Does the NDIS cover autism?

What does the NDIS cover for autism? 

The NDIS covers supports for eligible participants with Autism Spectrum Disorder as long as they are disability-related and meet the reasonable and necessary criteria.

The NDIS funds supports in three different categories:

• Core supports: For daily activities in a participant’s life such as support workers for routines, group based activities sensory tools and transport. 
• Capital supports: For investments into assistive technologies such as specialised noise-cancelling headphones, home or vehicle modifications, or for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).  
• Capacity building: For participants to build their independence and skills such as iPads or tablets used specifically for augmentative and alternative communications (AAC) applications. 

The aim of the support is to help participants achieve their NDIS goals and live as independently as possible. Some of the supports often used by NDIS participants with autism include:

• Physical and occupational therapy: include activities that can help improve motor skills, coordination and overall mobility.
• Behavioural support: can help participants learn how to manage certain behaviours or improve social skills, for example with Positive Behaviour Support. 
• Social and recreational activities: include activities that can help improve social skills or with participating in the local community, for example, dance classes or team bowling.
• Assistive technology: includes items that support sensory development and processing such as fidget spinners or kinetic sand.
• Support workers: can help participants with daily activities inside and outside of home, for example, assist with personal care or attend swimming lessons.

Who is eligible for NDIS autism support?

Participants eligible for NDIS autism support should be diagnosed by a specialist multi-disciplinary team including a paediatrician, psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.

A multi-disciplinary team can consist of: 

• Paediatricians
• Psychologists
• Psychiatrists
• Occupational Therapists
• Speech Therapists

Not all individuals living with autism can access the NDIS. This is because NDIS eligibility criteria are based on the level of ASD an individual has. While those who have a Level 2 or Level 3 ASD diagnosis are approved automatically, individuals who have a Level 1 diagnosis are required to provide further information to support their case. This can be done by showcasing how autism affects certain aspects of their life, for example: communication, social interaction, learning, mobility, self-care and self-management. Typically, the more supporting evidence provided, the higher the chances of approval. This is because supporting documentation allows assessors to better understand an individual's personal circumstances, their needs and the impact autism has on their life.

What type of disability evidence is needed?  

Supporting documentation allows assessors to better understand an individual's personal circumstances, their needs and the impact autism has on their life.

Here’s what participants with Autism Spectrum Disorder can provide when applying for NDIS funding in order of preference: 

• Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fifth edition (DSM-V)
• Vineland adaptive behavior scale (Vineland-II)
• World Health Organisation disability assessment schedule (WHODAS) 2.0 (17 years and over) or
• PEDI-CAT (16 years and under)

How much NDIS funding is for autism? 

In the year ending 30 September 2025 $9,844.8 million of NDIS funding went to autism supports. This was a 15% increase on the previous year.

On average, payments for autism supports totaled $35,400 in the year ending 30 September 2025.