NDIS Support for Autism: A Complete Guide for Melbourne Families

If you think your child might be autistic, or they've recently been diagnosed, you've probably heard the NDIS can help. You're right. It can. But figuring out where to start isn't always straightforward.

Many Melbourne families feel overwhelmed by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The good news? Once you understand how it works, the NDIS can genuinely improve your child's independence and quality of life.

In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about NDIS support for autism. No jargon, just practical information to help you take the next step.

Understanding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides support to Australians with permanent or significant disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) manages the scheme.

The goal is to help autistic individuals increase their social and economic participation through individualised funding packages. This gives you choice and control over your support.

To access the NDIS, you must have a permanent disability and be an Australian citizen or hold a protected special category visa. Yes, autism is recognised as a disability under the NDIS, meaning autistic individuals can access funded support based on how their condition affects daily life.

Woman and boy looking at paper, likely in a therapy or learning setting.

Am I Eligible? Understanding NDIS Access for Autism

Eligibility isn't just about having an autism diagnosis. It's about how autism impacts daily life and functional capacity.

To be eligible, you must complete an Access Request Form and provide evidence of your disability and support needs. Your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) can help you gather the required information.

Evidence must come from a qualified health professional who has treated you for at least six months. This helps the NDIA understand your ongoing support needs.

For children under six, the Early Childhood Approach provides access to support without a formal diagnosis if there are developmental concerns. For children aged six to nine with disability, and for those over nine, a diagnosis and evidence of functional impact are required.

All levels of autism can qualify for NDIS support if they significantly impact daily functioning and meet the eligibility criteria. Individuals with Level 3 autism requiring very substantial support typically meet the disability requirements. The NDIA assesses each application individually.

How Much Funding Will I Receive?

The funding amount is determined by the NDIA based on your unique situation, specific needs, and what support will help you live a good quality of life.

On average, NDIS autism funding for participants is $32,800 anually. Children under seven receive $16,700 per year on average. However, your specific funding depends entirely on your individual circumstances.

NDIS Funding Categories

NDIS funding is divided into three support categories. Your NDIS plan will outline how your support budgets are allocated across these categories based on your individual needs:

Core Supports are the most flexible category, covering everyday assistance like personal care, community access, daily living support, transport, and consumables.
Capacity Building Supports fund therapies that build long-term skills and independence, including speech pathology, occupational therapy, behaviour support, employment assistance, and skill development. Capacity building funding is divided into eight subcategories that match your plan goals.
Capital Supports fund significant investments like assistive technology or essential home modifications.

Most autism NDIS plans include a combination of core funding and capacity building funding to support daily activities and independence.

What Does NDIS Provide for Autism?

The NDIS funds reasonable and necessary supports for therapies, assistance with daily living, assistive technology, skills development, home modifications, and transport.

NDIS autism funding can access support such as behaviour support, mental health occupational therapy, and speech therapy. These therapies help build skills, improve communication, and support daily functioning.

You can also access informal support like family support and community activities. The NDIS provides funds for Parent and Carer Training to help families understand autism and support their children.

The NDIS website provides detailed information and resources on autism funding and support options.

Understanding Behaviour Support

Behaviour support helps each autistic person manage their behaviour and daily activities. This includes positive behaviour support and crisis intervention.

Positive behaviour support focuses on understanding why challenging behaviours occur and teaching alternative skills. It's proactive rather than reactive.

Health professionals and support workers with autism experience provide this support, working with you to develop strategies that fit your situation. Funding is included in the Capacity Building category of your NDIS plan.

How Do I Apply for the NDIS?

Once you've confirmed you meet the eligibility criteria, it's time to apply. The application process is called an Access Request.

You have several options for submitting your Access Request:

Download the Access Request Form from the NDIS website and submit it via email or post. You can call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 to request a verbal Access Request or ask for the form to be posted to you. Your Local Area Coordinator can help you complete the form and gather the necessary documentation.
You'll need to provide evidence of your autism diagnosis and how it impacts your daily life. This typically includes reports from your treating health professionals such as paediatricians, psychologists, speech therapists, or occupational therapists.
For children under six with developmental concerns, contact an Early Childhood Partner. They can connect you with support even before you formally apply to the NDIS.

