Cerebral Palsy FCA — NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment

Functional Capacity Assessments for Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability in childhood and one of the most enduring lifelong functional presentations in adulthood. A defensible CP FCA documents the participant's Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level, Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) level and Communication Function Classification System (CFCS) level — three internationally-validated scales that anchor support requirements to evidence-based functional benchmarks. We assess across the full lifespan: paediatric early intervention, adolescent transition, and adult ageing-with-CP profiles.

Common functional impacts of cerebral palsy

CP presents on a spectrum from minor motor coordination difficulty (GMFCS I) to total dependence for all mobility and physical care (GMFCS V). Functional impact spans mobility, fine motor function, communication (dysarthria, AAC dependence in 25% of cases), cognition (40% have co-occurring intellectual disability), epilepsy (30% of cases), sensory differences and pain. Adult participants with CP additionally face premature musculoskeletal degeneration, post-impairment syndrome, and a significant burden of secondary conditions that drive ongoing reassessment needs.

How an FCA supports NDIS funding for cerebral palsy

Our CP FCAs anchor every recommendation to GMFCS, MACS, CFCS levels and validated participation scales (Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Goal Attainment Scaling for paediatric participants). For adult participants with CP we additionally document post-impairment syndrome and ageing-with-CP functional decline — both routinely missed by generic FCAs. Recommendations span Capital (power mobility, complex seating, home and vehicle modifications, AAC devices), Core (high-ratio personal care, community access, transport), Capacity Building (CP-experienced physiotherapy, speech pathology, OT) and SIL/SDA where indicated.

Common support recommendations in cerebral palsy FCAs

Frequently evidenced supports include: power wheelchair with complex postural seating, customised AAC system, bathroom modifications (ceiling hoists, accessible shower facilities), vehicle modifications, 1:1 to 2:1 personal care support depending on GMFCS level, CP-experienced allied health, communication partner training for family and support workers, and where indicated, SDA at the Improved Liveability, Fully Accessible or High Physical Support design categories paired with appropriately-staffed SIL.

Funding pathway

Want to understand how this evidence becomes NDIS funding?

Our NDIS Funding & FCA Evidence hub walks through the reasonable & necessary test, the three funding categories and how Functional Capacity Assessments anchor every decision.

NDIS Funding Evidence Hub How our FCAs are conducted