What Is the Helping Children with Autism Package?

Many families still search for the “Helping Children with Autism” package when looking for autism funding or Medicare support.

The original Helping Children with Autism program helped families access Medicare-supported assessment and early intervention services.

These Medicare items are now generally discussed under Complex Neurodevelopmental Conditions and eligible disabilities, which includes autism. MBS Link

This means some children and young people may be eligible for Medicare rebates for certain autism assessment and allied health treatment services when the correct referral pathway is in place.
What Medicare Rebates May Be Available?

Medicare may provide rebates for eligible autism-related assessment and therapy services.

Depending on the referral and eligibility, this may include:
  • Allied health assessment services
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Speech Pathology
  • Psychology
  • Allied health treatment sessions

MBS Online states that eligible children and young people may access up to 8 allied health assessment services per lifetime and up to 20 allied health treatment services per lifetime, across eligible allied health providers. (Health.gov.au)

These services are not unlimited and must meet Medicare referral requirements.
Who Can Refer Under This Pathway?

Referral rules are important.
For allied health treatment services under these items, Medicare guidance states that eligibility requires a diagnosis of a complex neurodevelopmental condition, a treatment and management plan, and referral from a psychiatrist or paediatrician. (Health, Disability and Ageing Department)

In many cases, families begin by speaking with their GP, who may then refer to a paediatrician, psychiatrist, or other appropriate professional depending on the child’s needs.
How Belong Health Can Support Families

Belong Health may support children and families through: Our clinicians can help with functional assessment, therapy planning, practical strategies, and reports where appropriate.​
Occupational Therapy Support

Occupational Therapy may support autistic children with:
  • Sensory processing
  • Emotional regulation
  • Motor skills
  • Play and participation
  • Daily routines
  • Self-care skills
  • School readiness and independence​​
Speech Pathology Support

Speech Pathology may support autistic children with:
  • Communication development
  • Understanding and using language
  • Social communication
  • AAC and communication devices
  • Speech clarity
  • Mealtime or feeding support where appropriate
Psychology Assessments

Psychology assessments may help explore autism, ADHD, learning differences, emotional wellbeing, and functional needs.
Assessment reports can support understanding and planning, but they do not guarantee NDIS access, school supports, or funding outcomes.
Is This the Same as NDIS?

No. Medicare and NDIS are different systems.

Medicare rebates may help reduce the cost of eligible assessment or treatment services. The NDIS considers disability-related functional impact and reasonable and necessary supports through its own access and planning process.

An autism diagnosis alone does not automatically guarantee NDIS access or funding. Functional impact and support needs are also considered.
Can HCWA Be Used With NDIS?

Families should be careful not to claim the same service from two funding sources.

Medicare may apply to eligible services under the correct referral pathway, while NDIS funding may apply to disability-related supports in a participant’s plan.

If you are unsure, our team can help you understand which funding pathway may apply to your appointment.
Not Sure Where to Start?

It can be confusing to work out whether your child needs:
  • An autism assessment
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Speech Pathology
  • Psychology Assessments
  • NDIS-related reports
  • Medicare-rebatable services
You do not need to work this out alone.

​Our team can help talk through your concerns and guide you toward the most appropriate next step.

​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
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:
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Have a question? or need more information

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Frequently Asked Questions about Helping Children with Autism Medicare Pathway

What is the Helping Children with Autism Medicare pathway?
The Helping Children with Autism program was an earlier Medicare-supported pathway for autism assessment and intervention. Relevant Medicare services are now generally accessed through Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder and eligible disability item pathways.

What is Helping Children with Autism funding?
This refers to Medicare rebates that may be available for eligible autism-related assessment and allied health services. It is not a direct payment to families and may help reduce out-of-pocket costs where eligibility and referral requirements are met.

How many Medicare sessions are available for autism support?
Medicare may provide rebates for eligible allied health assessment and treatment services where referral and eligibility requirements are met. Limits and item numbers are determined by current Medicare guidelines.

Can Belong Health provide services under this pathway?
Belong Health may provide eligible Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Psychology, and allied health supports where appropriate referrals and Medicare requirements are in place.

Do I need a referral for Medicare autism services?
Yes. Medicare rebates under this pathway require the correct referral and supporting documentation. Referral requirements depend on the service type and current Medicare guidelines.

Can I use Medicare and NDIS together?
Families may access both Medicare and NDIS supports at different times. However, the same service should not be claimed under both funding systems.

Is autism being removed from the NDIS?
The NDIS and Medicare are separate systems. NDIS access decisions are based on disability-related functional impact and support needs, not diagnosis alone.

What can I claim if my child has autism?
Supports and funding pathways depend on the child’s needs and eligibility. Families may explore Medicare rebates, NDIS supports, private health insurance, Centrelink supports, school supports, and allied health services.

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