Autism and the NDIS: What you need to Know!
Autism is part of everyday life for many people and families across Australia. It is also the most common disability on the NDIS. Around one in three people on the NDIS are autistic, and many are children and young people.
At Lifely, we support autistic people of all ages across regional Victoria, Melbourne’s outer west and border communities in New South Wales and South Australia. In some situations, we may also support people in other locations based on individual needs.
Our approach is local, respectful and focused on what matters to you. Lifely has been supporting autistic people for over 40 years, working alongside families, carers and communities. We use the social model of disability, which means we focus on the environment, attitudes and support around a person, not on “fixing” autism. This approach shapes how we deliver Autism and NDIS supports every day
This guide explains autism and the NDIS in simple, easy-to-read language.
What Is Autism?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disability. This means it affects how a person:
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communicates
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understands the world
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connects with other people
The Royal Children’s Hospital explains that autism looks different for every person. There is no “one type” of autism. Everyone has their own strengths, needs and ways of doing things.
Some people prefer to say autistic person. Others prefer person with autism. At Lifely, we always use the words you or your family prefer.
There is no single test for autism. Doctors and specialists learn about a person by watching, listening, talking with families and doing assessments over time.
Autism and Neurodivergence
Autism is often described as part of neurodivergence.
Neurodivergence is a positive and inclusive word used to describe people whose brains work differently from what is considered “typical”. It is not a medical diagnosis. It recognises that different ways of thinking, learning and experiencing the world are a normal part of being human.
Conditions often included under neurodivergence can include:
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Autism
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
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Dyslexia and other learning differences
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Dyspraxia
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Tourette syndrome
Some people strongly identify as neurodivergent, while others do not. Both are okay. At Lifely, we respect how each person chooses to describe themselves.
Learn more about neurodiverse conditions on the Australian Government website Health Direct.
How Common Is Autism?
Autism is more common than many people realise. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that around one to two in every 100 Australians are autistic.
Autism is often identified in childhood, but some people are not diagnosed until their teenage years or adulthood. Women and girls are more likely to be identified later. Autism can also run in families.
How Autism Can Look at Different Ages
Autism can look different as people grow.
Babies and young children may:
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speak later or use words differently
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use less eye contact or gestures
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repeat movements or play in the same way
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be sensitive to noise, light or touch
School-aged children may:
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find friendships hard
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struggle with change or busy places
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have strong interests they enjoy
Teenagers and adults may:
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feel anxious in social situations
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find work or study hard without support
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prefer routine and clear plans
Many autistic people also have other support needs, such as ADHD, anxiety or learning differences.
Autism Support Levels
You may hear autism described in levels. These levels come from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
The levels do not describe intelligence, value or potential. They are only used to explain how much support a person may need in daily life. Support needs can also change over time.
Autism Level 1 – Requiring support
People may need some support with social situations, communication, planning or organisation. They may live independently but still benefit from support at times.
Autism Level 2 – Requiring substantial support
People often need regular support. They may have noticeable communication difficulties, strong routines or interests, and find changes or busy environments overwhelming.
Autism Level 3 – Requiring very substantial support
People usually need a high level of daily support. They may have limited verbal communication, high sensory needs and need help with everyday activities.
At Lifely, we focus on the person, not the level. Levels help with planning support, but they do not define who someone is.
Does the NDIS Support Autistic People?
Yes. The NDIS does fund autism support.
Autism is the largest disability group on the NDIS. The majority of autistic people on the NDIS have a diagnosis of Autism Level 2 or Level 3, which means they need substantial or very substantial support in everyday life.
NDIS funding:
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is not means-tested
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is based on how much support a person needs
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looks different for everyone
Some people with Autism Level 1 may also be eligible for the NDIS, especially if autism has a significant impact on daily life. This usually requires additional evidence about support needs.
Children aged eight and under may receive NDIS support even before a formal diagnosis, through the early childhood approach.
Learn more about NDIS eligibility
What Supports Can the NDIS Fund?
