If you're navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for yourself or a loved one with autism, you're not alone. We know it can be complex.
In this guide, we break down the key information about NDIS autism support, helping you understand eligibility, funding, and how to find the right help. At Like Family, we're here to support you on this journey.
Understanding autism and the NDIS
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a type of neurodiversity that influences how the brain develops, impacting communication and behaviour.
It's important to understand that autism is a spectrum, meaning it impacts each person differently. Some individuals might need significant support in their daily lives, while others may require less assistance.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plays a crucial role in supporting people with autism. The NDIS provides funding for "reasonable and necessary" support, helping individuals achieve their goals and live more independently.
These supports can include therapies, assistive technology, and assistance with daily activities. The NDIS aims to increase social and economic participation, enabling individuals with autism to engage more fully in their communities.
Essentially, the NDIS recognises that individuals with autism may face unique challenges, and it provides the resources to help them overcome those challenges, build their skills, and lead fulfilling lives.
NDIS eligibility for autism
To be eligible for the NDIS, you must:
- Be under 65 when you first apply.
- Live in Australia and meet residency requirements.
- Have a permanent disability that significantly impacts your daily life.
To determine your eligibility for the NDIS with an autism diagnosis, it's crucial to understand how Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) levels and the NDIS eligibility lists interact.
Understanding how Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) levels and the NDIS eligibility lists work together is essential for your NDIS application.
Understanding ASD levels
To diagnose autism, doctors, and specialists use a guide called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, or the DSM-5 for short. It’s like a detailed checklist, listing the specific things doctors look for when diagnosing autism.
This tool was created by experts at the American Psychiatric Association, and is regularly updated, so everyone uses the same standards. This helps make sure that autism is diagnosed accurately, regardless of where you are.
The DSM classifies ASD into three levels based on support needs. These levels reflect the degree of challenge in social communication and the presence of repetitive behaviours:
- Level 1 (Requiring Support): Individuals may exhibit challenges in social communication and experience difficulties with being flexible, requiring support in social settings and during times of change.
- Level 2 (Requiring Substantial Support): Individuals experience more significant social communication difficulties and noticeable repetitive behaviours, requiring substantial daily support.
- Level 3 (Requiring Very Substantial Support): This level involves severe social communication challenges and highly restrictive, repetitive behaviours, demanding very substantial support for daily living.
ASD levels and NDIS eligibility lists
The NDIS uses eligibility lists to determine access. A diagnosis of Level 2 or Level 3 ASD typically places you in List A, indicating you'll likely gain NDIS access.
A Level 1 ASD diagnosis typically falls under List B, requiring you to provide evidence of how your autism impacts daily life.
Providing evidence for Level 1 ASD
If you have a Level 1 diagnosis, you'll need to demonstrate how your autism affects your ability to participate in everyday activities. This evidence can be provided by professionals such as psychologists, occupational therapists and speech therapists.
It is essential that the evidence provided, clearly shows the impact that the ASD has on communication, social interaction, mobility, learning, self-management and self-care.
Regardless of your ASD level, comprehensive documentation of your support needs strengthens your application. The NDIS focuses on the impact of your disability on your functional capacity, not solely on the diagnosis.
The NDIS application process for autism
- Obtain a Diagnosis: Consult your GP for a referral to a specialist (psychologist, psychiatrist, developmental paediatrician).
- Apply for NDIS Access: Complete an Access Request Form (ARF) or contact the NDIS.
For children under 9, the Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) pathway is used to determine if your child is eligible for NDIS funding for autism. Contact your local NDIS Early Childhood Partner to assist in access to the NDIS and finding the right supports.
For adults and children over 9, you will need to have your treating professional fill in part of the form and supply supporting evidence. - Prepare for Your Planning Meeting: Gather supporting documents and identify your goals.
- Attend the Planning Meeting: Discuss your needs and goals with an NDIS planner.
- Receive Your NDIS Plan: Review your plan and start accessing funded support.
NDIS funding and supports for autism
When your NDIS plan is approved, you'll gain access to funding designed to support your specific needs.
The NDIS funds a wide range of supports to help individuals with autism achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. These supports are tailored to each person's unique requirements, as autism affects everyone differently.
One of the primary areas of support is through various therapies, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioural therapy.
These therapies can help improve communication skills, develop daily living skills, and support to assist with challenging behaviours.
In addition to therapies, the NDIS can fund support coordination, which helps you navigate the complexities of the NDIS and connect with appropriate service providers.
Assistive technology provides tools and equipment that enhance independence and participation. It needs to be meet reasonable and necessary criteria for your disability in order to be approved. For autism, this is likely to include communication devices, but could potentially include other aids.
The NDIS also recognises the importance of social and economic participation, funding supports that help you engage in community activities, pursue education, or find employment. Home modifications can also be funded to create a safe and accessible living environment.
Understanding the funding categories within your NDIS plan is essential. Typically, your plan will include core funding, which covers everyday supports, and capacity building funding, which focuses on developing skills and independence.
The amount of funding you receive will depend on your individual needs and the goals outlined in your NDIS plan.
It's important to work closely with your NDIS planner to ensure your plan accurately reflects your support requirements.
Remember, the NDIS aims to provide reasonable and necessary supports that enable you to live a fulfilling and independent life.
Like Family: Your partner in NDIS autism support
Like Family provides personalised social care, connecting you with vetted support workers who can assist with daily living, social activities, and more. Our platform offers flexibility and ease of use, complementing your NDIS funding.
Maximise your NDIS funding for autism support with Like Family. Our hourly rates are 16% below the NDIS price guide, providing you with access to more support hours. Discover how we can help. Ready to get started? Sign up below or reach out to our friendly team at hello@likefamily.com.au.
Resources and further information
NDIS Official Website: ndis.gov.au
Autism Awareness Australia: autismawareness.com.au
Ready to find the support you need? Sign up with Like Family today and discover how we can help you navigate your NDIS journey.