Families Struggle as NDIS Reduces Support for Autism Care
Chloe Thompson’s daughter, Delilah, made remarkable progress after joining a specialized early intervention program for children with autism. In just a few months, Delilah, who has level three autism, transformed from being non-verbal to using a vocabulary of over 100 words.
However, due to National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding cuts, Chloe’s requests for continued support were denied, forcing Delilah to leave the program.
Many families are facing similar challenges. AEIOU, a service for autistic children, reports that NDIS funding has been slashed by up to 60% for many families, leaving them unable to afford specialized care.
Clinical manager Joanne Stephen notes that half of their families are affected, leading to emotional distress and even thoughts of relinquishing care to the state.
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) denies any systematic cuts, claiming funding is based on individual needs. However, Autism Queensland emphasizes that specialized early support is crucial and calls for greater transparency in decision-making.
Families are left battling for necessary support, with many feeling overwhelmed by the lack of adequate funding and the constant fight for resources.
Source ABC