Depending on your goals, NDIS supports may include:
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Speech therapy
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Occupational therapy
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Psychology
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Behaviour support
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Help at home or in the community
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Social and life skills support
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Help with work, study or daily routines
Read our simple guide to allied health and the NDIS to learn more about these supports.
How Lifely Supports Autistic People
Lifely has more than 40 years’ experience supporting autistic children, teens and adults, and working closely with families and communities. Where reasonable and necessary, our services can support autistic people to reach their goals and enjoy everyday life.
NDIS supports
One-on-one support
For children, teens and adults. Personalised support in Bendigo and Mildura, including nearby towns within about 40 km of each CBD. Other locations may be considered based on individual needs.
Learn more about one-on-one support with Lifely.
In-home support
For children, teens and adults. Support across Bendigo, Mildura and surrounding areas, helping people feel safe and comfortable at home.
Learn more about in-home support.
Personal care
For children, teens and adults. Available in Bendigo, Mildura and nearby communities, with a strong focus on dignity, privacy and respect.
Learn more about Lifely approach to personal care.
Shared support
For children, teens and adults. Available across Bendigo and Mildura and surrounding regions. A good option for families, friends or housemates who need similar support.
Learn more about Lifely’s shared support options.
Community participation
For children, teens and adults. Support to get out and about in Bendigo, Mildura and nearby towns, build confidence and stay connected to the community.
Read more about how Lifely supports community participation.
Our Choice Day program
For adults. Based in Bendigo, offering structured and supportive daytime activities.
Learn more about Lifely’s popular Our Choice program.
Social groups
In Bendigo, kids can have fun and make friends in Awesome Kids, while teens can hang out, try new things and build confidence in our youth social group. In Mildura, under-18s can enjoy Super Saturdays, packed with activities, laughs and connection.
We run adult social groups in Bendigo and Mildura. These community-based groups support autistic participants to build confidence, communication and relationships.
Learn more about social groups at Lifely
Level 2 Support coordination
Available in Ballarat, Bendigo, Maryborough, Mildura and communities in between, helping you understand your NDIS plan and connect with the right supports.
Learn more about support coordination
Plan management
Available Australia-wide, with a strong focus on regional Victoria. Plan management helps you manage your NDIS funding by taking care of invoices and budgets, so you can focus on your life and goals.
Find out more about Lifely plan management.
Supported Independent Living
Available in Ballarat, Bendigo, Mildura and surrounding areas, supporting people to live as independently as possible, including nearby towns within about 40 km of each CBD. Other locations may be considered based on individual needs.
Learn more about Lifely’s supported independent living options.
Non-NDIS Supports
Carer and family support
Available in Bendigo and Mildura and the surrounding regions for unpaid carers of people with disabilities, including autism. Lifely provides carer respite both in the home and through family holidays, as well as carer support groups and a young carer social group for children who have a sibling or other family member with a disability.
Learn more about services for carers and families.
All-abilities sport (non-NDIS)
Lifely offers Bendigo Netball for All, Mildura Basketball for All, and Mildura Dancing for All, with junior and senior players and performers welcome in all programs.
You can learn more about our all-abilities sport and dance programs through Lifely.
Outside School Hours Care (OSHC)
High-intensity programs after-school and holiday programs for children with disabilities, including autism, attending specialist schools in Bendigo, Melton and Sunbury. This program is funded by the Victorian Department of Education.
Learn more about OSHC at Lifely
Learn more about the high-intensity OSHC program
You Are Not Alone
Autism and neurodivergence are not things to fix. They are part of who someone is. With the right support, people can live full, meaningful lives in their local community.
Talk to Lifely
If you or someone you care for is autistic and looking for support, our friendly intake team is ready to help. You can contact us directly or complete one of our online forms to get started.
Call 1300 799 421
Email intake@lifely.org.au
Complete the Lifely disability services intake form online
Fill in the Lifely carer support services form online
