NDIS Autism
Since the NDIS began to be implemented across Australia in 2016 (with trial sites beginning in 2013), the number of service providers has been growing steadily. The NDIS is the new way that Australians (up to 65 years of age) with a disability or medical condition that significantly affects their independence and functioning now receives supports and services.
Autism (or autism spectrum disorder) is a developmental condition that is lifelong. The condition affects individuals differently and in various ways, however in general people with this condition show deficits or difficulties in how they interact with their environment and engage with other people. People with autism tend to have issues related to communication and social interactions, sensory processing problems, or have repetitive or confined activities, passions or behaviours. It is also not uncommon for individuals with this diagnosis to display intellectual delays or learning impairments or difficulties. In Australia, research has shown that approximately one in 100 people has autism.
Autism (or autism spectrum disorder) is a developmental condition that is lifelong. The condition affects individuals differently and in various ways, however in general people with this condition show deficits or difficulties in how they interact with their environment and engage with other people. People with autism tend to have issues related to communication and social interactions, sensory processing problems, or have repetitive or confined activities, passions or behaviours. It is also not uncommon for individuals with this diagnosis to display intellectual delays or learning impairments or difficulties. In Australia, research has shown that approximately one in 100 people has autism.
How can the NDIS help people with autism?
As the manner and severity of autism greatly varies from one individual to another, therapies and supports are uniquely catered to the person’s situation and needs. Generally, interventions centre around behavioural interventions, medications, and other accompanying supports (e.g. help with personal care). It is also somewhat common for individuals to have co-morbidities such as sleep disorders or disturbance, gastrointestinal issues, or seizures. Usually, treating accompanying illnesses will also improve the person’s general health and well-being, and may reduce problematic behaviours.
Interventions will also depend on the person’s age and developmental stage. For instance, school-aged children often have supports and therapies focused on improving academic performance and addressing learning difficulties, while therapy for teenagers usually promote greater independence and transition to adulthood and the workforce.
How can the NDIS help children with autism?
In general, treatment for children on the autism spectrum tend to focus on meliorating any challenging behaviours, social and communication skills, sensory integration and providing supports to improve learning capacity in school. Speech therapy, psychology and occupational therapy are three common types of allied health therapies that are often utilised by children with autism.
Occupational therapy aspires to enhance independence of a person in all areas of their life. For children, this commonly involves developing their self-care skills (e.g. bathing, dressing, feeding), social skills, fine and gross motor skills, and sensory integration.
Psychology is often comprised of cognitive therapy, developmental psychology, play therapy or family therapy, or a combination of these therapy types. Applied behaviour analysis (ABA therapy) is behavioural therapy that is frequently used in autism cases, and centres on using positive reinforcement and rewards to teach the child skills and reinforcing desired behaviours. Psychologists are also commonly involved in diagnosing autism in individuals.
Speech therapy helps children with autism to improve interpersonal and communication skills. Autistic children often have deficits in conversational skills (including body language, gestures and eye contact), comprehending words in different contexts and creative language.
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