This is the (long and complicated) process that we did. It’s taken a while to write all of it down in detail as it was quite overwhelming.
NDIS funding isn’t required for early intervention funding.
Here are the list of things we did to access early intervention
Go to GP and get referral letter for autism assessment.
GP letter will be used for 2 processes:
1. Attach to benevolent society application
2. Call to get an appointment with a Paediatrician specialising in autism assessments
Benevolent society:
Early childhood assessment officer will
Understanding the criteria for early intervention (not about a diagnosis but getting supports)
https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/home/becoming-participant/applying-ndis/what-about-children-younger-6-developmental-delay
List the behaviours and concerns you notice, and categorise into the 4 areas.
Book a hearing test at child health centre to confirm their hearing is okay if they haven’t had one since born.
https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/service-child-health/
Ask Daycare to send a letter outlining observations:
Is she/he playing with other children?
Does he have trouble focusing during group play?
Requires support:
- [ ] Self-care - eating, drinking, toileting, bathing, brushing teeth
- [ ] Speech - expressive language & receptive language of giving & receiving info, communicating needs
- [ ] Social - understanding, attention, learning new things, emotional and sensory regulation, social awareness and safety awareness
- [ ] Gross Motor development - eg moving around or and trips when walking all the time
- [ ] Fine motor development - eg putting buttons on, holding spoon
Go to GP to ask for referral to paediatrician noting the behaviours and concerns listed above.
Then use GP letter, and book (will be next year to get in).
At the same time, use GP referral letter to go on benevolent society website and make an application for early support
https://www.benevolent.org.au/funding-options/ndis-early-childhood-approach-eca
Hopefully that will get an assessment in a few months. On the same day as assessment, if substantial support is required, an NDIS application for early support is made at the same time including some specific goals.
All of the benevolent society assessments etc, hearing tests, child health assessments can be given to the paediatrician, so that the paediatrician doesn’t start from scratch (and will save time and money).
Other than the paediatrician, the assessments are free.