Thousands of babies and young children showing early signs of autism could be diverted into early intervention programs each year under changes being considered by the Albanese government to reduce the burden on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the Sydney Morning Herald reports.
Autism diagnoses are surging, with 11 per cent of boys aged 5 to 7 and 5 per cent of girls in the same age bracket now on the NDIS: a jump of almost one percentage point in just three months. At 54 per cent, autism is the most common disability for NDIS participants under 18 years old.
Results from a trial of treatments for infants showing early behavioural signs of autism in 2021 showed early intervention could reduce early developmental disability so dramatically that a childhood clinical autism diagnosis was two-thirds less likely.
This year, three separate pilot programs involving up to 2200 children will assess the impact of early intervention on very young children.
NDIS Minister Bill Shorten said if the pilots replicated earlier successes, they could provide “a new and exciting way” to support future generations.
Melbourne woman Sarah Hockey, who supports family members and clients with autism, said accessing appropriate support for one of her family members through the NDIS had taken 18 months.
Separately, an independent review into the design, operation and sustainability of the scheme is expected to consider whether children diagnosed with level 2 autism – classified as requiring “substantial support” – should be required to demonstrate their level of incapacitation before qualifying for support under the NDIS.
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The autism trials that could divert thousands of children away from the NDIS (Sydney Morning Herald)
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