The rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has transformed the Australian funding landscape for individuals with disability and their families. This study examined whether the profiles of autistic children and their families accessing an early intervention (EI) setting have changed following its introduction.

Results

Children presented with similar baseline cognition, functional abilities and autism behaviours at intake into EI irrespective of funding type. While parental QoL was similar across groups, parents funded by the NDIS reported significantly higher stress and depression levels.

Conclusions

The current findings suggest that modifications to the NDIS framework may be necessary to extend benefits beyond the individual living with disability to foster the health and wellbeing of their primary carers.