Your child has autism. You’ve got an NDIS plan—or you’re trying to get one. But what support is actually available? What should you be asking for?
What NDIS Funding Can Cover for Autism
Therapies
- Speech therapy – Communication, social skills
- Occupational therapy – Sensory processing, daily living skills
- Psychology – Anxiety, emotional regulation
- Behaviour support – Understanding and managing challenging behaviours
Support Workers
Help with daily routines, community access, respite (giving you a break), and skill building. Need help finding providers? A support coordinator can help.
Challenging Behaviours: What’s Available
If your child has challenging behaviours (aggression, self-injury, meltdowns), the NDIS can fund behaviour support practitioner assessment, behaviour support plans, and training for you and carers.
Getting the Right Funding
The key is evidence of functional impact. Don’t just describe the diagnosis—describe what your child CAN’T DO because of autism. Reports should address WHAT your child needs help with, not just what their diagnosis is.
Goals for Autism Plans
Good autism goals: improve communication, develop sensory strategies, build social skills, increase independence in daily tasks, reduce anxiety. Frame goals around what your child will GAIN.
Finding Autism-Experienced Providers
When looking for therapists, ask: What experience do you have with autistic children? What approaches do you use? How do you adapt for sensory needs? Word of mouth from other autism parents is often best.
For Exhausted Parents
Parenting an autistic child is intense. Don’t forget support for yourself: respite in your child’s plan, Carer Gateway (1800 422 737), autism-specific parent groups, and Medicare Mental Health Plans.
