Does NDIS Funding Cover Level 3 Autism?
How will I know if a person with Autism needs a different kind of support? Can I seek substantial support for a person with Autism? Here is some important information for Australian citizens and residents on how they can avail NDIS funding and support for Level 3 Autism.
First, let us have a quick background about Autism.
According to Autism Awareness Centre Inc. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Autism is a lifelong developmental disability typically present in a specific individual starting from the age of two or may develop as they age. A person with Autism has challenges in their verbal and non-verbal communication skills, social interaction skills, emotional skills as well as dealing with the change of their environment. However, there is no known single cause for Autism. It is generally cited that it is caused by abnormalities in the functions or structures of the brain. We can observe it by seeing the differences in the structure as well as the shape of non-autistic and autistic children. In addition, theories from some researchers assumed that it may have been caused by the link between heredity, medical problems, and genetics (family-related disabilities that may have been inherited). Other individuals who had ASD may demonstrate milder symptoms and may be diagnosed as they grow older.
For us to know what the common symptoms of ASD are, here are some of the following but not limited to:
Sensory sensitivity
Difficulty with change of routines or environments
Repetitive and restrictive behaviours
Deficits in social and communication skill
Having an intense interest in one specific topic
Additionally, there are also three levels of ASD that people can be diagnosed with according to mental health and medical professionals. As we observe these two severity areas: social functioning, and repetitive and restrictive disorder in an individual who has Autism, we can determine what level they are in. These levels will be used as a guide by the National Disability Insurance Scheme or NDIS who can automatically receive support and services. We will further discuss NDIS as we proceed.
The three different levels of ASD present in an individual will help the caretakers on how they can support and identify the amount of assistance they will give to a person with ASD on a day-to-day basis. Below are some of the basic inside information on this subject:
Level 1 – This requires the least support out of all the three levels of Autism. On the other hand, individuals on this level also require various kinds of support. In short, a person who has Level 1 Autism mostly has difficulties in socialising with other people as well as arranging and planning, which needs assistance from a caretaker. However, not all people who have Level 1 Autism are qualified to receive support from NDIS. They need to undergo additional assessments to be qualified.
Level 2 – This requires significant support. Some of them are capable of socialising only with limited interest in a person. Also, they are often more likely to do repetitive and restrictive behaviours. They often find it difficult in communicating and comprehending non-verbal communications provided that they have an assistant to help. Unlike Level 1, a person with Level 2 Autism is automatically qualified to NDIS without further assessments.
Level 3 – This requires very substantial support. Some of the individuals diagnosed in this level find it very difficult to understand both verbal and non-verbal communication. Through this, it’s very hard for them to interact with other people as well as understanding non-verbal communication. Also, they are easily distracted due to the change of routines and environments. As Level 3 Autism requires maximum aid and assistance, they can seek support through Positive Moods, a clinic in Australia that provides behavioural therapy. Therefore, same with level 2, both are automatically qualified to receive support from NDIS.
Now that we know some features of ASD, let us discuss what is NDIS and its services.
NDIS or National Disability Insurance Scheme is a funding program through the Australian government. Through NDIS funds, they provide services and assistance to Australian Citizens who have permanent and substantial disability between ages 7-65 years old. This means that being a participant of NDIS, the problems in line with their disabilities would be lesser and, in the end, they could live a normal life on a day-to-day basis.
Conversely, not all individuals with Autism are qualified from the NDIS funding program. Some of them must provide evidence and as mentioned above, they need to undergo further assessments. Below are the support systems and services provided by the NDIS for those with autism who are qualified:
School aid or tutors
Speech therapist
Occupational therapist to increase the participant’s concentration and fine motor skills
Personal Care Support
Behavioural Support to help build relationships
Nutritionist
These support systems and services may vary according to the severity level and condition of an individual with Autism. This means that every individual with ASD has different assistance and support in helping them in everyday situations in life.
Based on the given facts and information, there is already an answer to the question above.
Yes, NDIS fund covers Level 3 Autism because they are automatically qualified and all of the services and support system is very necessary for the improvement and development of a person having this kind of disability. In fact, other providers like Positive Moods, which helps in aiding behavioural therapy, is one of the needed assistance of an individual who has Level 3 Autism because they find it really difficult to interact and show limited interest with other people even if it is their family, relatives or friends. Of course, it is very saddening to see that they do not have interest to socialise with their family. Thus, being able to know some of the background about ASD and NDIS services will greatly help those people who have burdens because of ASD.
Autism Parenting Magazine mentioned a striking statement about caring for a child with Autism – “Autism is about having a pure heart and being very sensitive...It is about finding a way to survive in an overwhelming, confusing world...It is about developing differently, at a different pace and with different leaps.” Primary carers and family members should keep in mind that every child learns differently and as we care for them, we must never get tired of nurturing them in an affectionate way.
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