Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a wide range of difficulties and challenges in various areas of life. This may appear as difficulties with communication and interaction with other people as well as restricted interests and repetitive behaviours. These are often accompanied by sensory issues such an oversensitivity or under-sensitivity to sounds, smells or touch. All of these difficulties may lead to behavioural challenges in some individuals. The term “spectrum” is used to emphasise that autism presents differently in every person, with wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience.
People with autism have a wide range of challenges as well as abilities – every person is an individual with their own unique talents, strengths, challenges, likes and dislikes. Individuals with autism often have different ways of functioning effectively and this should be recognised, embraced, and encouraged. There is no definitive test for autism with a diagnosis made on the basis of developmental assessments and behavioural observations.
Autism diagnosis in children
There are a number of early signs of autism that may prompt parents and carers to seek medical advice for toddlers, pre-schoolers and school aged children. The Autism Awareness Australia website provides further information on what to be aware of: Autism signs in children.
Autism diagnosis in adults
Sometimes people with autism are not diagnosed until adulthood. The Autism Awareness Australia website provides information on autism in adults and some examples of signs, traits and common experiences adults may have before recognising that they may be autistic.
Levels of Autism
The three levels of Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) help doctors prescribe appropriate therapies for the unique needs of their patients. These therapies can help the person with ASD make the most of their strengths and improve their social, language, and behaviour skills.
For parents of a child with ASD, knowing which level the child has can help prepare them for the types of challenges their child might face in daily life.
Visual tools
Many people with autism think and learn visually. Health professionals highly advocate using visual tools to help children and adults with autism learn better and function more effectively in daily life.
While not every person with autism is a visual learner, there is no question that visual aids, picture cards, video models and related tools can be very helpful to people with autism. What’s more, many of these tools are easily available and/or make and are quite inexpensive. They can include things like:
An Allied Health professional can help you to find the best visual tools.
How can the NDIS help?
Before embarking on your NDIS journey, you’ll first need to establish whether you’re eligible. Because there are degrees of ASD, the NDIS looks at how much support you require to determine whether you’re eligible for the Scheme.
If you have a Level 2 or Level 3 ASD diagnosis, you are automatically considered eligible for the NDIS.
If you have a Level 1 ASD diagnosis, you will be required to provide additional details on how your disability impacts your life across a number of areas, including communication, mobility, social interaction, learning, self-care, and self-management.
Of course, many people with ASD don’t fit neatly into one category and may require more support in one area than others. As the NDIS bases its decisions on evidence, the more you can show that you require support in any of the above six areas, the more likely you are to be approved for the NDIS.
To find out whether you’re eligible or request access to the Scheme, call the NDIS on 1800 800 110.
What can the NDIS fund?
The NDIS can fund a wide range of supports, depending on an individual’s situation. Every NDIS participant receives a personalised NDIS plan, which gives an overview of their situation, the supports they require, and how much funding they need.
Because every person’s situation is different, no two NDIS plans are the same. The funding you receive in your plan, and what you can spend it on, is based on your support needs and your goals – that is, what you want to achieve with the assistance of the NDIS.
Your NDIS goals can be:
With your goals, try to be as specific as possible to help ensure you get the funding you need.
While your situation and support needs will be unique, here are some popular ASD related supports and items that the NDIS can fund:
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