After you submit your Access Request, the NDIA will assess your application. They may request additional information or reports. Once approved, you'll be contacted to arrange your NDIS planning meeting. The assessment process can take several weeks, so don't be discouraged if you don't hear back immediately.

Your Local Area Coordinator is your key contact throughout this process. They can answer questions, help you understand what evidence you need, and support you through each step.

The Planning Meeting: What to Expect

After eligibility confirmation, you'll have a planning meeting. This is where your NDIS journey really begins.

During the meeting, the planner will ask about your life, what you want to achieve, and what help you need. Come prepared. Think about your daily routines, what's working, what's challenging, and what you'd like to change.

Goal-Based Planning means your services are targeted and measurable, focusing on individual goals. Your planner will help you turn aspirations into clear, achievable objectives.

You'll receive a written plan outlining your funded support and budget, divided across core supports and capacity building support. Recent NDIS legislation has enabled the transition towards a New Framework Planning approach from 2026, making planning more consistent and evidence-based.

Boy resting chin on hands at table, puzzle pieces scattered. Man with tablet sits nearby. Bright room.

Managing Your NDIS Plan

You have three options for managing your NDIS plan's funds:

Self-management gives you complete control. You choose providers, pay invoices, and claim reimbursement. This offers maximum flexibility but requires more administration.
If your plan is plan managed, a plan manager handles the paperwork whilst you maintain choice and control. You may receive funding for a Support Coordinator to help navigate service systems.
Agency-managed means the NDIA manages payments directly to providers. This requires the least administration but limits provider choice to NDIS-registered providers only.

With self-management or plan management, you have the freedom to use your funding with any service provider, whether NDIS registered or not.

Finding the Right Service Providers

Finding the right providers can make all the difference. You can search the NDIS website or contact your Local Area Coordinator for help finding service providers.

When choosing providers, consider their experience with autism, their approach to support, and whether they align with your values and goals. Don't be afraid to ask questions or try different providers until you find the right fit.

Once you have an NDIS plan, you have choice and control in purchasing support and services that match your needs. Family members and carers can also play a key role in accessing NDIS funded support.

Plan Reviews: Keeping Your Support Current

Your NDIS plan and support budgets are reviewed regularly to make sure they continue to meet your support needs and goals. You can request a review at any time if your support needs change.

Life changes, and your plan should change with it. Don't wait for your scheduled review if things aren't working. The NDIA provides guidance and support throughout the planning and review process.

Special Considerations for Young Children

Children under nine with autism can currently access NDIS funding through the Early Childhood Approach. This recognises that early intervention can significantly impact developmental outcomes.

However, the system is changing. Starting July 1, 2026, the Australian Government will launch the Thriving Kids program for children aged 8 and under with mild to moderate autism and developmental delay. This is a separate program from the NDIS, designed to integrate support into mainstream systems like schools and childcare. Children with significant, permanent disabilities will continue to access the NDIS.

Through the NDIS, children can access funding for therapies, support workers, assistive technology, and more. The exact benefits depend on your individual plan and goals.

Understanding NDIS Holiday Support

What is the $15,000 NDIS holiday? Some NDIS participants may be eligible for respite and short-term accommodation support, which can include holiday programs. However, this isn't a standard $15,000 'holiday allowance'. The funding available depends on your individual plan and support needs. Speak with your planner or coordinator to understand what respite options are available to you.

Your Next Steps

The NDIS can feel overwhelming at first, but this system exists to support you and your child. Every autistic individual is different, and your journey will be unique to your child's strengths, challenges, and goals.

Start small. Complete your Access Request Form. Gather your evidence. Reach out to your Local Area Coordinator. Each step forward brings you closer to accessing the support your family needs.

At PotentialMe, we specialise in mental health occupational therapy and NDIS support services across Greater Melbourne. We work alongside individuals with autism and their families to maximise independence and wellbeing.

Whether you need mental health occupational therapy, support workers matched to your needs, or plan management to handle the paperwork, we're here to help.

Call us on 0401 253 681 or make an enquiry. Let's work together to unlock your child's potential.

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We hope you enjoyed reading this blog.

PotentialMe specialises in Mental Health Occupational Therapy, and also offer other NDIS Support Services such as Australia-wide Plan Management services and personalised Support Work, matching our support workers to participants across Greater Melbourne.

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