Applying for the ndis

Take a deep breath

Not every Autistic or ADHDer will want or need NDIS supports. However, for those that do, the application process for the NDIS can feel overwhelming, even before you get started! This page will give you a brief overview of what to expect.

Whilst you can complete the process on your own, you can ask the NDIS to put you in touch with a local area coordinator (LAC) who will walk you through the process. Head over to the NDIS website for more info.

consider ELIGIBILITY

You must meet the following criteria to be eligible to apply for NDIS funding:

  • Be aged between 9 and 65 years old

  • Live in Australia and be an Australian citizen, permanent visa holder or special category visa holder

  • Have a disability as a result of an intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, physical, or psychosocial impairment.

  • Usually need disability-specific supports to complete daily life activities

  • May require early intervention support now to reduce your need for support in the future

CompletE an application

You will need to fill out an access request form (or call 1800 800 110) and provide evidence of your disability.

A comprehensive report from Minds Matter will meet the following NDIS requirements for “good” evidence:

  • Evidence must be recent

  • Be completed by an appropriate health professional (e.g., clinical psychologist)

  • Confirm your primary disability (i.e., diagnosis)

  • Confirm the impacts of your disability on the different areas of your life

  • Describes previous treatments/ outcomes

  • Describe future treatment options/ recommendations and expected outcomes of those treatments

keep expectations in check

It is important to manage your expectations when applying for NDIS funding. Whilst assessments and reports from Minds Matter are completed to robust clinical, professional and ethical standards, the NDIA are the sole final decision-makers on who is granted funding through the NDIS.

The NDIS is not the only avenue for seeking support. Head over to the resources page for information on linking into other supports. You can also schedule post-diagnostic support sessions with Emily to work through ways of implementing support recommendations from your assessment without NDIS funding. Please get in touch if this is something you would like.

And remember, there are no rules stopping you from re-applying for the NDIS in the future. This is especially important should you circumstances change and things become more difficult for you.

get planning

Once the NDIS confirms you are eligible for help, you can start thinking about what you need.

The first time you meet with the NDIS, they will ask you to focus on what you need for the next twelve months. The idea of your first plan is to make sure all the basics get covered and your most important needs are taken care of first. Consider what kinds of help and support do you need every day? Every week? A few times year? After that, your future NDIS plans can focus more on your long term goals. Be as specific as you can about what you need and what you want, what your goals are and how you want to live.

It can be hard to think about this all on your own. Whilst your Minds Matter comprehensive report will give some recommendations, it’s also a great idea to talk about it with your close supports. Another helpful idea is to work through a specially designed workbook to help get you started, such as this one or this one.

Before your first meeting, gather all the documentation you have and notes you have made together so you can streamline the process. You can take someone along to the meeting if you like- someone that knows you well.

If you have any issues or questions, remember to reach out for help and check out the resources page.