ndis AUTISM toolkit

Applying for the NDIS

Our top tips and resources to help guide you on how to apply for NDIS funding with autism

Who is eligible to apply?

Who can help me apply?

How to apply for kids under 9?

How to apply for over 9 years?

Who is eligible to apply?

There are 4 main criteria that must meet in order to be eligible to apply for the NDIS:

Age: 0-65 years

Residency: Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder

Location: Must be living in Australia

Disability: You have a disability caused by a permanent impairment.

A diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Levels 2 & 3 falls under NDIS List A disability criteria, where a diagnosis of Level 1 ASD falls under NDIS List B disability criteria. The application process will differ depending on your child’s diagnosis.

To understand more about the NDIS eligibility criteria, and what options are available if you do not meet these CLICK HERE

Who can help me apply?

The journey of applying for the NDIS can be a difficult and tumultuous time, especially for parents, carers and guardians who are solely focused on getting supports their child needs.

The following organisations and advocacy groups offer support for those applying to the NDIS with autism, however this list is not exhaustive and the waitlists can at times be longer so please reach out to each organisation for further assistance

Autism Specific Support

We’ve gathered a list of resources for some of the most common organisations that specifically assist people with their application to the NDIS. The common disabilities include:

Autism Spectrum Australia
Autism Spectrum Australia (better known as Aspect) is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to provide people on the autism spectrum with the opportunity to realise their strengths. Aspect also provides support to those one the autism spectrum, including support for those looking to apply for the NDIS.
You can contact Aspect directly for help applying for or gathering information for your application to the NDIS.

Autism Awareness
Autism Awareness is an organisation that simply aims to empower families with a loved one on the autism spectrum. They supply an in-depth guide to applying for the NDIS, including resources on access and eligibility, planning and support, and managing your NDIS plan. They are available for direct contact for those needing more support.

Amaze
Amaze is an advocacy organisation that aims to help shape a better future for those on the autism spectrum. They actively support prospective participants applying for the NDIS and are available via phone on 1300 308 699, email at info@amaze.org.au or webchat on their site.

Other supports available

There are a number of other great organisations out there who provide additional resources along your NDIS journey (just like Plan Hero). For more information, have a look at our recommended sites:

Raising Children Network
AEIOU
MyCareSpace

How do I apply for my child under 9?

Children under 9 access the NDIS via the Early Childhood Pathway

What is the Early Childhood Pathway/Approach?

The early childhood approach helps children younger than 6 with developmental delay or children younger than 9 with disability and their families to access local community and determine whether NDIS supports when needed.

To access the Early Childhood Pathway would will need to connect with your local early childhood provider

How do I connect with my local early childhood provider?

You can find your local early childhood provider via the NDIS website – CLICK HERE to search using your postcode and find the closest early childhood partner

What supports can my local early childhood provider connect us with?

Your early childhood partner will talk with you about what supports you and your child/partner can receive, this might include connections with:
– Mainstream and community services
– Practical information relevant to your child’s development
– Other families
– Early supports and therapies
– Applying to the NDIS

How do I apply to the NDIS if I am accessing the Early childhood pathway?

If you decide to apply to the NDIS on your child’s behalf, chat to your early childhood partner, as they can assist you in putting together the information and evidence to help work out if your child is eligible.

To find out more about the Early Childhood Pathway CLICK HERE

How do I apply for my child or adults over 9?

The process of applying to the NDIS will depend on your ASD diagnosis. You can connect with a Local Area Coordinator or NDIS partner to figure out the next steps

What is a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or NDIS Partner?

Your LAC can assist you in finding appropriate community & local supports, and let you know what information you will need to complete your NDIS application. If your application is accepted they will also assist you with creating and implementing your NDIS plan.

How do I connect with my Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or NDIS Partner?

You can find your local area coordinator or NDIS partner via the NDIS website – CLICK HERE to search using your postcode

How do I apply with a Level 1 ASD diagnosis?

You will require additional supporting evidence and documentation to provide evidence that an applicant’s Autism significantly impairs their functional capacity for everyday activities and their social or economic participation.

CLICK HERE for our step by step guide on how to apply with Autism Level 1 diagnosis.

How do I apply if with a Level 2 or 3 ASD diagnosis?

As this diagnosis meets the List A diagnosis criteria for the NDIS, you may not require additional evidence as long as you have complete the NDIS Application form as required.

CLICK HERE for the 3 steps to follow to apply to the NDIS

Next Steps

Planning Meeting Preparation

We help you navigate the ins and outs of the NDIS, how to use your child’s funding and ensure you have the ongoing support needed to make the most of their NDIS plan

What is an NDIS Planning Meeting?

Top 10 tips to prepare for your planning meeting

What evidence do I need?

Setting Goals for your plan

Writing a Carer’s Statement

What is NDIS plan management?

Go to Toolkit

Using your funds

Understanding how to use your funds, what supports you can access and how to budget for your supports is incredibly important. As plan managers, we know the price guide like the back of our hand so find out our tips and guidance

How do I read my plan?

Understanding my NDIS Plan

I have my plan, what next?

Finding Supports

Setting up Service Agreements

Go to Toolkit

HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

Get in touch with our expert team

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