A guide to NDIS support for Autism Spectrum Disorder and Asperger’s Syndrome

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides individualised support for people with permanent and significant disability in Australia. The primary goal of the NDIS is to change the lives of people with disability, the families and their careers for the better. It is in place to enable people to fully participate in the social and economic lifestyle of our country and to live ordinary lives.

Most people with diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Asperger’s Syndrome will have access to the NDIS. The exact amount of funding and types of autism support services that individuals will be able to access depends on the age of the participant and the severity of their disability.

• Factors that contribute to NDIS eligibility are as follows:
• Communication
• Social Interaction
• Mobility
• Learning
• Self-Care

What kind of support for children with autism does the NDIS provide?

The NDIS can provide a range of autism support services that assist with many areas of a person’s life. Primarily, the support services focus on an individual’s particular NDIS goals for Autism Spectrum Disorder and can include support with:

• Education
• Social participation
• Health & wellbeing
• Speech Pathology
• Occupational Therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Lifestyle and Leisure

NDIS support for Autism Spectrum Disorder: Children aged 0-6

For children aged 0-6 years, as a parent or guardian, you will meet with an NDIS early childhood partner and be part of the Early Childhood, Early Intervention (ECEI) scheme. During the initial meeting, you will talk about any autism support services your child already receives, how they manage currently with daily activities and any additional support for children with autism you may need.

Your ECEI partner will also discuss specific NDIS goals for Autism Spectrum Disorder and decide on the supports your child and your family need. This can include:

• Information and emotional support
• Referrals to organisations that can provide speech therapy or occupational therapy
• Autism support services such as support groups, health programs and playgroups

NDIS support for Autism Spectrum Disorder: Children aged over 6 years

If your child is seven years or older you will meet with an NDIS planner or an NDIS local area coordination partner. Together you will develop an individual plan of autism support services and a personalised NDIS plan. You can then start looking for service providers to deliver the agreed supports.

NDIS Eligibility for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder is the largest primary disability category for the NDIS. There are, however, certain eligibility conditions and not all individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder will be approved for NDIS funding. Individuals who have Level 2 Severity or Level 3 Severity are more than likely eligible for NDIS funding.

If the individual is assessed as having Level 1 Severity may not meet certain severity criteria. If this is the case, further assessment of functional capacity is required to determine eligibility for NDIS funding.

Direct Care Australia are experts in NDIS funded supports and services, specialising in NDIS support for Autism Spectrum Disorder and Asperger’s Syndrome in South Australia. If you need any further assistance, contact Teresa Sandona or Kerrie Harding on 1300122730 or via email at to discuss what services we support for children with autism.