Assessment for Autism

Most Autism Therapies fall under the Capacity Building support category in your NDIS plan, such as Allied Health services like Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and Psychology.

Funding for Behaviour Support is called 'Improved Relationships' and also falls under Capacity Building.

If you have a child aged up to nine years old and require the services of a Disability Key Worker, you may be eligible to access funding through the NDIS Early Childhood Approach. Key Worker services fall under the Capacity Building support category too. Click here to learn more about NDIS Key Workers.

Autism therapy covers a diverse range of therapies and interventions to assist participants and their families. These therapies are designed to address challenges faced by individuals with autism, while promoting functional independence and abilities.

Using various approaches such as behavioural, developmental, and social learning, autism therapies are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual and their support network. They can be implemented in settings such as the home, childcare facilities, schools, the community, or through group-based programs.

Therapy-based supports target specific skills or challenges. This might include Speech Pathology to enhance language and social skills; Occupational Therapy to improve daily life skills and physical abilities; Psychology for managing anxiety or depression; and Physiotherapy to address mobility challenges.

As well as Allied Health, other therapies can be used to help participants such as Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) to understand and improve behaviour outcomes in people with autism.

Key components of these therapies typically include:

Karista provides a free service connecting you with Autism therapy providers and other disability services based on your personal needs and goals. Complete the form to let us know your needs and our experienced Client Services team will connect you to NDIS providers with availability in your area.

Not always. Young children with developmental concerns may be able to access early supports through the NDIS early childhood approach without a formal diagnosis. From 1 October 2026, the new Thriving Kids program will also begin supporting children aged up to 8 with developmental delay or autism, and will expand gradually across Australia.

For older children and adults, a diagnosis and supporting reports are usually needed to access NDIS funding. You can also see many therapists privately, or through Medicare with a GP referral, without NDIS funding.

Yes, some Medicare rebates are available. Your GP may be able to create a management plan that provides rebates for a limited number of allied health sessions each year. Additional Medicare-rebated sessions may be available for eligible people under 25 when referred by a paediatrician or psychiatrist.

Rebates usually don't cover the full cost of a session, so ask providers about their fees and any out-of-pocket costs.

There is no single therapy that suits every autistic person. The right mix depends on individual strengths, needs and goals. For example, a child who finds communication difficult may benefit from speech therapy, while someone with sensory needs may benefit from occupational therapy.

Many people work with more than one therapist. Recommendations from an assessment report, your GP or paediatrician can help guide your choice, and Karista can connect you with providers who suit your needs.

How often therapy happens depends on your goals, needs and funding. Some people attend weekly sessions, while others have fortnightly sessions or blocks of therapy with breaks in between. Your therapist will work with you to create a plan and review progress regularly.

Yes. Many providers on Karista offer therapy in a range of settings, including clinics, the home, childcare, school and the community. Therapy in everyday settings can help skills carry over into daily life.

Some therapies can also be delivered via telehealth, which can be helpful for families in regional areas or with busy schedules. Ask providers which options they offer.