NDIS reform impact
NDIS changes and Autism (ASD)
Autism is the single largest diagnostic group on the NDIS — around 30% of participants. Most autistic people with significant support needs are unlikely to lose access, but the shift to functional capacity assessments changes how eligibility is assessed, and some participants with lower-intensity plans may face closer scrutiny.
What this means for your situation
The April 2026 reforms move eligibility away from diagnosis and toward demonstrated functional impact. For autistic participants whose plans are primarily social and community participation supports, the new assessment framework will look harder at whether those needs can be met by mainstream services or the new foundational support tier. Participants with complex communication needs, high-intensity daily supports, or significant co-occurring conditions are less likely to be affected.
What determines your risk
- — Support intensity matters more than diagnosis level — high-support autistic participants are lower risk
- — Plans focused on social/community participation are under more scrutiny
- — Children on early intervention pathways are affected by Thriving Kids reforms
- — New functional capacity assessments replace diagnosis-led decisions from 2028
Support lines under scrutiny
- → Social and community participation (higher scrutiny)
- → Early childhood early intervention (Thriving Kids transition)
- → Capacity building — social skills programs
What to do now
Get a personalised read in 5 minutes.
The check tool asks 8 questions about your specific plan, support types, and situation — not just your diagnosis. You'll get a clear risk assessment plus a printable roadmap.
Start the check →Frequently asked
Will autistic people lose NDIS funding because of the 2026 changes?
Not automatically, and not in 2026. Current plans continue unchanged. From 2028, eligibility will be reassessed using functional capacity assessments at plan renewal. The risk is higher for participants whose plans focus on lower-intensity social supports — not for those with significant daily support needs.
Does the autism diagnosis still count for NDIS eligibility?
Diagnosis alone will no longer be sufficient — the new framework requires evidence of functional impairment. For most autistic people with significant support needs, that evidence will be clear. The change matters most for people whose diagnosis is mild and whose current plan relies heavily on social participation funding.
What happens to my autistic child's NDIS funding?
Children currently on ECEI (Early Childhood Early Intervention) pathways will be affected by the Thriving Kids reforms. The government plans to shift some children to state-run programs rather than NDIS. Speak to your early intervention provider now about what this means for your child's specific pathway.
What is a functional capacity assessment?
It's a new standardised assessment that measures how your disability affects your ability to carry out everyday tasks — things like communication, mobility, self-care, and social participation. The tool is expected to be ready by 2028. Until then, existing eligibility rules apply.
What's happening in your state
Other conditions
Information current as of 2026-05-07. Rules are subject to change as legislation is finalised. This page is general information, not legal or clinical advice. For advice on your specific situation, talk to your plan manager, support coordinator, or a free disability advocate. Full disclaimer