The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) accidentally published changes that would have denied direct access to children with level two autism, sparking outrage among advocacy groups. The altered guidelines, posted on the NDIS website, removed eligibility for all but the most severe cases of autism.
Autism advocates raised the issue with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and the shadow social services minister. The NDIA later confirmed the changes were a mistake and reverted to the old criteria. However, reports suggest the agency had been working on a strategy to reduce the number of autistic participants to cut costs.
Bob Buckley, convenor of Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia, described the reaction as outrage. He stated that excluding level two autism, which requires substantial support, was unacceptable. The NDIA apologised for the confusion but denied any planned changes to access requirements.
Social Services Minister Dan Tehan said the NDIA had not altered access rules for level two autism and that eligible individuals would receive necessary supports. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about NDIS implementation, with over half of early intervention participants being autistic children.
