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What is the NCCD, and what do the levels of adjustment mean?

The four levels of adjustment, the four categories of disability, the 10-week rule, and how autistic students are usually counted.

By The Autism Kit teamUpdated Sep 27, 2026 · 1 min read
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The short answer

The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD) counts students who receive adjustments because of disability. Teachers choose one of four levels of adjustment (quality differentiated teaching practice, supplementary, substantial or extensive) and one of four categories (physical, cognitive, sensory or social/emotional). Adjustments must be provided for at least 10 weeks in the 12 months before census day.

Key takeaways
  • The NCCD counts students receiving adjustments because of disability.
  • Four levels: QDTP, supplementary, substantial, extensive.
  • Four categories: physical, cognitive, sensory, social/emotional.
  • Adjustments need at least 10 weeks of evidence in the 12 months before census day.

What are the four levels of adjustment?

NCCD levels of adjustment
LevelWhat it meansAutism example
Quality differentiated teaching practice (QDTP)Needs met through active, everyday differentiationA visual timetable and warnings before transitions
SupplementaryAdjustments at specific times, beyond usual differentiationPlanned sensory breaks and a quiet space at set times
SubstantialSignificant adjustments for more significant barriersRegular support from a teacher aide and an adapted program
ExtensiveHighly individualised support at all timesIntensive individual support across the day

Frequency and intensity increase through the levels.1

What are the four categories?

Teachers choose the category that best reflects the student's main barrier: physical, cognitive, sensory or social/emotional. This is a professional judgement, informed by evidence and consultation.

What is the 10-week rule?

Adjustments must have been provided for at least 10 weeks of school education in the 12 months before census day. The weeks can be cumulative across terms, and adjustments don't need to happen every day.2

What evidence should I keep?

Try
  • Notes from consultations with the student and family
  • The adjustments in plans and programs
  • Examples of the adjustments in use
  • Reviews of how well adjustments are working
Skip
  • Recording adjustments that aren't actually happening
  • Leaving evidence until the week before census
Free printable: classroom packPDF · 8 pages · timetable, now and next, token board, calm corner, breaks, transitions, story and profile
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What can I do this term?

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Common questions

Teachers use professional judgement about which category best reflects the main barrier. For many autistic students it's social/emotional, but it depends on the student.

Sources

  1. NCCD: Step 2, what is the level of adjustment? nccd.edu.au
  2. NCCD: Do you have evidence that an adjustment has been provided for a minimum of 10 weeks? nccd.edu.au
  3. Australian Government Department of Education: Disability Standards for Education 2005. education.gov.au

This guide shares general information and our team's perspective, based on the sources above. Rules and services differ by country, region and school, so always check your local guidance and your organisation's policies. How we write our guides.

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