If your child, or someone you support, has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Level 2 or Level 3, you may be wondering whether they qualify for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), what evidence is needed and how to apply.
Autism Level 2 and Level 3 are included in the NDIA’s list of conditions likely to meet the disability requirements when the specified diagnostic criteria are met. However, an autism diagnosis alone does not guarantee NDIS access. Applicants must also meet the relevant age, residency and access requirements.
This 2026 guide explains the application process, supporting evidence, what happens after a decision, upcoming eligibility and assessment reforms, and how the Thriving Kids program may affect families.
In this guide
- Does Autism Level 2 or 3 qualify for the NDIS?
- Autism Level 2 versus Level 3
- Upcoming NDIS eligibility and assessment changes
- Step 1: Check eligibility
- Step 2: Confirm the diagnosis
- Step 3: Gather supporting evidence
- Step 4: Make an access request
- Step 5: Submit and follow up
- What happens after you apply?
- Thriving Kids and children under 9
- Frequently asked questions
- Getting help with your NDIS plan
Does Autism Level 2 or Level 3 qualify for the NDIS?
Autism Level 2 and Level 3 are recognised on the NDIA’s List A: Conditions likely to meet the disability requirements, provided the specified diagnostic requirements are met.
This means the diagnosis can help establish that the person meets the disability requirements. The NDIA must still determine whether all other applicable access requirements are satisfied, including age and residency. The diagnosis does not automatically determine the supports or amount of funding in a future plan.
NDIS eligibility considers the effect of disability on everyday life. Information about communication, social interaction, learning, mobility, self-care and self-management can help explain the person’s support needs.
What is the difference between Autism Level 2 and Level 3?
| Diagnosis | General description | NDIS considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Autism Level 2 | Requiring substantial support | May meet the NDIS disability requirements when the specified diagnostic criteria and other access requirements are met. |
| Autism Level 3 | Requiring very substantial support | May meet the NDIS disability requirements when the specified diagnostic criteria and other access requirements are met. |
Severity levels describe support needs at assessment. They do not translate into a fixed NDIS funding amount. Every participant’s plan is developed around their individual circumstances, goals and eligible support needs.
How is NDIS eligibility changing for people with Level 2 or 3 autism?
The Australian Government is reforming how NDIS eligibility is reviewed and how participants’ support needs are assessed. It is important to distinguish between eligibility reassessments, which consider whether a person meets NDIS access requirements, and support needs assessments, which help determine funding and planning for eligible participants.
Will people with Level 2 or 3 autism need to prove their NDIS eligibility again?
Under the announced reforms, updated eligibility arrangements are expected to commence from January 2028, with existing participants to be considered through a phased reassessment process. The detailed criteria, timing and arrangements for individual participants may change as implementation guidance is finalised.
Having an Autism Level 2 or Level 3 diagnosis does not mean a participant should assume they will automatically lose access, or that they must submit a new application now. Families should wait for individual advice from the NDIA and check the latest official requirements.
For a more detailed explanation, read our guide: Will I need to keep proving my NDIS eligibility?
What will eligibility reassessments consider?
Eligibility considers the effects of permanent impairment on daily functioning, not just the name of a diagnosis. Relevant areas can include communication, social interaction, learning, mobility, self-care and self-management. How updated criteria and assessment processes will apply from 2028 should be confirmed against final NDIA guidance.
Are NDIS support needs assessments changing too?
Yes. The government has announced a new approach to support needs assessments as part of changes to NDIS planning, with implementation expected to begin from April 2027. These assessments are intended to build a clearer picture of the assistance a participant needs in everyday life and inform their plan funding.
A support needs assessment is not the same as an eligibility reassessment. One informs planning and funding; the other concerns whether a person meets the requirements to access or remain in the NDIS.
What should families do now?
- Keep existing diagnostic reports, functional assessments and relevant correspondence together.
- Record practical examples of support needed at home, school, work or in the community.
