Jodie Herbert is the founder of Ability Pathways, a mentoring and implementation support service that helps neurodivergent adults translate diagnosis into real-world progress.
Her work focuses on what she calls The Implementation Gap — the space between understanding a diagnosis and being able to apply that insight to work, study and everyday life. This approach is informed by Implementation Science, which examines how knowledge and clinical insights are translated into real-world practice.
Alongside more than 30 years’ experience in business, marketing and strategy, Jodie brings 50 years supporting family members and close relationships navigating physical disability, mental health, medical conditions and neurodiversity, as well as 21 years as a parent and 12 years navigating and self-managing NDIS plans for her non-verbal, autistic sons. Her work focuses on helping individuals and families bridge the gap between understanding a diagnosis and building real-world momentum.
This combination allows her to bridge the worlds of therapy, systems and real life. Through workshops, mentoring and practical guidance, she helps individuals and families build structure, regain momentum and design pathways forward after diagnosis.
Navigating the NDIS & Planning Your Next Steps
Once the initial shock of diagnosis begins to settle, many individuals and families face the same pressing question: what do we do next?
This session focuses on the practical steps involved in moving forward — including understanding how the NDIS application process works, what evidence is required, and how to begin building a pathway of support that genuinely improves daily life.
We will explore:
• the key steps involved in applying for the NDIS
• what information and evidence is typically required for an application
• how NDIS decisions are made and what assessors are looking for
• common mistakes and misunderstandings that can delay or weaken an application
• what kinds of supports the NDIS may fund — and what it will not fund
• General Q&A
We will also discuss how Implementation Science principles can be used to turn support plans into practical routines, systems and structures that improve consistency, reduce overwhelm and support long-term progress.
By the end of this session, participants should have a clear understanding of the NDIS application process and begin mapping out a 6–12 month support strategy to guide their next steps with greater clarity and confidence.