# Can my autistic child get NDIS funding?

> How NDIS eligibility works for autism, what the autism levels mean for access, and what's changing with Thriving Kids.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/ndis-autism-funding
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**Short answer:** Many autistic children can get NDIS funding, but it depends on support needs. Autism diagnosed at level 2 or 3 by a qualified clinician is on the NDIA's List A, which generally meets the disability requirements. At level 1, the NDIS usually needs more evidence about how autism affects daily life. From October 2026, many younger children with lower needs will get support through Thriving Kids instead.

**Key takeaways**
- **Level 2 or 3 autism** is on the NDIA's **List A**, which generally meets the disability requirements.
- **Level 1** usually needs **more evidence** of how autism affects daily life.
- Younger children with **lower needs** will increasingly use **Thriving Kids**.
- Strong **evidence from clinicians** makes a big difference.

## How does NDIS eligibility work for autism?

The NDIS funds reasonable and necessary supports for people with permanent and significant disability, or children who need early intervention.[1] The NDIA uses lists to guide access decisions:

- **List A** conditions are likely to meet the disability requirements.
- **List B** conditions usually need more evidence about functional impact.[2]

Autism diagnosed by a qualified clinician at **level 2** ("requiring substantial support") or **level 3** ("requiring very substantial support") is on List A. Autism at **level 1** isn't, so the NDIS generally wants evidence about how it affects daily life. See [What are the levels of autism?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/levels-of-autism)

## What evidence do I need?

The NDIS asks for disability evidence from treating professionals, such as a paediatrician, psychologist, occupational therapist or speech pathologist.[3] Helpful evidence usually covers:

- The diagnosis, who made it, and the level
- How your child manages communication, social interaction, learning, self-care and self-management
- What supports have been tried and what helped

**Describe a real day.** Reports that describe specific daily examples, like how long getting dressed takes and what help is needed, are more
  useful than general statements.

## What's changing with Thriving Kids?

From **1 October 2026**, children 8 and under with developmental delay or autism and **low to moderate** support needs can get support through Thriving Kids, without needing a diagnosis. Governments have agreed in principle to change NDIS access for children from **1 January 2028**. Children with high support needs stay eligible for the NDIS.[4] See [What is Thriving Kids?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/thriving-kids)

**Under 9?.** Children younger than 9 are usually supported through the NDIS early childhood approach. See [What is the NDIS early
  childhood approach?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/ndis-early-childhood-approach)

**Get help if....** your application is refused or you disagree with a decision. You can ask for an internal review, and advocacy
  organisations can help you prepare.

Free printable: [Free printable: appointment notes](https://theautismkit.com/printables/appointment-notes.pdf)

## What can I do this week?

- [ ] Check your child's diagnosis report for the level
- [ ] Ask your child's clinicians for reports that describe daily life
- [ ] Read the NDIS eligibility checklist

Read next: [How do I apply to the NDIS for my autistic child?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/ndis-application-autism)

## Common questions

### Does level 1 autism qualify for the NDIS?

It can, but not automatically. You'll usually need evidence showing how autism substantially affects daily life, such as reports from your child's clinicians.

### Who can diagnose autism for NDIS purposes?

The NDIS looks for a diagnosis by a specialist multidisciplinary team, paediatrician, psychiatrist or clinical psychologist experienced in assessing autism.

### How does Thriving Kids change NDIS access?

From 1 October 2026, children 8 and under with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs can use Thriving Kids. Governments have agreed in principle to change NDIS access for children from 1 January 2028.

## Sources

1. NDIS: How to check your eligibility. https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying/eligibility-requirements/how-check-your-eligibility
2. NDIS: NDIS and access requirements for autism (List A and List B). https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/528-ndis-and-access-requirements-autism
3. NDIS: What are examples of disability evidence. https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying/gathering-evidence/what-are-examples-disability-evidence
4. NDIS: Thriving Kids (5 February 2026). https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/11085-thriving-kids

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.