The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government-funded program that provides support and funding to individuals with disabilities, including young children with Autism or developmental delays, to access early intervention services and ABA Therapy.
Here's a quick and easy step-by-step guide on how families can access the NDIS for early intervention and ABA Therapy:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
You can check your child's eligibility on the NDIS website or by calling the NDIS hotline on 1800 800 110. There are specific requirements that may differ based on your child's age. It is important to know that if your child is under 7, they do not need a diagnosis to access support or ABA therapy, if you have evidence that there is a developmental delay.
Step 2: Apply for the NDIS
To apply for the NDIS, you will need to complete an Access Request Form, which can be found on the NDIS website or obtained by calling the NDIS hotline. You will need to provide information about your child's developmental concerns or disability, as well as any medical reports or assessments that support your application.
Step 3: Attend a Planning Meeting
Once your child's NDIS application has been approved, you will be invited to attend a planning meeting with an NDIS representative - known as your local area partner or LAC. This meeting will be used to discuss your child's needs and goals, and to develop a personalised plan for their support.
Step 4: Choose a Service Provider
Once your NDIS plan is in place, you will be able to choose service providers to deliver different services such as ABA therapy to your child. It's important to choose a provider who has experience, and is able to offer evidence-based services aligned with your goals in your child's NDIS plan.
Step 5: Start Receiving Support
Once you have chosen a service provider, your child can begin receiving early intervention services, which may include therapies such as Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), Speech Therapy, or Occupational Therapy. Your child's progress will be regularly reviewed, and their NDIS plan may be updated to reflect their changing needs.
Accessing the NDIS can seem overwhelming at first, but your local area coordinator is there to help you. By following these steps, you can access the support and funding that your child needs to access early intervention services and reach their full potential.