What happens when you can’t make a session?
f you’re raising a neurodivergent child, chances are you already know this feeling.
Everything is planned. The session is booked. You’ve done the mental prep to get out the door… and then something shifts.
Your child is exhausted. Overwhelmed. Unwell. Or just not in a place where therapy feels possible that day.
It’s more common than people realise. And it can feel frustrating when that happens close to a scheduled session, especially when there’s a 48-hour cancellation policy in place.
This article is here to explain why that policy exists and, more importantly, what your options are when attending in person just isn’t going to work.
Why do we have a 48-hour cancellation policy?
Cancellation timeframes can vary between providers, so it is important to be aware of what is in your agreement.
At ND Perspective, we’ve set our policy at 2 working days / 48 business hours as a balance between flexibility for families and the need to hold consistent therapy times.
But why does it have to exist at all? At ND Perspective, therapy sessions aren’t booked as one-off appointments. They’re usually held as ongoing weekly or fortnightly spots, reserved specifically for your child.
That means:
- Your therapist has a dedicated time set aside for you, every week or fortnight
- They often prepare for sessions in advance
Unlike some other types of services, we don’t operate with a waitlist we can quickly fill for one-off gaps. Most families are also looking for consistent, ongoing times, just like you are.
So when a session is cancelled within 48 business hours, that time has already been committed and can’t realistically be reallocated.
This policy isn’t there as a penalty, but it is what allows us to:
- Commit to consistent therapy times available for families
- Provide stability and routine for children
- Ensure therapists can continue to offer ongoing support
Behind the scenes, it also helps cover the practical realities of running a clinic, like therapist wages and clinic space, which continue regardless of attendance.
When your child can’t attend, what are your options?
The good news is that even if your child isn’t up for a session, your session time can often still be used productively in ways that genuinely support them.
Here are some alternatives many families find helpful:
1. Parent consults
Sometimes the most valuable work happens without your child in the room. You can use the session time to:
- Talk through what’s been happening at home or school
- Get tailored strategies for specific challenges
- Ask questions you haven’t had time to explore
This can often make future sessions more effective and aligned.
2. Strategy and plan updates
If things have shifted for your child, the session can be used to:
- Review progress
- Adjust therapy goals
- Update support strategies
- Plan next steps
This keeps momentum going, even during harder weeks.
3. Resource creation
Your therapist can use the time to create personalised supports such as:
- Visual schedules
- Social stories
- Regulation tools
- Communication supports
These are often things that can make day-to-day life easier at home and in the community.
4. Telehealth sessions
If getting to the clinic feels like too much, sometimes a shorter or more flexible telehealth session can work.
This might look like:
- A quick check-in
- A modified session tailored to your child’s energy levels
- Support delivered in a familiar environment
5. A lighter, flexible session
In some cases, your child may not be able to engage in a full session, but could still benefit from a gentler approach.
This might include:
- Lower-demand activities
- Regulation-focused support
- Shortened sessions
We can work with you to adjust expectations when needed.
6. Reports, letters or communication
If you have had any requests from NDIS, school or other therapists involved in your child's care, this time could be used to share updates, write letters you may need, or begin work on reports.
Finding what works for your family
We understand that life with neurodivergent children isn’t predictable. Plans change. Energy shifts. Some days are simply harder than others. Our goal is not to make those moments more stressful, but to:
- Keep support consistent
- Make the most of the time you have
- Work with you in a way that feels practical and realistic
If you ever feel unsure about what to do when your child can’t attend, you’re always welcome to reach out. We’re happy to talk through options and find an approach that feels right for your family.
