The NDIA or the National Disability Insurance Agency has been instrumental in providing the best care for people with autism and intellectual disability. Through the National Disability Insurance Scheme or NDIS, NDIS and autism are closely tied together where funding is made available to “eligible people with disability providing them with more time with family and friends, greater independence, access to new skills, jobs, or volunteering in their community, and an improved quality of life.”¹

More than connecting anyone with a disability to services in their community like connections to doctors, sporting clubs, support groups, libraries, etc., the NDIS also provides information on what support is provided by each state and territory of Australia. This means individuals with autism now have the means to live meaningful and active lives, thereby achieving the best possible outcomes. That said, NDIS coverage includes autism and continues to work with key autism stakeholders.

NDIS for Autism

With the recent Participant and Provider Pathways reviews, the NDIA once again affirms its commitment to engage with the sector and autism stakeholders as well as the views of individuals with autism and the organisations that support them. The NDIA has already proven their support for the sector years ago with the development of Australia’s first national diagnostic guideline for autism by collaborating with the Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC).

The diagnostic guideline has ensured consistent and equitable access to autism diagnosis for both children and adults. Along with a functional assessment, the diagnostic guideline has provided a “more contemporary and evidenced-based approach in identifying the support needs of individuals with autism and determining their eligibility for access to the NDIS.”²

Autism and NDIS Funding

The NDIS covers autism aside from other disabilities. As such, an autistic person must be diagnosed as “Level 2 (Requiring substantial support) or Level 3 (Requiring very substantial support)”³ to receive funding from the NDIS.  However, the amount the person with autism will receive will depend on his or her NDIS Plan and his or her individual needs. For reference, according to the NDIS, persons with autism receive an average of $32,800 annually in funding. For children under 7 years old, they receive an average of $16,700 annually.

NDIS and autism funds are allocated in two plan categories: “Core” and “Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living”.  Generally, people with autism use “Core” funding for support worker help and “Capacity Building” funding for therapy. That said, there’s the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits document that lists all available supports and services along with their respective rates. This will ensure that every participant will “receive value for money in the supports that they receive.”⁴

Learn more about Autism NDIS Funding by reading our guide here.

Ability Assist Provides Tailored Support for Autism

NDIS and autism funding have allowed Ability Assist to provide tailored support for individuals with autism, such as:

• Communication skills development
• Independent living skills
• Technology utilisation
• Social connection fostering
• Physiotherapy for motor skills
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Educational and employment assistance
• Life skills training
• Behavioural and social participation guidance

With us, the person with autism get the support they need to flourish as an individual, live life on their own terms, and find a home that suits their needs through our supported independent living program. Aside from being an NDIS-compliant SIL service provider, Ability Assist has properties with three to four bedrooms that are well-equipped, modern, fully furnished, and designed to cater to the comfort and accessibility needs of the person with autism.

Let the team of Ability Assist work with you closely. We prioritise the comfort, safety, and happiness of persons with autism and other individuals with a disability to ensure that they will all feel at home and supported in every way possible. Call us on (03) 9306 1770 to learn more about how Ability Assist can help you.

References:

1. https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/what-ndis 
2. https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/528-ndis-and-access-requirements-autism
3. https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/home/becoming-participant/applying-ndis/list-conditions-are-likely-meet-disability-requirements
4. https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-arrangements