Your supports should fit your life and the way you communicate. Being autistic doesn't tell a provider everything about your needs, preferences or goals.
Whether you're applying to the NDIS or already have a plan, it helps to separate access rules from the decisions about which supports suit you.
Applying for access
The NDIA assesses the relevant age, residence and disability or early-intervention requirements. A diagnosis doesn't automatically settle eligibility or the amount of funding.
Read the official eligibility requirements and talk with your NDIS partner about the evidence needed. Our application guide helps you organise the steps.
For younger children, start with the early childhood pathway.
Start with what matters to you
You might want support with communication, daily routines, study, work or getting out into your community. Write down the particular situation you want to make easier and the help you already find useful.
You don't need to make every goal about doing things without assistance. Having appropriate support and being able to make your own choices matter too.
Finding providers who listen
Ask how a provider adapts appointments, handles sensory needs and includes your communication preferences. You can ask for written information, a quieter setting or extra time to respond.
Discuss the purpose of any proposed support, the evidence behind the approach and how you will review whether it is useful. Be cautious about guarantees or pressure to agree to a large package immediately.
Check the funding before booking
The support must fit the current rules and your plan. Ask which budget applies, whether a quote or approval is needed and what the full cost includes.
Check the funding available in the relevant period. Our budget guide explains why the total plan value isn't always the amount available now.
Working with a coordinator
With your consent, we work with you and the people you want involved to compare options and follow up agreed tasks. You remain part of decisions about providers and your information.
Read about our coordination service or tell us what you're looking for. We meet in Adelaide and by phone or video across Australia.
