The NDIS provides significant funding and support to tens of thousands of Australians who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including children.
Autism is the largest primary disability category for NDIS funding at 35 percent, with 78 percent of participants who receive support aged 18 and under. Funding through the NDIS is administered by the federal government’s National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
Does NDIS funding cover Autism Spectrum Disorder?
To be eligible for NDIS funding for autism, a person’s impairment may be neurological, sensory, physical, psychosocial, intellectual or cognitive.
While autism generally qualifies for NDIS support, each person is assessed on their level of ASD. This level then determines how much funding for autism may be accessed through the NDIS.
Keep in mind that for anyone to be eligible for NDIS funding, they must be:
- Aged between seven and 65 years
- An Australian citizen, Permanent Visa holder or Protected Special Category Visa holder
- Live in an area where NDIS is available
What is the criteria for NDIS funding for autism?
To see if someone with autism is eligible for support through the NDIS, they need to be assessed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) criteria. This assessment is then used to determine the level of ASD they fit into — diagnosed along a spectrum of severity. The levels help to guide the support that may be required through the NDIS.
For children diagnosed with autism, eligibility for NDIS autism funding is based on reduced functional capacity in one or more areas:
- Communication
- Learning
- Self-care
- Self-management
- Mobility
- Learning.
What are the NDIS levels for autism funding?
Level 1 – Requires Support
Level 2 – Requires Substantial Support
Level 3 – Requires Very Substantial Support
How much NDIS support is available for level 2 and level 3?
A child diagnosed at Level 2 or 3 is considered to have a ‘permanent impairment of functional capacity’, and may be eligible to receive NDIS autism funding. Children with ASD who need disability-specific support to participate in daily life activities may also be able to apply for funding.
For adults assessed as having ASD with Level 2 or 3 severity, they may qualify for NDIS funding.
What support can the NDIS fund for a child with autism?
Depending on what areas a child with autism needs help with, NDIS funding for autism may provide support for different areas of support.
Communication skills
Independent living skills
Social connections
Health and nutrition
Home assistance
What does NDIS early intervention for autism cover?
If a child is diagnosed with autism early — before the age of 7, they can receive early intervention with NDIS funding to support them across a range of areas.
The NDIS uses a different set of criteria to assess eligibility for early intervention compared to the standard program, with a focus on how early support will impact a child’s life.
Some signs a child might benefit from early intervention through NDIS support may include:
- Difficulty with social interaction
- Repetitive behaviours
- Restricted interests
- Sensory sensitivities.
NDIS can provide funding for early intervention therapies, including specialised learning, service planning and coordination, assistance and support to access services such as childcare and kindergarten, as well as specialised equipment/aids.
How much NDIS autism funding can I get?
The amount of NDIS funding provided for a child will depend on the level of impact autism has on their daily life.
The average annualised funding received for children with autism aged seven or over is $32,800. For children under seven, the average is $16,700 per year.
Learn more about how to apply for access to the NDIS and how to prepare for your first NDIS plan meeting.
What supports does the NDIS not provide?
The NDIS does not fund autism supports that:
- Are the responsibility of another government system or community service
- Are not related to an individual’s disability
- Relate to day-to-day living costs that don’t apply to a participant’s support needs.
Using NDIS funding to find support for children with autism via Mable
If you have been approved for funding through the NDIS, there are a number of ways you can find autism support for your child through Mable.
By searching for an independent support worker on the Mable platform, you can connect with warm, friendly people who can assist your child in increasing their independence, help develop their capacity to participate in the community and pursue their goals, objectives and aspirations. A support worker can also help them around their participation in school and the workplace.
Find out how to connect with support on Mable using your NDIS funding.
FAQs
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts how a person interacts with others, learns, communicates and behaves. Learn more about autism spectrum disorder, its signs and treatments. According to Autism Spectrum Australia, it’s estimated that one in 70 people are on the autism spectrum.
Is there a cure for Autism Spectrum Disorder?
There is no cure, however, treatments and therapies are available that can assist with managing symptoms and improving functioning. These can include speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioural therapy and sometimes, medications. Learn more about how to support someone with autism following a diagnosis.
What kind of support does Mable provide for autism?
Children and adults with autism can access a range of supports through Mable. These include:
- Support to and from appointments
- Guidance with studying, tutoring or other educational
- Engagement in sporting or extra-curricular activities
And much more. Learn more about the support you can get.
