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Applying for the NDIS with autism

When applying to the NDIS, there are a few steps you need to follow. The team at Plan Hero can walk you through the process below:

The steps below will also depend on the participants age:

  • Children 9 years and under will need to go down the Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) Pathway
  • Children and adults over 9 years are supported by the NDIA LAC Pathway (these steps are listed below)

Children under 9

There is a greater access pathway to the NDIS for children under the age of 9, and this involves engaging with an ECEI (Early Childhood Early Intervention) partner who will assist you in getting supports and set up with funding.

This is known as the ECEI pathway, read more info about the NDIS and the early childhood approach here.

Connect with your local ECEI partner and get more info here

For the early intervention requirements, the NDIS need evidence from your doctor or treating specialist to confirm your child’s permanent impairment, and evidence that confirms they need early intervention. Generally, the evidence must have been provided from the last 12 months.

Note: The age range changed from 7 to 9 years of age in July 2023

Adults & Children over 9 years

Your NDIA application pathway will be reflected by your child’s autism diagnosis. Click the links below to understand the steps you need to take to apply to the NDIA depending on an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis:

Applying with Autism Level 1
Applying with Autism Level 2 or 3

What happens next?

Your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or NDIA planner will be in touch with you via phone and mail within 21 days to let you know if your application is approved.

If you are approved for funding – the next step is the NDIS planning meeting where an NDIS representative called a Local Area Coordinator (LAC will decide how much funding your child receives. The NDIS might also request you provide further supporting evidence before they accept the plan OR your application may be rejected (with reasoning provided).

If you do NOT agree with the NDIS decision following your application response, you can contact the NDIS directly and request further information or appeal their decision – How to appeal the NDIS application decision

In the meantime, we would suggest you start keeping records of personal experiences of the impact of funded supports. This is only a suggestion and might help you once you get to the planning stage to complete any forms or explain how his disability has impacted his day-to-day activities.

  • Keeping a journal – noting the impact on family, behaviour in school and social settings, incidences or behaviours on their worst days and how it is managed (also the impact this on the child and their family)
  • Noting benefits of supports
  • Therapists notes/reports
  • Helpful Resources
Sources

NDIA – Providing evidence of your disability
NDIA – Do you need early intervention?
NDIA – How do you apply for the NDIS?
NDIA – What is an access request form?
NDIA – Early Childhood Approach

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