NDIS Funding for autism
Autism is listed as a ‘List A’ condition, which means that those with autism are likely to meet the disability requirements of the NDIS Act to be eligible for support. In 2021, more than 159,000 Australians received support for autism. Support budgets amounts range from $22,00 to $134,000 per year depending on age and eligibility.
To be eligible to get NDIS funding, a person must be diagnosed with Level 2 (Requiring substantial support) or Level 3 (Requiring very substantial support) autism and be under 65 years of age. If a person has Level 1 autism diagnosis, they will have to provide additional details.
Learn more about what disabilities can be funded through the NDIS here.
Children with autism and the NDIS
A major goal of early intervention for autism is to help parents and caregivers to better understand their child’s condition. The first step in this process is to establish what the child’s early developmental history has been.
Support for autism is a complex matter. Many doctors believe that there are three basic components to the support for autism. The first is the development of skills. This is a long-term, but slow process. The second is the management of symptoms. These include behaviour, motor skills, and sensory issues. The third is the development of the social skills. The goal of all support is to help the child thrive.
Autism spectrum disorder and NDIS Eligibility
Conditions that are funded by the NDIS fall under two lists:
List A – Conditions which are likely to meet the disability requirements in section 24 of the NDIS Act
List B – Permanent conditions for which functional capacity are variable and further assessment of functional capacity is generally required
ASD Level 1: Further assessment needed
- Social communication
Without supports in place, deficits in social communication cause noticeable impairments. Has difficulty initiating social interactions and demonstrates clear examples of atypical or unsuccessful responses to social overtures of others. May appear to have decreased interest in social interactions.
- Restrictive, repetitive behaviours
Inflexibility of behaviour causes significant interference with functioning in one or more contexts. Difficulty switching between activities. Problems of organisation and planning hamper independence.
ASD Level 2: Likely funded by the NDIS
- Social communication
Marked deficits in verbal and nonverbal social communication skills; social impairments apparent even with supports in place; limited initiation of social interactions; and reduced or abnormal responses to social overtures from others.
- Restrictive, repetitive behaviours
Inflexibility of behaviour, difficulty coping with change, or other restricted/repetitive behaviours appear frequently enough to be obvious to the casual observer and interfere with functioning in a variety of contexts. Distress and/or difficulty changing focus or action.
ASD Level 3: Likely funded by the NDIS
- Social communication
Severe deficits in verbal and nonverbal social communication skills cause severe impairments in functioning, very limited initiation of social interactions, and minimal response to social overtures from others.
- Restrictive, repetitive behaviours
Inflexibility of behaviour, difficulty coping with change, or other restricted/repetitive behaviours appear frequently enough to be obvious to the casual observer and interfere with functioning in a variety of contexts. Distress and/or difficulty changing focus or action.
Getting started with the NDIS for autism
- Check eligibility: You can check your eligibility by following the questions available on the NDIS website using the Eligibility Checklist.
- Apply for the NDIS: If you meet the criteria for accessing the NDIS, you can apply to become a participant. Call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 and ask to make an ‘Access Request’ or download the Access Request Form from their website.
- Decision time: The NDIA will decide whether you’re eligible for the NDIS and will send you a letter to tell you. If you’re eligible, you’ll be asked to come to a planning meeting to talk about the supports and funds you need. If you’re not, you can still get information and help from a Local Area Coordinator or Early Childhood Early Intervention Coordinator.
- Create your plan: Your NDIS plan will be a written agreement as to the types of supports and services you will receive funding for. It’s important to go into your planning meeting well prepared. You should think about your immediate support needs and the long-term and short-term goals you want to achieve through your NDIS plan. Your planning meeting is the best time to note the way you want your plan funds managed and if you would like extra help from a support coordinator.
- Use your plan: Once approved, you can start to use your plan to help you to move towards achieving your goals.
NDIS participants with autism use just 72% of their plan.
Plan Management can help NDIS participants with Autism utilise all their funds and gain independence. If you are interested in NDIS Plan Management, contact us today.
NDIS supports for autism
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the needs of people with Autism will vary depending on their individual symptoms and abilities. However, some common services that people with Autism may need include special education services, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, social skills therapy, and medication if needed. The vast amount of NDIS support services used for those with Autism are around managing daily activities as well as helping to engage in social and community activities including helping to form relationships.
Common supports funded by the NDIS for autism spectrum disorder
- Speech therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Personal care support
- Behavioural support
- Nutrition support
Popular support categories for autism
- Daily Activities
- Social Community Civic
- CB Daily Activity
- Home Modifications
Get MyIntegra Support Coordination for autism
NDIS participants with autism can get started on maximising their NDIS plan today with the help of a local support coordinator who will get to know them and their goals to help organise the right supports. Contact us today to get started.