- Do not pay for new assessments solely because of proposed reforms unless the NDIA or a relevant professional advises they are needed.
- Check official updates as implementation details are confirmed.
For further information, see the NDIS website and our guide to proving ongoing NDIS eligibility.
Step 1: Check NDIS eligibility
Before applying, check that the person generally meets the NDIS access criteria:
- They are younger than 65 when making their access request.
- They live in Australia.
- They are an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold an eligible Protected Special Category Visa.
- They meet the applicable disability or early intervention requirements.
Children younger than 9 can seek guidance through an NDIS early childhood partner. People aged 9 to 64 may be assisted by a local area coordinator (LAC). You can also contact the NDIA directly.
Step 2: Confirm the autism diagnosis
Obtain a diagnostic report from an appropriately qualified clinician or multidisciplinary assessment team. For a Level 2 or Level 3 application, it is important that the report clearly documents the diagnosis and DSM-5 support level, as relevant to the NDIA’s evidence requirements.
The report should identify who completed the assessment, when it occurred and the findings supporting the diagnosis. If the documentation is unclear or does not identify the severity level, ask the diagnosing professional whether additional clarification is appropriate.
Step 3: Gather supporting evidence
Strong evidence explains how autism affects the person’s everyday functioning and what assistance they require. The NDIA may not need every type of report below, but relevant supporting information can make the application easier to assess.
| Evidence | What it can demonstrate |
|---|---|
| Autism diagnostic assessment | The diagnosis, assessment findings and support level. |
| Occupational therapy report | Impact on daily activities, self-care, sensory processing and independence. |
| Speech pathology report | Communication difficulties and support needs. |
| Paediatrician, psychiatrist or other treating specialist report | Clinical history, ongoing impairment and support needs. |
| School, childcare or other relevant reports | Examples of functional challenges and supports needed in everyday settings. |
What makes good NDIS supporting evidence?
- It is relevant, sufficiently current (less than 12 months) and completed by appropriate professionals.
- It describes the impact of disability, rather than only listing a diagnosis.
- It gives practical examples of the assistance needed in daily life.
- It explains whether the impairment is permanent and describes ongoing support needs, where relevant.
- It is consistent with the person’s circumstances and clearly identifies any areas requiring additional support.
You can find more information in the NDIS guidance on how to apply and our resource titled What Disability Evidence do I need to Apply to the NDIS.
Step 4: Make an NDIS access request
There are several ways to start an NDIS application:
- Call the NDIA on 1800 800 110.
- Request or complete the relevant NDIS Access Request Form.
- Ask an early childhood partner or local area coordinator for assistance.
The NDIA can explain the appropriate application pathway and how to provide your supporting documents. Parents or authorised representatives can assist where appropriate.
Step 5: Submit your application and follow up
Provide the requested information and supporting evidence through the submission method advised by the NDIA.
TIP: Keep copies of all reports, forms and correspondence, and record the date of submission.
If the NDIA requests more information, respond by the stated deadline or contact the NDIA if you need assistance. Missing information can delay an access decision.
What happens after you apply?
The NDIA assesses the information and may contact you to request clarification or further evidence. You will receive an access decision explaining whether the person has been accepted as an NDIS participant.
If your NDIS application is approved
The next stage involves discussing the participant’s circumstances, goals and support needs to develop their NDIS plan. Approval does not mean a set amount of funding is automatically provided for Autism Level 2 or 3.
Once the plan is in place, you can consider how to manage the funding, including whether to use an NDIS plan manager for families supporting someone with autism.
If your NDIS application is not approved
Read the decision letter carefully to understand why access was declined. You can seek clarification, consider whether additional evidence would help and request an internal review of a reviewable decision, generally within three months of receiving the decision.
See the NDIS guidance on requesting a review of a decision for the process and time limits.
How will Thriving Kids affect children with Autism Level 2 or 3?
