Important Information

This page provides general information only and is not legal, financial, or NDIS application advice.

NDIS eligibility is determined by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) based on the legislation, rules, and the information provided in each individual application.

Processes, criteria, and funding rules may change over time. Families should refer to the official NDIS website or seek advice specific to their circumstances before making decisions.
Has your child been diagnosed with autism and you're not sure what to do next?

If your child has recently been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), you may have been advised to explore the NDIS.
Many families ask:
  • Will my child be eligible?
  • What does the application involve?
  • What information do I need to provide?

This guide explains how the NDIS access process works, what the NDIA considers, and how to prepare your application.
Can children with autism access the NDIS?

Some children with autism may meet the NDIS access criteria, but eligibility is not based on diagnosis or support level alone.

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) assesses whether a child has:
  • A permanent impairment, and
  • A need for disability-specific support due to how that impairment affects everyday life
This means applications are assessed based on functional impact, not just whether a child has an autism diagnosis or a specific DSM level.
What the NDIS looks at (Functional Impact)

The NDIA considers how a child’s disability affects their ability to participate in everyday activities compared to other children of the same age.
This may include:

Communication
  • Understanding or expressing needs
  • Using verbal or non-verbal communication

​Social Interaction
  • Engaging with others
  • Developing relationships and play skills

Learning and Development
  • Attention, processing, and learning skills
  • Developmental progress

Behaviour and Emotional Regulation
  • Managing emotions
  • Responding to sensory environments

Daily Living Skills
  • Dressing, eating, toileting
  • Following routines and transitions

Applications are stronger when they clearly describe what a child needs support with in daily life and why that support is required.​
Not Sure if You Need a Functional Capacity Assessment?
​
After receiving an autism diagnosis, many families ask what happens next. Depending on your child's circumstances and NDIS goals, a Functional Capacity Assessment may help provide a clearer understanding of everyday functioning and support needs. Learn when an FCA may be beneficial.

Learn more Do I Need a Functional Capacity Assessment?
Children Under 9: Early Childhood Approach

For children younger than 9, the NDIS uses an early childhood approach.

This means:
  • Families may be supported through an early childhood partner
  • A formal diagnosis is not always required initially for younger children with developmental concerns
  • The focus is on early support and developmental needs

If you are unsure where to start, speaking with:
  • A GP
  • Child health nurse
  • Early childhood educator
  • Allied health professional
can help guide the next steps.
Step-by-Step: Applying to the NDIS

Step 1: Gather Information
You will need information that helps explain:
  • Your child’s diagnosis (if available)
  • How your child functions in daily life
  • What support they need
This may include:
  • Medical or specialist reports
  • Existing therapy reports (if available)
  • School or daycare information
  • Your own observations of daily challenges
You do not necessarily need new or costly assessments if sufficient evidence already exists.


Step 2: Make an Access Request
You can apply by:
  • Contacting the NDIS directly
  • Completing an Access Request Form
  • Speaking with an NDIS partner in your area

Step 3: Provide Supporting Evidence
The NDIA will review the information provided to determine:
  • Whether the condition is permanent
  • How it impacts everyday functioning
  • Whether NDIS-funded supports may be required

Step 4: NDIA Decision
Timeframes can vary, but decisions are typically made within several weeks depending on the information provided.

Step 5: Outcome
  • Approved: You move to planning and supports
  • More information required: Additional evidence may be requested
  • Not approved: You may request a review
If Your Application Is Not Approved

If access is not approved, families can:
  • Request an internal review of the decision (usually within 3 months)
  • Provide additional supporting information

There may also be other supports available outside the NDIS, depending on your situation.
What Makes an Application Stronger

Applications are generally clearer when they include:
✔ A description of daily challenges
✔ Examples across different environments (home, school, community)
✔ Information about support needs, not just diagnosis
✔ Input from relevant professionals where available
Common Misunderstandings
​
  • Diagnosis alone does not determine eligibility
  • Support levels (e.g. Level 1, 2, or 3) are not used in isolation to decide access
  • Not all children with autism will meet NDIS access criteria
  • Therapy reports can help, but are not always required
How Allied Health May Support Families

Allied health professionals may assist by:
  • Providing reports that describe functional impact
  • Supporting families to understand their child’s needs
  • Helping identify appropriate supports over time
Explore Support Options for Your Child 

At Belong Health, we support children and families across Perth, Mandurah, and regional Western Australia.
These pages outline how different supports can help with communication, daily routines, emotional regulation, and development.
​Our team includes:
We work with families:
  • Exploring next steps after diagnosis
  • Preparing for or navigating the NDIS
  • Accessing supports in the community​
You Don’t Have to Work This Out Alone

If you’re trying to understand what’s going on for your child, it’s okay to ask for help.

At Belong Health, we support families across Perth and Mandurah in understanding their child’s development and next steps.
Not Sure What to Do Next?

If you're unsure where to start, it can help to talk things through.

We offer a free 20-minute meet & greet where you can:
  • Ask general questions about support options
  • Understand what services may be helpful
  • Explore possible next steps
There’s no obligation, just an opportunity to get clarity.

