NDIS Autism Funding: Is My Child Eligible for Support?

It can be scary to learn you have autism and having something to look forward to, knowing there is help, is always a great plus. As a result of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), thousands of children in Australia with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) now have access to critical funds and services through the scheme to ensure their appropriate growth.

The most frequent type of principle type of disability under NDIS is autism, which makes up approximately 35 percent of participants. Actually, 78 per cent of the autistic individuals helped by the scheme are below the age of 18. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) regulates the NDIS, making decisions about funding as well as help plans.

Does the NDIS Provide Funding for Autism?

Autism is indeed, broadly addressed as a situation that fits into the category deserving NDIS support. The eligibility however relies not only on the diagnosis of the condition but its effects.

Individuals will be required to demonstrate a functional limitation of such an extent which is significant and permanent in one or more skill areas e.g. communication skills or self-care. This is evaluated by a combination of reports and diagnostic instruments to come up with the requirements of the individual as far as support is concerned.

In addition to that, your child will also need to fit the following basic requirements:

• He or she should be 7-65 years old
• Be an Australian citizen or be a permanent visa holder or hold a Special Category visa protection
• Be living in a region that has access to the NDIS

How Is Autism Assessed for NDIS Eligibility?

The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) is used to make Austrian autism diagnoses. It gives a continuum of autism characteristics which differ in degrees.

In the case of the NDIS, the intensity of support needed is determined by the impact of autism on the capacity of a person to control his ordinary life. Children are evaluated based on impaired functional capacity in one, or group of areas:

• Communication
• Learning
• Mobility
• Self-care
• Self-management

When your child has autism and is impaired in these measures to an appreciable extent, they can be supported by NDIS.

Understanding the Levels of Autism for NDIS Support

Autism is identified as three levels that assist in defining the degree of support that your child might require.

Level 1- Demands Support

Known as high-functioning autism, people on this level might have difficulties socialising or expressing inflexible behaviours. The NDIS might require some additional evidence to demonstrate the effect on everyday lives.

Level 2 - The Need of Significant Assistance

Children at this stage are associated with problems of non-verbal communication, high reliance on routines, and sensitivities to the senses.

Level 3- Very Substantial Support

To be at this level normally implies a deficiency in communication, severe mental difficulties, as well as being more complicated to learn new skills or rather work in groups.

How Much NDIS Funding Can My Child Receive?

When it comes to children who are diagnosed at level 2 or 3, autism is seen as a permanent loss of functional capacity hence they expect to receive perennial NDIS funding. The type of assistance will be pegged on the extent of the support that they require on their day to day lives.

Here’s an idea of average annual funding:

• Children aged 7 or older: ~$32,800
• Children under 7: ~$16,700

Not all children are the same, and NDIS funds depend on individual goals and needs that were talked to you during your planning meeting.

What Support Can the NDIS Cover for Autistic Children?

NDIS may cover a wide variety of support according to the needs of your child. Some of them are:

Communication

Speech therapy that would aid your child in correcting his or her communication skills and relating to others.

Independent Living Skills

Speech therapy to boost communication ability, or physical therapy to increase motor skills, ability to coordinate, etc. and daily activities.

Social Participation

Therapies known as behavioural therapies which help to promote social interaction and lessen distress in strange situations.

Health & Nutrition

A nutritional therapy could be associated with wellbeing and food-related sensitivities in some children.

Home and every day Help

Equipment and therapeutic aids to aid in activities at home, school, or in the community; support workers.

Early Intervention Through the NDIS for Autism

Children below the age of 7 will receive early intervention assistance under the NDIS, which aims at enhancing the development of a child in their most vital years.

However, opposed to the traditional eligibility measures, the early intervention relies on the ability of early assistance to alter the future course of a child to the positive. It is an excellent proposal among families with young children who exhibit autism.

Symptoms that early intervention may be beneficial are:

• Dismal social interaction difficulty
• Repetitive behaviours
• Lack  of interests
• Sensory sensitivities

Integrated services may mean special learning programmes, assistance with entry to childcare or kindergarten setting, therapy, and assistive technology.

What the NDIS Doesn’t Cover

The NDIS is very generous in its support but it does not fund some things. These include:

• Services which are the mandate of other systems of government (such as education or health)
• Non-medical supports unrelated to the disability of the person
• General expenses living costs independent of support needs

How Support Network Can Help You Navigate Autism Support

At Support Network we know how daunting the experience of seeking NDIS funding can be, or of trying to identify the most appropriate supports to administer to your child. And that is why we are here to hold your hand as you get all the way through.

We will guide you in obtaining the right services and professionals to make use of once your child has been approved an NDIS support. Our team will be made of people ranging from speech and occupational therapists, support workers, and specialised educators to create a plan that brings out what you want your kid to achieve and what his strengths and hurdles are.

We are here to guide your kid in gaining confidence, independence and valuable ties within the community.

Need guidance with NDIS autism funding or early intervention support?

Reach out to Support Network today and speak with a team that truly understands.