Understanding NDIS Funding for Kids with Autism: A Guide for Families

Key Points

• The amount of support that your child will receive from the NDIS will depend on their Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis level.
• Through NDIS funding, children with autism are able to access different services and therapies aimed at supporting their unique needs.
• The amount of funding children receive may vary, but generally, kids aged 7 and older can receive on average around $32,800 per year.
• By working with local NDIS teams and service providers, you’ll be able to identify and access the right type of support that works best for your child.

Summary

Autism is the most common disability among over half of NDIS participants under the age of 18. If your child has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, you can apply for NDIS funding to access specialised services and therapies to support their needs. The amount of funding they can receive can vary depending on certain factors, such as their age and condition.

Outline

1. Introduction
2. Autism Diagnosis Levels and NDIS Eligibility
3. What Kinds of Support Does NDIS Cover?
4. How Much Funding Can Your Child Get?
5. What Doesn’t NDIS Cover?
6. How Do You Get Started with NDIS?
7. Finding the Right Support for Your Family
8. Want Further Assistance?

If you’re a parent or caregiver of a child with autism, it may come as a surprise to know that it’s the most common primary disability for over 54% of NDIS participants under 18. That means many families are in a similar position, and support is available.

This guide will break down how NDIS autism funding works, what types of support are covered, and how you can find the right services for your child.

The NDIS provides funding to people with disabilities to help them access services and support. For children with autism, it can cover things like therapy, personal care, and help with social skills.

The key is that the support needs to be related to your child’s specific needs and goals.

Not every child with autism will automatically qualify for NDIS funding, so let’s look at how eligibility works.

Autism Diagnosis Levels and NDIS Eligibility

The amount of support your child might get depends on their Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis level.

Children with Level 1 autism need some support in social, school, or daily life settings. They might have trouble starting conversations, picking up on facial expressions, or coping when routines change.

If your child is an autism Level 1, they’ll need an extra assessment to show they’re eligible for NDIS funding.

For kids with Level 2 autism, support needs are more substantial. They often need help with communication, social interaction, and managing daily routines. Repetitive behaviours or strong interests in specific topics are also common. Children at this level are very likely to qualify for NDIS funding.

Level 3 autism refers to kids who need significant support across most areas of life. Communication, social interaction, and adapting to changes can all be major challenges. These children may have highly restricted interests, display repetitive behaviours, and require extensive support to manage daily activities. These kids almost always meet the requirements for NDIS funding.

If you’re unsure about eligibility, a good starting point is to chat with your GP or another healthcare professional. They can help guide you through the assessment and application process.

What Kinds of Support Does the NDIS Cover?

NDIS funding can help your child access therapies and services that support their unique needs. These NDIS support services for autism may include help managing behaviours, improving communication, or building important life skills.

For instance, behavioural therapy can help kids manage new challenges and develop ways to adapt to everyday situations.

Speech therapy can focus on improving language, speech, or even social communication. If motor skills or coordination are a challenge, physiotherapy can help.

There’s also nutritional support for children who might have specific dietary challenges related to autism. Some families rely on support workers who can assist with things like daily tasks, getting out into the community, or practising life skills.

Sensory aids, like special toys or tools, are another option that can help children engage and feel more comfortable.

The exact support for your child can access will depend on their individual goals and needs. Recommendations from healthcare professionals will play a big role in what gets included in their NDIS plan.

How Much Funding Can Your Child Get?

The amount of funding a child receives varies because every child’s needs are different. That said, there are some averages to give you an idea.

For children under 7, the average annual NDIS funding is around $16,700. For kids aged 7 and older, it’s about $32,800 per year.

Keep in mind that these are just estimates. Your child’s funding will be tailored to their situation and goals. If your child needs regular therapy, support workers, or specialised tools, their funding plan will reflect that..

If you’re unsure how to make the most of the funding, an NDIS Local Area Coordinator (LAC) can help you figure out the best approach.

What Doesn’t NDIS Cover?

While NDIS funding covers a lot, it doesn’t pay for everything. The main focus is on providing support that directly relates to your child’s autism diagnosis.

For example, the NDIS won’t cover everyday living costs like groceries or rent. It also doesn’t fund medical treatments that aren’t specifically related to the disability, or services already provided by other government programs, like school or hospital care.

If you’re not sure whether something is covered, it’s always a good idea to check with your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator

How Do You Get Started with NDIS?

If you think your child might qualify for NDIS funding, getting started is simpler than it sounds.

Your first step is to contact the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). They’ll guide you through the initial process. You’ll then meet with a Local Area Coordinator, who will explain how everything works and help you prepare your child’s application. This may include assessments with healthcare professionals to confirm eligibility and determine the types of support your child needs.

Once approved, you’ll work with the NDIA to create an NDIS plan. This plan will outline your child’s goals and the support required to help them thrive.

Finding the Right Support for Your Family

The reality is, every child with autism is different. The right support, whether it’s therapies, tools, or community involvement, can make a world of difference.

There are services out there that focus on matching families with professional support workers or therapy options that meet their needs. 

If you’re feeling unsure about where to start, don’t worry. Local NDIS teams, healthcare professionals, and service providers are all there to help you find what works best for your child. If you still have further questions, please contact AIIM Choices who provide the NDIS Application Assistance service.

Want Further Assistance?

If your child or someone you know needs help accessing NDIS funding and support for autism, then make sure to reach out to AIIM Choices.

We’ll guide you through the NDIS application process so you can access much-needed autism support. Through our tailored Application Assistance service, we’ll help you become part of this government-supported program so you can take advantage of life-changing services and therapies.

Also, AIIM Choices provides Plan Management Services across Australia with staff located in Wodonga, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, and Perth.

With the help of our trusted NDIS Plan Managers, we’ll handle the daily administration of your plan, which includes paying your invoices from service providers, overseeing your funding, and ensuring that the supports you’re getting are aligned with your objectives and needs..

Contact AIIM Choices today to learn how we can help you create a better life through our NDIS Application Assistance and NDIS Plan Management services.