In early 2025 autism support has changed, the Australian Government introduced the National Autism Strategy, committing $42 million to improve support, inclusion, and services for autistic individuals. While this is a step forward, it also signals a shift in NDIS funding, making it harder for some people to access personalised support.
A big change is the introduction of foundational supports, community-based services for autistic individuals who may not qualify for an NDIS plan. While these programs aim to increase accessibility, concerns remain about whether they will provide enough support for those with moderate to high needs.
📌 More info: National Autism Strategy – Department of Social Services
Understanding the National Autism Strategy
The National Autism Strategy includes 22 recommendations across four key areas:
Social Inclusion – Encouraging community involvement and reducing stigma.
Economic Inclusion – Expanding job options and promoting financial security.
Diagnosis, Services, and Supports – Improving early diagnosis and providing alternative help for those who don’t qualify for NDIS.
Health and Mental Well-being – Addressing physical and mental health needs.
A key focus is foundational supports, designed to help autistic individuals engage in schools, workplaces, and communities. Unlike NDIS plans, these do not offer individualised funding. The Government aims to bridge gaps in services, but concerns remain about whether these supports will be enough for everyone.
Changes to NDIS: Who Will Be Affected?
The NDIS is under pressure to reduce participant numbers, meaning eligibility for autism support will become stricter.
Tighter eligibility rules – The Government is refining who qualifies for NDIS funding.
More rejections for lower-needs autism – Individuals with mild support needs may be moved to foundational supports.
Flexible funding models – Some participants may access partial NDIS support while using foundational programs.
More responsibility on families – Parents and carers may have to fight harder to secure the right supports.
For years, strong advocacy has been crucial in securing NDIS funding. Now, however, the process may become harder, especially for those with less visible needs.
📌 More info: Autism CRC – National Autism Strategy Review
Are Foundational Supports Enough?
While foundational supports may help some, concerns remain about whether they will provide sufficient autism support.
🔸 Could some individuals be left without enough help?
- If foundational supports are too limited, individuals may struggle without the structure and consistency of an NDIS plan.
- Some may lose access to key therapies, affecting their progress and well-being.
- Families might have to pay out-of-pocket for private services that were once covered.
🔸 Would a hybrid approach work better?
- Instead of choosing between NDIS or foundational supports, some individuals may benefit from a mix of both.
- This could work only if foundational supports are well-funded and properly structured.
- Local service availability will play a big role in how effective these supports are.
📌 Related reading: NDIS Quarterly Report 2025
Who Will Experience the Biggest Impact?
The effect of these changes will depend on an individual’s eligibility for NDIS funding or foundational supports.
Children with Autism – More access to early intervention, but stricter NDIS eligibility requirements.
Autistic Adults – More workplace inclusion programs, but uncertainty around long-term NDIS support.
Parents and Carers – More access to community services, but greater advocacy will be needed to secure NDIS funding.
People in rural areas – Those in remote regions may face extra challenges accessing the right services.
Individuals with higher support needs will likely still qualify for NDIS funding, but others may need to rely on community programs instead of individualised funding.
What Needs to Happen Next?
To ensure autistic individuals receive the right support, the Government must:
Clarify NDIS eligibility criteria – The rules should be clear and easy to understand.
Ensure foundational supports are strong and flexible – Programs must meet real needs.
Consider a hybrid model – Some individuals may not need full NDIS funding but still require extra support.
Increase transparency – The rollout and effectiveness of foundational supports should be regularly checked.
Expand funding for foundational supports – Community programs need enough resources.
Improve accessibility – More regional and remote services must be funded to ensure equal access.
If foundational supports fail to deliver, many autistic individuals could face setbacks.
📌 Further Reading:
Avas Support’s Position on These Changes
At Avas Support, we believe that autistic individuals deserve access to personalised, flexible, and appropriate support rather than a one-size-fits-all system.
Helping families navigate the NDIS process.
Monitoring foundational supports to assess their effectiveness.
Advocating for stronger policies to protect essential autism supports.
Providing guidance on alternative funding sources.
Offering tailored support programs to complement existing services.
Working to ensure equal access for all communities, including rural areas.
📩 Email us: [email protected]
📞 Call us: 1300 472 461
We will continue to provide updates and advocate for accessible, comprehensive autism support.
