NDIS For Level 1 Autism
Living life with Autism has its challenges, not only for the people diagnosed with this developmental disability but also for their families and caregivers. However, that does not mean they are not capable of living a meaningful life nor should they shoulder all the cost involved. Australians have found an ally in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) that lets them apply for funding for children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Autism), and gain access to medical support and mental health care providers in the country.
For starters, the NDIS requires any person diagnosed with autism by their physician to be a participant in the funding scheme. Other requirements include:
The participant should be between 7 and 65 years old
The participant should show their residency requirements to prove they are an Australian citizen. A Permanent Visa or Protected Special Category Visa would also suffice.
Early intervention requirements
Disability requirements
Levels of Autism
Autism is a life-long developmental condition that affects a person’s behaviour, communication skills, social interactions, and in some cases, sensory issues and the capacity to take care of themselves, to name a few. Every person diagnosed with Autism could experience different symptoms, hence the “spectrum” –but the disability still presents an array of challenges in their daily life. Autism Awareness Australia reports that currently 1 in 100 Australians have Autism.
In terms of diagnosing Autism to people experiencing mental health deficits, the NDIS requires the following health practitioners are suitable to provide the assessments: a member of a multidisciplinary team, psychologist, occupational therapist, and speech therapist.
According to the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), individuals diagnosed with Autism fall into three categories according to severity:
Level 1 Autism are those who “require support”. This level is often undiagnosed unless mental health issues become more obvious until late childhood or early adulthood. Those previously diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome could belong to this category.
Level 2 Autism are individuals who “require substantial support”. From a practitioner’s standpoint, children with Level 2 Autism start availing of care plans and referrals to therapists, paediatricians, speech pathologists, and the like.
Level 3 Autism are people who “require very substantial support”. Severe mental deficits allow them little to no communication at all, and their behaviours have hindered them from functioning in different aspects of life.
Knowing which level of Autism an NDIS participant belongs to provides insight for psychologists, paediatricians, and therapists on what support requirements the family might need.
NDIS Eligibility for Level 1 Autism
Now that the NDIS participant knows their place in the Autism spectrum, it is time to look at how their level corresponds with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) eligibility list (A to E). This determines if a participant is a candidate to receive NDIS support and services without further requirements, or they would need to submit more proof on their Functioning Capacity based on communication, mobility, social interaction, learning, self-care, and self-management. See Section 8.3 of the NDIS Operation Guidelines for more information.
List A enumerates conditions that are likely to meet NDIS requirements (per section 24 of the NDIS Act) without the need for further assessments. These disabilities can be seen on Level 2 and Level 3 Autism of the DSM-5.
List B enumerates permanent disabilities that require further assessment of the patient’s Functional Capacity. These include:
§ Pervasive developmental disorders not meeting severity criteria in List A or List C
§ Asperger syndrome
§ Atypical autism
§ Childhood autism
List C refers to a list of defined programmes based on state, and if an individual participates in any of these programmes, they are likely to satisfy NDIS requirements with no further proof required.
List D means Permanent Impairment/Early Intervention under 7 years old, no further assessment required.
List E lists qualifying programmes available to New South Wales residents such as Better Start for Children with Disability and Helping Children with Autism.
In conclusion, a Level 1 Autism diagnosis would need further proof of how autism impacts the individual’s life according to their Functioning Capacity. The Autism Awareness Australia suggests family members to urge their medical and psychological specialists to assess how Autism impacts the patient’s life in terms of communication, mobility, social interaction, learning, self-care, and self-management. That way, it will be easier for them to satisfy NDIS requirements and receive the appropriate support for their loved ones with Level 1 Autism. NDIS recognises that a person with Autism manifests different mental disabilities regardless of the spectrum they belong to provide aid that suits their needs.
NDIS Support for Level 1 Autism
The NDIS offers a wide range of support for people with Autism once they have met the requirements and become eligible. Participants and their families can create their NDIS plan to suit their special needs, including their choice of mental health care providers. They can set their goals together with their providers or try the self-management route, either way, they have autonomy over what their NDIS plan would look like.
Speech or occupational therapy
Technologies and equipment related to aid the patient’s condition
Personal care such as dressing, eating, showering, and other daily activities
Home modifications according to the patient’s disability
Eating habits and nutrition
Behavioural management and relationship building
School aid and tutoring services
Engagement in community events
Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)
Children under the age of 7 could also show signs of autism or other developmental delays. Families can access NDIS support for them through the ECI Programme. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) appoints an ECI Partner to help families know about what NDIS support their child can receive and the appropriate NDIS providers that can give the best services for them. The Early Childhood Partner also helps customise a support plan to cater to young kids’ needs and circumstances. Other assistance may include:
Familiarise families and their kids with support groups in their area, such as the community health centre, educational setting, and playgroup
Provide short-term early intervention
Help them request NDIS access if the child requires longer-term early childhood intervention supports. If the child becomes an NDIS participant, the Early Childhood Partner will work with you to develop an NDIS plan.
Read more about What Disability Does NDIS Cover?