Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) estimates that as many as 1 in 70 individuals in the country is on the autism spectrum.
If you are a parent or caregiver for someone with autism or if you are on the autism spectrum yourself, you know that living with autism day-to-day provides a lot of strengths, and also some challenges.
Fortunately for people in Australia, there are several helpful resources available, including the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Here’s what you need to know about the NDIS and autism.
What Is Autism?
Autism is known as a spectrum disorder, meaning that those on the spectrum range range greatly in the many apsects. This means the supports required will also vary greatly, depending on an indivuduals support needs.
People on the autism spectrum will often require supports in the area of social skills. Individuals with autism may have difficulty recognising subtle cues in body language or tone of voice, which often lead to miscommunications in work and social situations.
In fact, people with autism experience emotions the same as neurotypical people do, though they may not express them in the same way. Unfortunately, this can cause problems for children and adults in school or work environments.
In addition to social issues, many people on the spectrum have problems with sensory stimulation. They may shy away from loud noises and bright colours, preferring instead calmer, more relaxed environments.
NDIS Support for Adults with Autism
The goal of the NDIS is to provide the financial support adults with autism need to live their best lives. This support can be applied to a wide variety of services including behavioural therapy, tools to help with communication, assistance with daily activities and more.
Those who use the program have the option of managing the funding themselves or engaging a third party to do so for them. Assisted funding management can ensure all providers are paid as scheduled, taking the pressure off the patient to handle the task.
NDIS Eligibility Requirements
While there are some disabilities that automatically qualify for NDIS coverage, autism is not one of them. Because people on the autism spectrum require varied levels of support, NDIS autism support cases are evaluated on an individual basis.
To qualify for coverage under the NDIS, you must be able to demonstrate that your condition interferes with your ability to lead a normal life. In addition, you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. New Zealand citizens with Protected Special Category Visas can also qualify.
Finally, you must be under the age of 65 when you first use the program.
Lifeplan Are NDIS Providers
Lifeplan supports those with autism and other physical and mental disabilities. We are proud to provide tailored care for individuals to ensure that each client is getting exactly what they need to live their best lives.
When you work with us for your autism care, you can have confidence that we will always have your best interests as a priority.
In addition to helping with daily activities, we can also provide support for independent living.
We offer a variety of social, recreational and group activities to help our clients work on their social skills in a comfortable, supportive environment.
We welcome you to get in touch with us to learn more about our services and how we can help you take advantage of your NDIS benefits to manage your autism. Contact the Lifeplan support team today.
