – 50% charge
  • Cancellation made between 60 minutes and 24 hours prior to appointment – 75% charge
  • Cancellation made less than 60 minutes prior to appointment and ‘no shows’ – 100% charge
  • 100% cancellation fee is charged when no prior notice is given

Please make every effort to give as much notice if you cannot attend a session. This allows for the best possible use of the therapist’s time. Though these cancellation fees are enforced, please note we do take each and every circumstance into consideration. A travel fee will still incur if the therapist has travelled to the location before being notified of a cancellation.