NDIS Autism Funding: What NDIS Cover For Autism?

NDIS scheme was launched to change and improve the lives of people with disability and their respective families by assisting them in their everyday activities. Individuals with disabilities can access financial support through the NDIS.  

The NDIS can be confusing for many, so we have created this comprehensive guide so you can learn all about it, know how to access the scheme, and create a plan to help you live a fulfilling life. 

NDIS participants with autism can take up the Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) pathway, which primarily provides funding to children under seven. In contrast, a regular NDIS pathway is available to those aged seven and older.  

In an inclusive society, individuals on the autism spectrum have greater control and independence. 

What is NDIS funding? You can choose the support and providers that permit you to achieve your goals and determine which organisations and providers you would want to gain support from through the individualised funding plan. 

Here in this article, we address the level of autism under the NDIS scheme, NDIS funding for autism, eligibility for availing of the autism NDIS funding plan and NDIS funding for an autism assessment.  

Before that, find out what exactly is autism. 

According to estimates, about 1 out of every 70 people has autism. 

So, what is autism? The doctors claim it is a lifelong developmental disability, autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), affecting social interaction and communication. 

 In addition, it impacts how an individual perceives their surroundings.

People with autism suffer from a ‘spectrum’ condition, which means they will experience similar challenges, but they will be affected differently by their condition. 

What are the common Autism-Related Identified challenges?   

The disorder so far identified in the autism spectrum includes: 

• Anxiety 
• Depression 
• Language and speech issues 
• Epilepsy 

• Dyspraxia  

Is NDIS funding available to people with autism? 

Of course! Persons with ASD are eligible for funding through the NDIS as a permanent disability. Among the primary disability categories suitable for the NDIS, autism spectrum disorder is the largest. 

Autism spectrum disorder may qualify for NDIS funding under certain conditions, but not all individuals. 

Generally, NDIS funding is available if an individual has autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at level 2 or 3 (requiring very substantial support) for helping children with autism.  

NDIS eligibility is determined by assessing functional capacity for individuals with autism spectrum disorder with level 1 severity (requiring some support), Asperger syndrome, atypical autism, childhood autism, and pervasive developmental disorders. 

What are the NDIS funding amounts for autism?

NDIS funding amounts during the NDIS trial and transition period, an autistic NDIS participant received an average of $32,800 in annualised NDIS funds. A child with autism under seven years old receives $16,700 per year under the NDIS. 

What is the eligibility for autism for NDIS? 

NDIS participants must meet the following requirements: 

• In addition to having a permanent impairment, you may also have a developmental delay. 
• Comply with the NDIS disability or early intervention requirements. 
• The NDIS applicant must be under the age of 65. 
• The applicant must be an Australian citizen or hold a permanent visa or a Protected Special Category visa. 

• You must be able to access the NDIS in your area. 

What level of NDIS funding is available for autism? 

Based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5), there are three levels of Autism Spectrum Disorder: 

Level 1 Autism – Need assistance

There are three levels of ASD, with level 1 being the mildest.  

There might be a need for support for those diagnosed with ASD level 1 who have difficulty adjusting to social environments or lack the skills to plan and organise their daily activities. 

Level 2 Autism – Needs substantial support

Level 2 is the middle range of autism spectrum disorders. Support is required for people with a level 2 diagnosis

Communication difficulties, limited interests, and repetitive behaviour are common characteristics of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. 

Level 3 Autism – Requires a High Level of Support

An individual with autism spectrum disorder level 3 requires substantial support.  

As with levels 1 and 2, there are challenges, but they are there for the autism support for the NDIS children which are more severe and sometimes accompanied by other difficulties. 

Does autism qualify for NDIS funding based on functional capacity? 

There must be a reduction in functional capacity in one or more of the following areas to be eligible for NDIS: 

• Learning 
• Self-Management 
• Mobility 
• Social interaction 
• Self-Care and 
• Communication. 

The NDIA has guided in determining eligibility through the NDIS Lists A-E, although a diagnosis of autism at any level may qualify in accessing the NDIS funds. 

NDIS funding for autism: Where can the NDIS funding be used? 

