Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that occurs when a baby is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. It’s a lifelong condition that can occur randomly and in people of all races. Learn more about Down syndrome and how it is caused.
In Australia, Down syndrome occurs in approximately one in every 1,100 babies born, which equates to around 290 new babies a year born with Down syndrome. There is no cure or treatment for the disorder and instead, treatments and therapies are provided for the health conditions that people with Down syndrome may face.
NDIS eligibility for Down syndrome support
The NDIS does provide funding for people with Down syndrome. Down syndrome is included on the List B of conditions likely to result in permanent impairment. To be eligible for NDIS funding:
- The person must be aged between 7 and 65
- The person must live in Australia and be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or a Protected Special Category visa holder
- The person’s disability is caused by a permanent impairment that substantially reduces their functional capacity.
Children under the age of seven can receive NDIS funding through Early Childhood Early Intervention. If you’re approved for NDIS funding, you can use it to find support workers through Mable. Even if you’re not eligible for NDIS funding, you can connect with support workers via Mable and choose to pay privately.
However, it’s important to note that individuals with Down syndrome, over the age of 7, aren’t automatically eligible for NDIS funding. In addition to diagnosis, to secure NDIS funding, it’s necessary to provide evidence of the impact of the disability on everyday functioning.
The evidence must be recent, supplied by a treating health professional relevant to the primary disability, and must confirm the impact of the disability on different aspects of the individual’s life. It must also outline previous treatments and their outcomes as well as future treatment options and their anticipated outcomes.
Evidence of disability can be provided by a GP, physiotherapist, paediatrician, occupational therapist, speech pathologist, neurologist or other medical professional involved in the person’s care. They must have treated the person for at least six months.
Learn more about eligibility for the NDIS, how to apply for the NDIS and how to manage your NDIS funding.
How Mable can support
Every person wants and deserves to live life to the fullest. Through Mable, any child or adult can find support to achieve their goals. These could include finding meaningful employment, enjoying social participation in the community, building relationships with friends, neighbours and colleagues, learning a new skill or building independence.
Once you have been approved to receive NDIS funding, you can start building your support team by connecting with independent support workers on Mable and choosing what support you would like to access. Whether it’s assistance with daily living activities, personal care, learning how to run a household budget, help with relationship building, or domestic assistance, the options are many.
Take a look at Caitlin’s story, for example, who accesses support through Mable to build her skills and independence. Caitlin was even able to take her support worker Georgia when she and her mum decided to travel to Melbourne.
FAQs
Is Down syndrome covered by NDIS?
Yes, the NDIS does consider Down syndrome a condition that requires lifelong support to work towards independence and other goals.
Is Down syndrome a disability in Australia?
Yes, Down syndrome is considered a disability in Australia.
What type of community support is there for those who are affected by Down syndrome?
Each state and territory has its own Down syndrome association:
- Queensland – Down Syndrome Queensland
- New South Wales – Down Syndrome New South Wales
- ACT – ACT Down Syndrome Association
- Victoria – Down Syndrome Victoria
- Tasmania – Down Syndrome Tasmania
- South Australia – Down Syndrome South Australia
- Western Australia – Down Syndrome Western Australia
- Northern Territory – Down Syndrome Association of the Northern Territory
Nationally, Down Syndrome Australia is a good source of resources too.
