NDIS Autism Diagnostic & Assessment

"We currently have no capacity in this area, however if you fill in our enquiry form you'll be added to our waiting list."

Describing Autism

Autism affects the way a person thinks, feels, interacts, and experiences their environment and interprets and interacts with others. People are born with autism and the symptoms can be often shown during infancy. It is a lifelong disability, and it will stay with you for your entire life. Everyone will display unique characteristics and often savant genius and incredible skill sets.

People diagnosed with autism are referred to as “on the spectrum”. Because the “SPECTRUM” is so wide there are various levels of diagnosis when it comes to assessment.

There are misconceptions about the autism spectrum as being linear. This is far from the truth as many Autistic people will display a plethora of different talents and abilities. For example, some people may have a great eye for detail and excellent skills when it comes to memory and recalling information. One in five autistic people will show above average score for math's, music and reading just to name a few.

Diagnosis & Screening

Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder or (ASD) is difficult as there is no medical test to diagnose the disorder (Like a blood sample or similar). Our doctors will study and evaluate your child’s behavioural history and development carefully to assess and make a diagnosis.

ASD is often detected at 18 months but can surface even earlier in infancy. Some of the early signs are signals such as avoiding eye contact and showing no interest in social activity. People with ASD will often get terribly upset over minor alterations in a set routine or daily structure.

ASD Funding

The NDIS assists in determining if an individual is eligible for ASD funding and provides key information regarding the participant's functional capacity. This is essential information to determine the support the client needs. The Autism assessment does not substitute the participant’s current medical therapist. Rather, it provides a reliable and up-to-date assessment of the patient's functional capacity. It can determine what areas of support participants need and what skills and activities they can do independently. Autism assessment will be beneficial to the existing and new participants to make sure that the support provided is fair, efficient, and tailored to the participant’s needs, goals, and unique condition.

Administering NDIS Autism Assessment Brisbane Northside.

However, undergoing assessments will cost a lot to prove an individual’s eligibility for support and gather key information for their functional capacity. This is why the Autism assessment will be provided to existing and new participants, regardless of their financial condition. The assessment is provided to all eligible NDIS participants for free. The duration of the assessment can last between 1 to 4 hours. Since meeting new people will be uncomfortable and can cause anxiety for individuals with ASD, the participants, their families, or carers can request several sessions of assessment to be administered to make the assessment efficient.

The Autism assessment can be administered based on the participants, their families, or carer's availability and preference such as their home, or any space they are comfortable in. Positive Moods will provide well-trained healthcare professionals to assist the participants, their families, and carers, including physiotherapists, occupational, therapists, speech pathologists, rehabilitation counsellors, social workers, and psychologists. To administer the assessment, the participants, their families, or carers can book an appointment to work closely with the healthcare professionals at Positive Moods.

National Guidelines

Assessors will administer the assessment based on the National Guidelines for Autism Assessment and Diagnosis. An assessment report about the findings will be provided to confirm the diagnosis of ASD. Upon receipt of the report, the applicant can send it to the NDIS to receive government funding and begin planning for the support plan. When the NDIS plan has been granted, the participants, their family members, and carers can contact Positive Moods to begin the therapy sessions.

For existing NDIS participants, an assessment may be necessary if there are significant changes in their life. Some examples are starting or finishing school, getting a new job, and preparing to adjust in life without NDIS support.

Types of NDIS Autism Assessment

To make sure that the NDIS funding is provided fairly and tailored according to the participant's needs, goals, and unique condition, the NDIS Autism Assessments vary depending on the participant’s age and functional capacity.

Review Assessment

For individuals who are existing NDIS participants or previously diagnosed with ASD, the Review Assessment is administered for ages 4 years old and above to assist in gathering up-to-date information regarding an individual's functional capacity. Significant changes in their lives such as starting or finishing school will also be probed. The Review Assessment will be useful to make necessary changes to the support plan for the participant. Cognitive assessment will be recommended for participants who are preparing to enter school.

NDIS Autism Eligibility

To access the support provided by the NDIS, aspiring NDIS participants must meet the following criteria, including:

  • Living with permanent and significant disability

  • Ages 7 to 65 years old

  • Residents and Citizens of Australia

  • Holding a Permanent Visa or Protected Special Category Visa

If an individual has met the stated criteria above, the NDIS eligibility will depend on an individual's reduced functional capacity. According to the revised version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5 (DSM-5), the ASD falls into 3 levels, which are:

  • Level 1 – Requires Minimal Support

  • Level 2 – Requires Substantial Support

  • Level 3 – Requires Very Substantial Support

Those who are diagnosed with Level 2 or Level 3 Autism are automatically eligible for NDIS funding and do not require further assessments. However, individuals diagnosed with Level 1 Autism are required to undergo further assessment to provide evidence of their disability to confirm their eligibility for NDIS funding.

For more details on NDIS Autism Assessment, & ASD, may call Positive Moods on 1300 001 470, email at ndis@positivemoods.com.au, or fill up the contact form on https://www.positivemoods.com.au/contactus.

We also do diagnosis in Ipswich