What Does “Dual Diagnosis” Actually Mean?

Dual diagnosis simply refers to a person having two or more conditions at the same time, for example:

• An intellectual disability alongside a mental health condition
• Autism with significant sensory processing differences
• A physical disability combined with communication disorders
• Cognitive impairment with behavioural or emotional regulation challenges
• A neurological condition and co-occurring trauma

In some cases, there may be three or more interacting conditions.

This can make daily life more unpredictable, supports harder to organise, and the NDIS more complex to navigate.

Dual diagnosis does not mean the person is difficult.

It means their needs are layered, and they deserve layered support.

Why Do Families Feel Overwhelmed?

When several conditions overlap, so do the challenges.

Families often tell us they feel:

? Confused by conflicting advice

Therapists, doctors, and specialists may all say different things, and families are left trying to figure out what matters most.

? Stretched between multiple appointments

Speech therapy, psychology, occupational therapy, behavioural support, medical check-ins… it adds up quickly.

? Unsure how to prioritise supports

With limited time, energy, and budget, it’s tough to know what to focus on first.

? Worried about behaviour, safety, or stability

Dual diagnosis can make emotional regulation, communication, or social interactions more challenging.

? Burnt out from being the “manager” of everything

Coordinating the whole support team becomes a full-time job for many families.

This is where specialised Support Coordination becomes essential, not optional.

How Diverge Supports Helps Participants With Dual Diagnoses

We recognise that no two people experience disability the same way.

Our role is to bring calm, clarity, and structure to situations that feel messy or overwhelming.

Here’s how we support participants with complex or dual diagnoses:

We Build a Support Team That Works Together

Instead of families having to juggle multiple providers alone, we:

• Communicate with each therapist and service
• Ensure everyone works toward the participant’s goals
• Share essential information (with consent)
• Reduce duplicated or conflicting strategies
• Help build consistency across home, school, work, and community

This teamwork approach leads to better outcomes and less stress for everyone involved.

We Break Down the Complexity Into Clear Steps

We help families understand:

• What supports are essential
• What can wait
• Which services will make the biggest impact
• How to make the most of NDIS funding

Clarity reduces overwhelm, and helps families breathe again.

We Advocate for Accurate Funding & Reports

Dual diagnosis often requires:

• Additional therapy hours
• Specialist assessments
• Behaviour support
• Assistive technology
• Sensory or communication tools
• Higher-level supports

We help gather evidence, liaise with professionals, and ensure each participant’s needs are presented clearly during plan reviews.

We Support Emotional Safety & Stability

Complex needs can bring emotional stress, unpredictability, and exhaustion.

We help participants and families:

• Build safer routines
• Strengthen communication systems
• Reduce behavioural triggers
• Access crisis supports if required
• Navigate school, work, or home challenges

Stability is the foundation of growth.

We See the Whole Person, Not Just the Diagnoses

Dual diagnosis is not a label.

It’s one part of someone’s life, strengths, culture, identity, and future.

We focus on:

• Strengths
• Interests
• Goals
• Independence
• Community connection
• Long-term wellbeing

Every person deserves to feel supported, understood, and empowered.