Is Autism a Disability in Australia, Under the NDIS?
Understanding Eligibility, Functional Criteria, and What Actually Gets Funded
Table of Contents
Yes, Autism is Recognised Under the NDIS — But Access Isn’t Automatic for Everyone
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a recognised disability under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), but eligibility depends on both diagnostic level and functional impact.
Level 2 (“Requires substantial support”) and Level 3 (“Requires very substantial support”) are automatically eligible under List A.
Level 1 (“Requires support”) is listed under List B, which means access is not automatic — you must prove substantial, ongoing functional impairments.
NDIS Diagnostic Requirements for Autism
To qualify for the NDIS, the diagnosis must be made by:
A paediatrician, psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, or multidisciplinary team
Using DSM-5 criteria, specifying severity as Level 1, 2 or 3
Diagnostic Levels and Access
Level 1
Requires some support
Must demonstrate functional impairment (List B)
Level 2
Substantial support
Automatically eligible (List A)
Level 3
Very substantial support
Automatically eligible (List A)
Functional Criteria Required for NDIS Autism Access
NDIS access hinges on demonstrating substantial impairment in at least one of the following areas:
Communication (e.g., limited verbal or non-verbal communication)
Social interaction (e.g., difficulty initiating relationships, group activities)
Learning (e.g., reduced memory, problem-solving skills)
Mobility (e.g., motor coordination difficulties)
Self-care (e.g., hygiene, feeding, dressing)
Self-management (e.g., emotional regulation, planning, organising tasks)
NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA): Critical for Level 1 Autism
For individuals diagnosed with Level 1 ASD, a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is often required. This must be completed by:
An occupational therapist, psychologist, or speech pathologist
Based on real-world performance in school, work, home, and community settings
Evidence may include:
Standardised assessments (e.g., Vineland, ABAS, sensory processing evaluations)
Professional reports linking autism to daily functional limitations
Input from teachers, caregivers, or support workers
Environmental analysis of barriers in everyday settings
Key Administrative Requirements
Age:
Must be under 65 at the time of NDIS application
Residency:
Australian citizen, permanent visa holder, or Protected Special Category visa holder
Permanency:
Autism must be a lifelong condition with ongoing support needs
What Supports Does the NDIS Fund for Autism?
If approved, NDIS funding may include:
Therapy services:
Speech, OT, psychology, behavioural intervention
Social skill development:
Programs to enhance peer interaction and emotional regulation
Assistive technology:
Communication devices, visual planners, sensory tools
Support workers:
For daily living, social engagement, or school readiness
Capacity-building supports:
Focused on increasing independence and reducing reliance
Exercise physiology:
For regulation, routine, anxiety, coordination, and sensory processing
What Zyto Offers for NDIS Participants With Autism
Zyto provides:
NDIS-compliant Functional Capacity Assessments for Level 1 cases
Multidisciplinary therapy with real-time reporting and measurable outcomes
Exercise physiology to improve emotional regulation, executive function, and motor planning
Direct collaboration with support coordinators, GPs, and plan managers for rapid onboarding and review-ready documentation
Final Word
Autism is absolutely a disability under the NDIS — but only Level 2 and 3 diagnoses guarantee access. If you or your child has Level 1 autism, the key is proving how the condition affects daily life.
Zyto works with families, coordinators, and professionals to get access, build plans, and deliver real outcomes — not generic therapy.
References
NDIS & Autism Eligibility: https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/528-ndis-and-access-requirements-autism
Autism Awareness Australia – NDIS Info: https://www.autismawareness.com.au/navigating-autism/understanding-the-ndis-for-young-autistic-children
Sonic Learning – Autism & NDIS: https://soniclearning.com.au/ndis-autism-funding-what-you-need-to-know/
NDIS Guidelines – List A & B Conditions: https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/home/becoming-participant/applying-ndis/list-conditions-are-likely-meet-disability-requirements
Advance Care – Autism Support Info: https://advancecareagency.com.au/ndis-autism-funding/
United for Care – Functional Capacity: https://www.unitedforcare.com.au/post/how-a-functional-capacity-assessment-can-support-people-with-autism
Mable – Eligibility Explained: https://mable.com.au/discover/autism/autism-and-the-ndis-how-is-eligibility-determined/
MyCareSpace – Functional Domains: https://mycarespace.com.au/resources/what-is-functional-capacity-in-the-ndis
