An acquired brain injury (ABI) can affect a person’s abilities, behaviour, communication and independence in ways that are sometimes difficult to see. For participants and families, understanding how ABI can affect everyday life is an important step towards identifying appropriate support.

What Is an Acquired Brain Injury?

An acquired brain injury is damage to the brain that occurs after birth. It can result from causes such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, infection, lack of oxygen to the brain, substance-related injury and some neurological conditions. ABI can affect people differently depending on the cause and the areas of the brain affected.

Possible effects include difficulties with:

• Memory and concentration
• Communication
• Planning and organisation
• Mobility and balance
• Managing everyday activities
• Emotional regulation or behaviour

Some effects may not be immediately obvious, which can make everyday support needs difficult for others to understand.

What NDIS Support May Help With ABI?

An ABI does not automatically mean someone will receive NDIS funding. Eligibility depends on the person’s circumstances and whether they meet the NDIS requirements relating to disability and impairment. The NDIS considers factors including functional capacity and the likely permanence of the impairment.

For an eligible participant, NDIS supports may help with disability-related needs such as:

• Assistance with everyday activities
• Building or maintaining independence and skills
• Community and social participation
• Assistive technology or equipment
• Appropriate therapy supports
• Support to access relevant services

The NDIS states that funded supports must be NDIS supports, relate to the participant’s disability and be in line with their plan.

Why Support Coordination May Be Important

ABI can involve several areas of support at the same time. A participant may work with health professionals, support workers, therapists, family members and other services.

Support Coordination can help an eligible participant understand and use their plan, connect with appropriate providers and coordinate different supports around their needs and goals. This can be particularly relevant when support arrangements are complex.

Learn more about iDeal Care Services’ NDIS disability support services and the support options available.

What Should Families Consider?

Every person with ABI is different. Support should therefore reflect the individual’s functional needs, circumstances and goals rather than simply their diagnosis.

It can be useful to keep relevant professional evidence about how the ABI affects everyday functioning. The NDIS identifies evidence from treating ABI health professionals and lists assessment tools that may be used when gathering disability evidence.

If you are unsure about available options, the NDIS information on acquired brain injury provides additional information about participants with ABI.

When Can Professional Support Help?

If managing multiple providers, understanding an NDIS plan or connecting different supports becomes difficult, professional Support Coordination may help bring the arrangements together.

At iDeal Care Services, we provide NDIS support services designed around individual participant needs. If you or your family member is living with ABI and needs help navigating disability supports, you can contact iDeal Care Services to discuss your circumstances.