NDIS Funding For Autism: A Comprehensive Guide

How much NDIS funding for autism can I claim?

On average, an NDIS participant with autism receives $32,800 annually. Children under seven years of age living with autism receive $16,700 per year, on average, according to the NDIS.

Am I eligible for NDIS funding for autism?

NDIS eligibility criteria is based on reduced functional capacity. To be eligible for support and receive funding, you must:

• Be between 7 and 65 years of age
• Live in Australia and be an Australian citizen or resident (or have a protected special category visa)
• Require support or specialised equipment because of a significant and permanent disability, or
• Need some supports now to reduce your future needs

How much funding can I get for autism support?

The NDIS funds reasonable and necessary disability support for participants.

Because ASD is a spectrum disorder and affects everyone differently, the NDIS takes into consideration the level of support you require when determining your eligibility for funding.

We recommend contacting the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to find out the average payment for a participant with autism.

How much funding you receive personally will depend on your ASD level and your NDIS plan.

How do I apply for access to NDIS funding?

You have a few options when it comes to applying to the NDIS, for yourself or on behalf of your family member.

1. You can make a verbal request by calling the NDIS on 1800 800 110.
2. You can download an Access Request form (ARF) via the NDIS website.
3. You can call the NDIS to request to have an ARF posted to you.

You will need to supply evidence to support both your identity and your autism diagnosis.

The NDIS has a guide for this, which outlines the information you will need, and where applicable, which health professionals can provide evidence (i.e. the most appropriate type of professional for your circumstances).

Do I have to self-manage my NDIS funding?

When it comes to managing your plan and support budgets, you will have three options: Self-management, plan management, or agency management.

Plan management is an ideal alternative to self-management for many NDIS participants. It allows flexibility and control over which services (and which service providers) you can engage. You’ll have an expert in the NDIS across your budgets, invoicing, record keeping, and accounting.

As an NDIS participant, you have the right to request plan management from your local area coordinator or at your next NDIS planning meeting. Funding will be allocated to cover this. There will be no out-of-pocket costs for you to engage a plan manager.

Related reading:

• What is NDIS plan management (and is it right for me?)
• How to Choose the Best NDIS Plan Manager for Your Situation

Understanding ASD levels

‘ASD levels’ refers to the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5), which categorises ASD into three levels.

If you have a level 2 or 3 ASD diagnosis, your access request will automatically be considered for NDIS funding.

If you have a level 1 ASD diagnosis, you may still be eligible but will be required to provide supporting documents and evidence of the impact your disability has on your everyday life.

ASD Level 1: Requiring support

ASD level 1 is the mildest or least severe. Those diagnosed with level 1 ASD might require support with difficulties in social settings and a lack of planning and organisational skills.

ASD Level 2: Requiring substantial support

ASD level 2 is the middle of the range. People who are diagnosed as level 2 require significant support services. Individuals may have trouble communicating verbally, have limited interests and display repetitive behaviours.

ASD Level 3: Requiring very substantial support

ASD level 3 is the most severe, with individuals requiring a very substantial level of support. The challenges faced are similar to those of levels 1 and 2 but far more severe, and usually accompanied by other difficulties.

What types of funded supports can I access?

As with any NDIS supports funding, this will depend on your goals and which therapies, activities or other support services align with them.

Some examples of supports and services you may be able to access with your NDIS plan funds include:

• Speech therapy services
• Support coordination
• Occupational therapy services
• Assistive technology and equipment
• Self-care, assistance with everyday activities
• Home modifications
• Behavioural management
• Support for social and economic participation (such as employment assistance)

For more information, see What is Capacity Building? and NDIS Support Funding Categories Explained

What about support for children under 9?

If your child is aged 8 years old or younger and requires support, you may be eligible to receive NDIS funding under the Early Childhood Approach.

The Early Childhood Approach replaces the Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) program and is designed to support children under nine who may have a developmental delay or disability.

The early childhood approach also enables children who may not completely fit the definition of ‘developmental delay’, but have developmental concerns, to access the necessary supports.

If your child is under 9 and you require support, you should contact the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) on 1800 800 110 or see NDIA’s explanatory page: The early childhood approach for children younger than 9.

How do I find NDIS service providers for autism?

A service provider is an individual or organisation delivering a support or a product to a participant of the NDIS.

There are many ways to find and engage with service providers including via our NDIS Provider Finder, a great resource for finding NDIS-registered service providers.

If you are plan-managed, self-managed, or a combination, you have the freedom to use your NDIS funding with any service provider of your choosing, whether they are NDIS registered or not.

NDSP helps you on your NDIS journey

NDSP is a nationally registered NDIS provider. We specialise in expert plan management so you can focus on what’s important – achieving your goals.

Managing your NDIS funding yourself can be a time-consuming, stressful process. NDSP Plan Managers takes the burden of financial administration off NDIS participants.

Some of the services NDSP can help you with include:

• Paying your providers promptly
• Coordinating service agreements with your supports
• Tracking your NDIS budget (which you can see in real-time via the NAPPA portal)
• Communicating with the NDIA about funding
• Handling your financial administration and record-keeping

Our friendly and highly skilled staff are here to help you make the most of the funding in your NDIS plan. If that sounds like something you might like help with, contact NDSP today to get started.