Questions about Music Therapy for Children with Autism and ADHD, special needs
FAQ
Can NDIS funding be used for music therapy?
Yes. Music therapy is included by the NDIS as a type of therapy support that may be funded where it meets the NDIS funding criteria and is appropriate to the participant’s disability-related needs and goals.
For NDIS-funded music therapy, services must be delivered by an appropriately qualified music therapist who meets the relevant NDIS requirements.
At Voices of Heaven™, music therapy is provided by a Registered Music Therapist (RMT) registered with the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA).
Whether music therapy can be funded for an individual participant will depend on their NDIS plan, disability-related needs, goals and applicable NDIS funding criteria.
Which part of my NDIS plan do the funds for music therapy come from?
Music therapy may be funded through the Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living budget where music therapy is an appropriate funded support within the participant’s NDIS plan.
The appropriate NDIS support item will depend on the participant’s individual plan and funding arrangements.
Current NDIS music therapy support items include:
Early Childhood Supports:15_615_0118_1_3 — ECI Professional – Music Therapist – Direct Service
Therapeutic Supports:15_615_0128_1_3 — Therapy – Music Therapist – Direct Service
Voices of Heaven™ will review the participant’s relevant funding arrangements before services commence to determine the appropriate support item for invoicing.
NDIS funding and claiming requirements may change. Current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and the participant’s individual plan will always take precedence over information provided on this website.
How do I request funding for music therapy in my NDIS plan?
Music therapy may be funded where it is related to your disability-related needs, assists you to work towards your NDIS goals and meets the NDIS funding criteria.
Music therapy is provided by an appropriately qualified Registered Music Therapist (RMT). At Voices of Heaven™, music therapy is provided by an RMT registered with the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA).
If you would like music therapy considered as part of your supports, you can discuss your needs and goals with your NDIS contact and provide relevant supporting information or recommendations where required.
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 are actively involved in interactive and therapeutic music experiences tailored to their individual needs and goals. Sessions may include singing, movement, playing musical instruments, improvisation, songwriting and other evidence-based music therapy interventions.
The length and structure of each session will depend on the individual client’s needs, goals and capacity to engage. Music therapy services may also include non-face-to-face clinical work, such as session planning, preparation of therapeutic resources, clinical documentation and evaluation.
Following the initial assessment, your Registered Music Therapist will recommend an appropriate session structure and therapy plan for the client.
Do you see kids with additional needs and learning difficulties?
Yes! Voices of Heaven™ provides inclusive, individualised music therapy for children with a range of developmental, neurological and learning needs. We support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, ADHD, developmental delays 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 any musical skills or experience to participate in music therapy. Music therapy is not about learning to play an instrument or developing musical ability; rather, music is used therapeutically to support the client’s individual goals.
Do you need anything from me before my first session?
Yes. Please complete our Online Referral Form and Service Agreement at least two business days before your scheduled assessment. This allows the Music Therapist to review the client’s individual needs, goals and relevant information and appropriately prepare for the assessment. Music therapy services cannot commence until the required forms and consent documentation have been completed.
How many music therapy sessions will be needed?
The frequency and duration of music therapy will depend on the client’s individual needs, goals and response to therapy. Weekly sessions may be recommended where clinically appropriate, while other clients may benefit from a different frequency. Progress and therapy goals are reviewed regularly, and recommendations may change as the client develops and achieves new milestones.
Why do I need a progress report?
Progress reports provide an opportunity to review the client’s therapy goals, document progress and outcomes, and make recommendations for ongoing support. A report may be recommended following an appropriate period of therapy, when goals require formal review, or when documentation is required for an NDIS plan reassessment or other agreed purpose. The timing and need for reports will be discussed with the client or their representative.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Cancellations and non-attendance may incur a fee in accordance with your Service Agreement and, for NDIS-funded services, applicable NDIS Pricing Arrangements and claiming rules. Please refer to your Service Agreement for the full cancellation policy.
Cancellation refunds (where eligible under our cancellation policy) are issued less any non-refundable Stripe processing fees charged at the time of payment.