NDIS Ahead: A Guide for Families Seeking Autism Support

Recent changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) have introduced new frameworks and requirements that directly impact families of children with autism. Understanding these developments is crucial for navigating support options effectively.

A Snapshot of the Current NDIS

The NDIS has undergone significant reforms aimed at improving sustainability, transparency and participant outcomes:

Getting the NDIS Back on Track Act (Oct 2024)

New legislation focuses on managing annual growth to around 8%, with tightened eligibility rules and clearer guidelines for fund use. The Act also outlined plans to shift foundational supports, such as early intervention, into mainstream services, though these changes are still in development phases.

NDIA Pricing Reforms (1 July 2025)

The NDIA announced a major pricing overhaul aligning NDIS-funded support rates to those in Medicare or private health insurance. This includes a 3.95% reduction in fees for allied health providers, such as podiatrists, dietitians and physiotherapists, to reflect broader market norms.

Therapy Capping and Evidence-Based Funding

Changes effective February 2025 include hourly caps (e.g., $68 for one-on-one art or music therapy) unless functional improvement is demonstrable. This has been a source of concern among families and providers who fear it may limit access to vital therapies.

Foundational Supports Development

While foundational supports for early intervention have been proposed to enhance services for children with developmental delays or autism, these programs remain in planning stages. A panel of technical experts has been appointed to guide future program development, but implementation timelines remain unclear.

Integrity and Anti-Fraud Measures

New taskforces focus on preventing fraud and price markup by plan managers and suppliers, including efforts to standardise pricing and professionalise assessment practices.

What This Means for Families of Children with Autism

1. Access to Early Intervention
   Currently, families still need to work within existing NDIS pathways for early intervention services. While future foundational supports may provide additional options, families should focus on maximising current NDIS provisions for autism intervention services like speech pathology, developmental paediatric care and behavioural support.
2. Greater Accountability in Therapy Funding
   With capped rates and a stronger focus on evidence, families may face more rigorous documentation requirements and frequent plan reviews. Ensure you prepare comprehensive progress notes, assessments, and clinical reports to support therapy claims.
3. Potential Limits to Choice
   Caps on certain therapies risk limiting access for families who rely on art, music, or behavioural therapies not easily captured by functional assessment. Maintain strong relationships with providers and contribute supporting documentation when negotiating plan content.
4. Budget Pressure and Plan Growth
   Budget growth is held to 8% per annum. While this helps secure scheme sustainability, it may mean smaller increases over time, making goal-setting and priority planning essential for autism supports.

What to Expect Next: Changes on the Horizon

With it being early into a new term of government, you can expect a continued direction for NDIS reforms.

1. Rate Reviews and Provider Legitimacy

The NDIA is regularly updating pricing models to avoid overcharging. Expect more peer and evidence-based reviews of therapy outcomes to justify hours used.

2. Deeper Integration of Foundational Supports

Over the coming years, foundational supports may be phased in to build capacity in primary health, education and community services. However, families should not delay accessing current NDIS supports while waiting for these future developments.

3. Focus on Quality and Safeguards

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission—under health and disability Minister Mark Butler—has increased regulatory oversight over providers. Expect a push for higher provider standards, improved incident reporting and stricter provider accreditation.

4. Royal Commission and Discrimination Act Reforms

Many recommendations from the Disability Royal Commission have been accepted, including potential amendments to the Disability Discrimination Act. This may include better advocacy rights for parents and improved anti-discrimination protections.

Tips for Navigating the Evolving NDIS Landscape

• Prioritise Functional Outcomes: When requesting therapies, clearly link services to measurable goals (e.g., “increase independent communication”) to meet NDIA evidence expectations.
• Document Everything: Maintain a detailed record of attendance, progress tracking and provider statements—this is vital during plan reviews.
• Monitor Plan Utilisation: Be mindful of budget limits and projected annual growth—plan ahead to avoid shortfalls.
• Maximise Current Services: Focus on accessing available early childhood, speech, allied health and community services through existing pathways rather than waiting for future foundational supports.
• Engage a Support Coordinator or Plan Manager: These professionals can help steer planning meetings, negotiate with NDIA, and keep on top of policy trends.
• Stay Informed: NDIS changes are ongoing. Subscribe to official updates and advocacy organisations to know when key changes hit.

Final Word

Recent NDIS reforms signal a continued focus on sustainability, pricing transparency and care quality. While these changes present both opportunities and challenges, families must stay proactive when supporting children with autism. By focusing on current available services, documenting outcomes clearly and staying informed about actual implementations rather than planned changes, you can continue to secure vital therapies and supports in the evolving NDIS landscape.

Interested in learning more? Lizard Centre is an expert in early intervention and Positive Behaviour Support, and can offer Core-funded support work services. We can help you maximise the outcomes from the NDIS plans that your family can access. Contact us today.