Book a free 20-minute call with our team
Or contact us to talk through your situation
Our team is here to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us an email here

Have a question? or need more information

Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us a message

    Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions - Autism & the NDIS

Is autism still covered under the NDIS?
​Yes.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may support an NDIS access request where a person meets the current NDIS eligibility criteria.
Eligibility is determined by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and is based on the impact of disability on everyday functioning, not diagnosis alone.

Does Autism Level 2 automatically qualify for the NDIS?
No.
NDIS eligibility is based on how a person's disability affects their daily functioning and support needs.
While a diagnosis may form part of an application, eligibility is determined by the NDIA using current access criteria and supporting evidence.

Does Autism Level 3 automatically qualify for the NDIS?
Not automatically.
Although individuals with higher support needs may often have stronger evidence of functional impact, eligibility decisions are still made by the NDIA based on current criteria and supporting documentation.

Can I apply to the NDIS without an autism diagnosis?
Sometimes.
Some children may access the NDIS under developmental delay pathways or through evidence demonstrating significant functional impacts.
Requirements vary depending on age and circumstances, so families should seek advice regarding current NDIA requirements.

What evidence is usually required for an NDIS autism application?
Evidence may include:
  • Diagnostic reports
  • Functional assessments
  • Allied health reports
  • Medical reports
  • Information about support needs
  • Evidence of how disability affects everyday life
The NDIA determines what evidence is required for each application.

What reports are helpful when applying for the NDIS?
Reports that may assist include:
  • Autism assessment reports
  • Occupational Therapy reports
  • Speech Pathology reports
  • Psychology reports
  • Functional Capacity Assessments
  • Paediatrician reports
  • School or childcare information where relevant
The most helpful reports clearly describe how disability affects everyday participation and functioning.

Can an Occupational Therapy report help support an NDIS application?
Yes.
Occupational Therapy reports can provide information about daily living skills, independence, self-care, participation, sensory processing, and functional challenges.
These reports may assist in demonstrating functional impact.

Can a Speech Pathology report help support an NDIS application?
Yes.
Speech Pathology reports may provide information about communication abilities, social communication, language development, feeding, swallowing, and participation impacts.
This information may contribute to an overall understanding of support needs.

Will the NDIS fund autism assessments?
Generally, the NDIS does not fund diagnostic assessments.
Autism assessments are usually funded privately, through eligible Medicare pathways, or other available funding sources.
Current NDIS rules and funding arrangements can change, so families should seek up-to-date advice.

What supports can the NDIS fund for autistic children?
For eligible participants, supports may include:
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Speech Pathology
  • Psychology supports
  • Positive Behaviour Support
  • Assistive technology
  • Capacity building supports
  • Early intervention supports
Funding decisions are based on individual goals, circumstances, and NDIA requirements.

Can NDIS funding be used for Occupational Therapy?
For eligible participants, Occupational Therapy may be funded where it is considered reasonable and necessary and aligns with NDIS goals.
Funding decisions are made by the NDIA.

Can NDIS funding be used for Speech Pathology?
For eligible participants, Speech Pathology may be funded where it relates to communication, participation, independence, and NDIS goals.
Funding decisions are determined by the NDIA.

Can NDIS funding be used for Positive Behaviour Support?
For eligible participants, Positive Behaviour Support may be funded where it relates to functional needs, behaviour support goals, participation, safety, and quality of life.
Funding decisions are determined by the NDIA and individual plan goals.

What is a Functional Capacity Assessment?
A Functional Capacity Assessment, or FCA, is a detailed assessment that explores how disability impacts everyday functioning and participation.
An FCA may provide evidence to support funding requests, planning discussions, or support recommendations.

How long does the NDIS application process take?
Timeframes vary.
Processing times depend on factors such as:
  • The quality of evidence provided
  • Application complexity
  • Current NDIA processing times
  • Requests for additional information
Families should refer to current NDIA information for updated timeframes.

What happens if my NDIS application is declined?
A declined application does not necessarily mean support is unavailable.
Families may wish to:
  • Seek clarification from the NDIA
  • Review the evidence provided
  • Obtain additional supporting documentation
  • Explore review or appeal options where appropriate
Professional guidance may assist with understanding available pathways.

Can my child receive support while waiting for NDIS approval?
Yes.
Many families access supports privately, through Medicare-funded pathways, school-based supports, or community services while awaiting an NDIS decision.

What if my child has Autism and ADHD?
Many children experience both autism and ADHD.
Applications should include information about all relevant diagnoses, functional impacts, and support needs.

Can adults with autism access the NDIS?
Yes.
Adults may be eligible if they meet the current NDIS access criteria and provide appropriate supporting evidence.
Eligibility decisions are made by the NDIA.

Does Belong Health provide reports that may assist with NDIS applications?
Yes.
Depending on the individual's needs, Belong Health may provide:
  • Occupational Therapy reports
  • Speech Pathology reports
  • Psychology assessment reports
  • Functional Capacity Assessments
  • Therapy progress reports
Our team can discuss the most appropriate assessment and reporting pathway for your situation.
Related Autism & NDIS Resources
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