Interventions to Promote Functional Capacity of Australian Children and Adolescents With Hereditary or Congenital Cognitive Disabilities: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND

The Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) represents a significant shift in service funding for children with hereditary or congenital cognitive disabilities. This PRISMA-based scoping review identifies and maps the NDIS literature to display research gaps and priorities for this cohort.

METHOD: Twenty-nine databases were systematically searched in May 2024 (updated January 2025). Findings were mapped to the NDIS Outcomes Framework.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine studies were reviewed (1937 children, mostly pre-adolescent). Qualitative methods were frequently used in this research (k = 16), followed by quantitative (k = 7) and mixed methods (k = 6). Targeted interventions to build child capacity demonstrated positive impacts on Daily Living, Community Participation, and Relationships. Studies did not explore the impact of the NDIS on Learning and Work. Challenges with the NDIS planning process were also reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Further rigorous research across all NDIS service priority areas, particularly adolescent education and employment, is needed to optimise child outcomes and inform practices.