AUTISM Parents
NDIS Plan Manager for Parents of Autistic Children
Plan Hero Plan Management helps families make sense of their child’s NDIS plan. We understand how Autism NDIS plan and funding works. Families will have a dedicated team to support you on you NDIS journey.
An NDIS plan manager who understands autism
We are both Autism and NDIS experts
We have extensive knowledge of the NDIS and in supporting the families of Neurodiverse children.
You have a dedicated Team
You only need to talk to a dedicated team who gets to know your child and your family well.
Easy to use Online Portal & Phone App
It’s easy to use and shows you live funding levels, goals, claims and stores your service agreements.
We are Independent
Plan Management is all we do and we are really good at it. You won’t be one of thousands.
We can connect you with other Supports
Get help finding the therapies and supports your child needs. We will share the tips and tricks that are working for other parents.
Monthly reports to help you keep on track
Our reporting is visual and easy to understand. We will also make sure you know if you are under or over spending.
Why we started Plan Hero Plan Management
Bianca and Nicole spoke to parents of autistic children every day who were overwhelmed and frustrated with the lack of knowledge and support they received from their Plan Manager.
They heard stories of Plan Managers refusing to pay for headphones because they were a ‘parental expense’ and not understanding what a sensory support was.
They decided to start an NDIS Plan Management business that was run by NDIS experts who understood the needs of both autistic children and their parents.
Now we help parents spend more time doing the things they enjoy instead of stressing over the NDIS.
Plan Hero reviews from parents of autistic children
Read real Plan Hero plan management reviews from parents and carers who trust us with their child’s NDIS plan.
Keep Track of Your Child's NDIS Budget with the Plan Hero App
When your child is accessing several therapies and supports, it’s important to know how much NDIS funding is available and how quickly it’s being spent.
With the Plan Hero phone app and web portal, you can:
- Check your child’s remaining NDIS budget.
- View invoices and claims in one place.
- Approve provider invoices.
- Keep track of spending and funding periods.
- Access monthly budget statements.
- View all service agreements and invoices.
Not Sure How to Budget Your Child’s NDIS Funding?
NDIS or Thriving Kids: where does your child fit?
Since 1 October 2026, families of young children have a new support option. NDIS access changes for young children linked to Thriving Kids are scheduled to start on 1 January 2028. Not sure what this means for your family? Talk to our team and we’ll help you understand your options.
NDIS for children with higher or more complex support needs
- Funding comes in an individual NDIS plan
- Children already on the NDIS keep their supports, subject to the usual reassessments
- A plan manager pays providers, keeps records and helps you get the most from the plan
Thriving Kids for children aged 8 and under with low to moderate support needs
- For children with developmental delay and/or autism
- No diagnosis needed
- Supports are delivered through local services, not an individual NDIS plan
- Rolling out in phases from 1 October 2026
How NDIS plan management works for autism families
Getting started is simple, and you can switch to Plan Hero at any time during your child’s NDIS plan.
Choose Plan Hero
Ask the NDIS for a registered plan manager in your child’s plan, or switch from your current plan manager. We’ll help with the steps.
Unpack the plan together
A 1:1 call to walk through your child’s budgets, what each one can pay for and what to ask your therapists.
Providers send us their invoices
We check each invoice against your child’s plan and the NDIS price limits, then pay your providers quickly.
Stay on track all year
Follow spending live in the app, get monthly reports and get help preparing for your child’s plan reassessment.
What NDIS funding can cover for an autistic child
NDIS funding must relate to your child’s disability, be reasonable and necessary, and be spent in line with their plan. Supports families of autistic children often use include:
- Allied Health Therapies. See our guide to NDIS funding for therapies.
- Support workers and social programs. Read where to find support workers for children.
- Sensory and low-cost assistive supports
- Parent & Carer Training & Support
Free autism resources for parents
Plain-English guides from our autism series to help you through each stage of your child’s NDIS journey.
Autism and NDIS questions parents ask us
Is autism covered by the NDIS?
It can be. Autism diagnosed at level 2 or level 3 is on the NDIS List A, which means it is likely to meet the disability requirements. Autism level 1 is on List B, so you will usually need extra evidence showing how autism affects your child’s everyday life. Children aged 8 and under with low to moderate support needs may be supported through Thriving Kids instead.
Read our guide to applying to the NDIS with autism.
Does my child need an autism diagnosis to get support?
For the NDIS, a diagnosis plus evidence of how autism affects daily life will support your application. For Thriving Kids, your child does not need a diagnosis to get support.
What is Thriving Kids, and will my child come off the NDIS?
Thriving Kids is a government program for children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism who have low to moderate support needs. It began rolling out in phases from 1 October 2026. Children already on the NDIS continue to receive supports, subject to the usual reassessments. NDIS access changes for young children are scheduled to start on 1 January 2028.
What can my autistic child’s NDIS funding pay for?
NDIS funding can pay for supports that relate to your child’s disability, are reasonable and necessary, and are in line with their plan. For autistic children this often includes speech pathology, occupational therapy, psychology, positive behaviour support, support workers and some sensory or assistive items.
See our NDIS therapy funding guide.
Can NDIS pay for sensory items like noise-cancelling headphones?
It depends on your child’s plan and whether the item is linked to their disability needs rather than being an everyday item. A written recommendation from your child’s therapist helps. As your plan manager, we check items against your plan and the NDIS rules before paying, and explain why if something can’t be claimed.
What does an NDIS plan manager do for parents?
A plan manager pays your child’s providers, keeps records of invoices and receipts, and gives you regular reports on spending. At Plan Hero we also help you understand your child’s plan, connect you with autism-friendly providers and help you prepare for plan reassessments.
Does plan management cost us anything?
No. When you choose a registered plan manager, the NDIS includes funding in your child’s plan to cover it. This is separate from the budgets you use for your child’s therapy and other supports, so there is no out-of-pocket cost to you.
Can we use therapists who aren’t NDIS registered?
Yes, for most supports. With a registered plan manager you can use registered and unregistered providers, as long as prices are within the NDIS price limits. Some supports, such as behaviour support, must still be delivered by a registered provider.
How do we switch to Plan Hero?
You can change plan managers at any time during your child’s plan. Sign up with Plan Hero and our team will guide you through the next steps.
How can we prepare for our child’s plan reassessment?
Start early. Ask your therapists for progress reports, note how supports have helped your child work towards their goals, and use your spending reports to show how funding was used. Our team can help you get ready.
See our plan reassessment toolkit.