People with autism can access a variety of support services through the autism funding package. 

• Therapeutic speech therapy 
• Improving concentration through occupational therapy 
• Focusing on fine motor skills  

• Help with personal care, such as showering, pooping, dressing, and eating 
• A behavioural support program (relationship building, behaviour management) 
• Eating habits (diversification) 
• Behavioural management 
• Home modifications 

NDIS for autism are funded and supported according to the level of severity. 

What are the pathways to access NDIS autism funding? 

Access to the NDIS funding for autism depends on the participant’s age. Here are the pathways to access the NDIS funding for autism: 

Children between 0 and 6 years old

An early childhood approach is a way your child will access the NDIS if they are under six. 

 Among the objectives of early childhood education are: 

• Ensure you have access to support services promptly. 
• Give you information about best practices in early childhood intervention. 
• Become more confident and capable of responding to the support needs of your child. 
• Improve your child’s ability to do everyday activities they want or need. 

• Your child can be included and participate in mainstream and community settings, such as child care and recreation, by increasing their inclusion and involvement. 
• Refer you to other support services like parent support groups if needed. 

NDIS and autism funding plan reduces its medium to long-term liabilities through effective early intervention as an insurance scheme. 

For children over 7 years old

You or your child can access the NDIS through the NDIS Pathway if they are over 7 years of age.  

Your child can receive support through the NDIS early childhood approach if they are younger than 7 years old and have developmental delays, developmental concerns, or disabilities. A diagnosis is not necessary for your child in such a case. 

What type of autism assessment or evidence is required for NDIS funding?

According to the NDIS, treating health professionals should provide standardised assessments considered “best practice” in evidence. 

For the autistic assessment, the following practitioner can provide assessment: 

• Through a multidisciplinary team member 
• Occupational Therapist 
• Psychologist 
• Speech Therapist 

For NDIS funding for an autism assessment, contact the disability or autism association in your state or territory. If you are interested in autism or disability services in your area or about the NDIS in your state or territory, contact the disability or autism association in your state or territory.  

Helping children with autism: How does the NDIS service provider assist? 

Managing your NDIS plan funding can be done in four ways. One can take assistance from the NDIS service provider, 

 The assessment services won’t cost you anything.  

Self Management

Your NDIS funds are entirely under your control and responsibility. Registered and non-registered providers and your preferred service providers can assist you.  

Depending on your plan goals, you can negotiate a better deal with providers or pay above the NDIS price guide limits. 

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Plan Management

Your plan can be used more effectively if you have more control over it.  

Paying your NDIS support for autism providers is made more accessible by the financial intermediary who handles your claims and pays your invoices.  

 A plan manager lets you select registered and non-registered providers, but you have to follow the price limits set by the NDIS. 

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NDIA Agency Management

NDIS providers can only access it if they are registered with the program. Through the NDIA provider portal, registered providers can claim the services they have provided.  

Monitor your NDIS expenditures and claims using the MyPlace participant portal. NDIS Price Guides are the only guidelines that registered providers can refer to when charging. 

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A combination of plan

You can combine the core support with a capacity-building plan. Be sure to take help from the NDIS service provider when combining the plans. 

How to review the NDIS funding for autism? 

NDIS offers a variety of support options depending on your individualised plan, and the NDIS funding for autism can be reviewed only in coordination with your plan manager. 

Your child’s goals or your own will determine these supports. You or your child will receive the support you or they need to meet these goals. 

In addition to therapy support, you may also need assistance with technology and equipment to help with daily activities or alterations to your home. 

If you think the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has made an error in a decision, the decision can get reviewed. 

It is possible to review many decisions made by NDIA, including acceptance as a participant, provision of reasonable and necessary support, and registration as a provider of support. 

Within three months of receiving notification of a decision from the NDIA, a request for internal review can be made.  

Conclusion  

You can often start by aligning your goals with the NDIS’s objectives. Through the NDIS funding, children with autism disabilities can improve their independence, participate more in social and economic activities, and engage more actively in their communities. 

You or your child should consider how your goals fit under the NDIS objectives when developing personal goals. 

If you want to get the NDIS fund to take care of your child, connect with us!