# 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.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/nccd-levels-of-adjustment
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**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?

| Level | What it means | Autism example |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Quality differentiated teaching practice (QDTP) | Needs met through active, everyday differentiation | A visual timetable and warnings before transitions |
| Supplementary | Adjustments at specific times, beyond usual differentiation | Planned sensory breaks and a quiet space at set times |
| Substantial | Significant adjustments for more significant barriers | Regular support from a teacher aide and an adapted program |
| Extensive | Highly individualised support at all times | Intensive 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

**Adjustments come first.** The NCCD counts adjustments schools already have to make under the Disability Standards for Education.
  [3] See [What reasonable adjustments must schools make?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/disability-standards-for-education)

**Visual supports are easy to evidence.** A visual timetable, now-and-next board or calm corner card in regular use is a simple, visible adjustment.

Free printable: [Free printable: classroom pack](https://theautismkit.com/printables/classroom-pack.pdf)

## What can I do this term?

- [ ] List adjustments for each student who needs them
- [ ] Record consultations with families
- [ ] Keep evidence in one place as you go

## Common questions

### Which category do autistic students usually fall under?

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.

### Do the 10 weeks need to be consecutive?

No. The 10 weeks can be cumulative across terms in the 12 months before census day, and adjustments don't need to happen every day.

### Does a student need a diagnosis to be counted?

The NCCD is based on teachers' professional judgement about disability and the adjustments provided, informed by evidence and consultation.

## Sources

1. NCCD: Step 2, what is the level of adjustment? https://www.nccd.edu.au/wider-support-materials/step-2-what-level-adjustment
2. NCCD: Do you have evidence that an adjustment has been provided for a minimum of 10 weeks? https://www.nccd.edu.au/wider-support-materials/how-long-does-evidence-need-have-been-documented-students-be-included-nccd
3. Australian Government Department of Education: Disability Standards for Education 2005. https://www.education.gov.au/disability-standards-education-2005

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.