Thriving Kids began rolling out on 1 October 2026 as part of the Australian Government’s approach to providing developmental supports outside the NDIS for children aged 8 and under with low to moderate support needs.
The program is intended to complement the NDIS, rather than replace access for children who meet the NDIS disability requirements and have significant support needs. Changes to NDIS access for children are expected from 1 January 2028, so families should check current official guidance as the rollout progresses.
An Autism Level 2 or Level 3 diagnosis does not, by itself, establish which program a child will use. The child’s individual circumstances and applicable eligibility rules remain important.
For a fuller explanation, read our guide to the Thriving Kids program and our Thriving Kids FAQs for parents.
Frequently asked questions about autism and NDIS eligibility
Does Level 2 autism automatically qualify for the NDIS?
No. Autism Level 2 is on the NDIA’s List A of conditions likely to meet the disability requirements when the specified diagnostic criteria are met. The applicant must still satisfy other relevant NDIS access requirements.
Does Level 3 autism automatically qualify for NDIS funding?
No. Autism Level 3 may help establish the disability requirements, but access and funding are separate decisions. The NDIA assesses eligibility first, then determines appropriate supports and funding through the planning process.
How much NDIS funding can someone with Level 2 autism receive?
There is no standard funding amount for Level 2 autism. Funding depends on the person’s individual circumstances, goals, eligible support needs and the supports approved in their plan.
What evidence do I need to apply for the NDIS with autism?
Usually, you should start with a diagnostic report that clearly documents the autism diagnosis and support level. Additional functional assessments and reports from relevant professionals may help explain the person’s everyday support needs. The NDIA can advise what evidence is required for the individual application.
Read: What Disability Evidence do I need to Apply to the NDIS.
Can I apply without an occupational therapy report?
Yes. An occupational therapy report is not universally required for every autism application. The NDIA may be able to assess the application using other appropriate diagnostic and supporting evidence, or it may ask for further information.
Can adults with Level 2 or Level 3 autism access the NDIS?
Yes. Adults can apply if they meet the age, residency and applicable disability access requirements. A person generally needs to make their access request before turning 65.
How long does an NDIS autism application take?
Processing time depends on the application and whether additional evidence is needed. The NDIA publishes decision-making timeframes and can provide information about the status of an application. Keep your reference details and respond promptly to requests for further information.
What if my child’s NDIS application is rejected?
Review the reasons given in the decision letter. You can ask the NDIA to explain the decision and, for a reviewable decision, request an internal review generally within three months. Further evidence may help address issues identified in the decision.
Will I need a new assessment to keep my NDIS eligibility?
Not necessarily. Changes to eligibility reassessments are being introduced in stages, and the NDIA should advise participants if further evidence or an assessment is required. Do not arrange additional assessments solely because of the reform announcements. See our NDIS eligibility reassessment guide for more information.
Are the new support needs assessments the same as eligibility reviews?
No. Support needs assessments are designed to inform plan funding and supports. Eligibility reviews consider whether a person meets the requirements to access or remain in the NDIS.
Will Thriving Kids replace the NDIS for children with autism?
Thriving Kids is designed to provide additional pathways for younger children with low to moderate support needs. The NDIS remains intended for children who meet its access requirements, including those with significant support needs. Read our Thriving Kids FAQs for more information about the rollout.
Your NDIS application is approved. What happens next?
Receiving an NDIS plan is an important step, but managing invoices, understanding budgets and paying providers can feel overwhelming, particularly when you are organising multiple supports.
Plan Hero specialises in NDIS plan management. We help participants and families manage provider invoices, keep track of their NDIS budgets and reduce the administration involved in using their funding.
If your plan includes plan management funding, our team can explain how to get started and what to expect. Learn more about Plan Hero’s plan management for autism families or contact Plan Hero to speak with our team.
Information current as at October 2026. NDIS eligibility and government program arrangements can change. Check the NDIA and Australian Government websites for the latest official requirements.
