NDIS Autism Support Services in Australia

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects a person’s social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviours.

It’s important to remember that autism is a spectrum, which means that people with ASD experience symptoms in different ways and to varying degrees.

More than 100,000 Australians have autism. With autism, care needs can vary greatly from each individual. Some people with autism will have high support needs, which may mean that they require full time care and support.  Others may need a bit of support with day to day activities, and live independent lives. 

Autism care can range from basic support for daily living activities, to more intensive support such as overnight care, nursing and respite care.

The current diagnostic system (DSM-5) categorizes ASD into three levels based on the amount of support a person needs in their daily life. These levels are not labels or rankings, but rather a way to describe the individual’s needs and ensure they receive appropriate support.

Level 1: Requiring Support

• Individuals with Level 1 ASD may experience:
  • Difficulty with social communication, such as understanding nonverbal cues or initiating conversations.
  • Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors, such as intense focus on a particular topic or repetitive routines.
  • Challenges with social interaction and making friends.
  • May require some support in daily living activities, such as organization or planning.

Level 2: Requiring Substantial Support

Person sittinIndividuals with Level 2 ASD may experience:

• More significant difficulties with social communication and interaction.
• More pronounced restricted interests and repetitive behaviors that interfere with daily life.
• Difficulty adapting to changes in routine or environment.
• May require substantial support in daily living activities, such as communication, self-care, and social interaction.

Level 3: Requiring Very Substantial Support

• Individuals with Level 3 ASD may experience:
  • Severe difficulties with social communication and interaction.
  • Very limited verbal and nonverbal communication skills.
  • Highly restricted interests and repetitive behaviors that severely limit daily functioning.
  • May require very substantial support in all areas of daily living, including communication, self-care, and managing their behavior.

It’s important to remember that these are just general descriptions, and each individual with ASD is unique. The severity of symptoms can vary greatly within each level, and people with ASD can have many strengths and abilities alongside their challenges. 

While this depends on the evaluation of each individual, those with Level 1 Autism should be able to access NDIS support.  Level 1 Autism severity encompasses autism spectrum conditions requiring some support, yet milder compared to levels 2 or 3.

Conditions such as Asperger syndrome, childhood autism, atypical autism, and developmental disorders fall within this category.

If you or your child is diagnosed with Level 1 Autism, additional assessments are necessary to ascertain eligibility for NDIS funding according to NDIS regulations. Reach out to one of our Autism Support Workers for comprehensive information on the assistance we offer.

Our Autism Support Workers have undergone extensive training and education to comprehensively understand and cater to the needs of individuals with autism, both children and adults. Our team is committed to continuous learning, ensuring they stay updated with the latest advancements in Autism Care.

Yes. Autism spectrum disorder is recognised as a permanent disability under the NDIS. Eligibility is assessed based on how autism impacts your functional capacity across communication, social interaction, learning, and self-care.

Most autistic Australians under 65 will qualify, though Level 1 autism may require additional functional evidence.

On average, an autistic NDIS participant receives approximately $32,800 per year. Children under 7 receive, on average, $16,700 per year under the Early Childhood Approach. Actual amounts depend on your support level, age, and individual plan goals.

All three DSM-5 levels of autism can qualify for NDIS support. Level 1 typically needs additional evidence of functional impacts. Levels 2 and 3 generally meet NDIS disability requirements directly. The NDIS focuses on how autism affects daily functioning, not just the diagnostic label.

Yes. All Homage support workers providing autism care have undergone training in autism spectrum disorder, sensory sensitivities, communication strategies, and behaviour support. Our team stays current with best-practice autism care guidelines.

From October 2026, the Thriving Kids program will provide support to children aged 8 and under with autism or developmental delay who have low-to-moderate support needs, outside the NDIS. Children with high support needs will remain NDIS-eligible. Contact our Care Advisory team if you’re unsure how the changes affect your family.

From October 2026, the Australian Government’s new Thriving Kids program will change how some autistic children access support, but most families on NDIS won’t be affected.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Children who move to Thriving Kids: Children aged 8 and under with autism and low-to-moderate support needs will transition to Thriving Kids, a new government-funded program delivered outside the NDIS from October 2026.
• Children who stay on NDIS: Children with autism and high support needs remain fully NDIS-eligible, regardless of age. All autistic participants aged 7 and over with significant functional impairment continue under the NDIS as usual.

Nothing changes yet. Thriving Kids doesn’t begin until October 2026. If your child currently has an active NDIS plan, it remains valid and unchanged until that time.

Not sure which category your child falls into? Our Care Advisory team can help you understand your options