The purpose of the NDIS is to provide funding to eligible people with disability to gain more independence, access new skills, jobs or volunteering opportunities or study, spend more time with family and friends and improve their quality of life.
For many people with autism, the NDIS can help them to work towards some of these goals and receive support that they previously haven’t had.
The first step to accessing NDIS support is to work out whether or not you may be eligible for the scheme.
Am I eligible for the NDIS?
Because there are different levels of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the NDIS will look at how much support you need to work out whether you are eligible for the scheme.
Level 2 or 3 ASD – if you have a Level 2 or 3 ASD diagnosis, you are automatically considered eligible for the NDIS.
Level 1 ASD – if you have a Level 1 ASD diagnosis, you will need to provide information about how your autism impacts your life across a number of areas so that the NDIA can decide if you are eligible to receive support. These areas of your life include:
Follow this link for further information on NDIS eligibility.
Your NDIS Planning Meeting
If you are eligible for the NDIS, you’ll be required to attend a planning meeting. The purpose of this meeting is for the NDIA to understand how your autism impacts your everyday life and where you need support to reach your goals.
Preparing ahead of your planning meeting is really important so that you give yourself the best opportunity to get the supports you need. Find out more about preparing for your planning meeting.
What can the NDIS fund?
If you are eligible for the NDIS, what exactly can you get funding for? The NDIS may fund a wide and varied range of supports for people with autism. It will depend on your unique situation and the impact that your autism has on your day-to-day life.
No two NDIS plans are the same with each being tailored to each participant’s needs and goals. Here are some examples of goals that you might need NDIS support to help you achieve:
Physical – “I want get stronger so that I can play a team sport”.
Social – “I want to make more friends my own age”.
Independence based – “I want to manage my own finances”.
While the funding and supports provided to each person will look different, here are some of the common supports funded for participants with autism.
We’re here to help
Our team of Brisbane based Support Coordinators and Plan Managers are here to help. If you have any questions about autism and the NDIS, get in touch with our friendly team today.
You can get in touch via our contact form, email us at enquiries@infocusdisability.org.au or call us on 1800 928 437.
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