National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
AES is an accredited provider for the NDIS and is servicing families in eligible areas.
Accessing the NDIS
To become an NDIS participant you must:
Have a permanent impairment that significantly affects your ability to take part in everyday activities or have a developmental delay, and:
- be aged less than 65
- be an Australian citizen or hold a permanent visa or a Protected Special Category visa
- live in an area where the NDIS has rolled out
NDIS Eligibility for Autism Spectrum Disorder
The latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) categorises Autism Spectrum Disorder into 3 levels:
- Level 1 – requires support
- Level 2 – requires substantial support
- Level 3 – requires very substantial support
NDIS eligibility is based on reduced Functional Capacity in one or more of the following areas:
- Communication
- Mobility
- Social Interaction
- Learning
- Self-Care; and
- Self-Management
Whilst a diagnosis of Autism at any level is likely to meet the access criteria, the NDIA have Lists A-E to assist them to determine eligibility.
Read Section 8.3 of the NDIS Operation Guidelines for more information on ‘Functional Capacity’.
List A – conditions that are likely to automatically meet disability requirements (outlined in Section 24 of the NDIS Act) with no further assessments required:
Autism diagnosed by a specialist multi-disciplinary team, Paediatrician, Psychiatrist or Clinical Psychologist experienced in the assessment of Pervasive Developmental Disorders; and assessed using the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria as having severity of Level 2 (Requiring substantial support) or Level 3 (Requiring very substantial support).
List B – permanent conditions for which functional capacity is variable and further assessment of functional capacity is generally required:
- Pervasive developmental disorders not meeting severity criteria in List A or List C
- Asperger Syndrome
- Atypical Autism
- Childhood Autism
List C – refers to defined programs
List D – Permanent Impairment/Early Intervention, under 7 years – no further assessment required
List E – Qualifying programs
Assistance with Funding
If your child is able to access the NDIS as a participant, AES can assist families develop a plan of supports tailored to your child’s individual needs. Please contact us on 9240 5800 should you require assistance.