Independent Assessments
Submission 23
Hi I’m a current NDIS participant with a diagnosis of Autism. I just wanted to briefly give my option on independent assessments.
First the positive: As someone who was diagnosed late at 27 and on a low income, I understand the financial barriers of first gaining a diagnosis (for which there are neither Medicare or NDIS rebates available) and the additional hurdle of gaining enough paperwork to provide as evidence for accessing NDIS. I think making independent assessments freely available to all is a good thing. However, I do think it should be an opt-in service (for those who can’t afford it or choose to do its etc).
Concerns: I don’t think a quick standardised assessment will be appropriate for all people, especially for those with complex needs (or fluctuating needs) that often get overlooked. I know this firsthand. I have been seeing an OT and psychologist for over 6 months now and they are both still trying to ’nut out’ my overall functioning. I have an unusual pattern of very high and low capabilities across my skills - for this reason my OT has not yet completed her assessment as she wants it to be as accurate as possible (and it has allowed me to be more myself as an ongoing relationship of trust has developed in that period). There are certain aspects in my case that could easily be overlooked in a brief assessment – as a university student my language skills are quite high so people often assume I am high functioning in other areas but I’m not - for example, I still need help to shower myself. People generally make assumptions that either over, or underestimate my abilities.
When I meet someone new who asked personal questions sometimes I find myself unable to speak– this is a particular issue as I don’t have family to advocate for me. I am not alone in this issue- other people with autism I know have the same issue which may make an assessment with a stranger inaccurate.
I think optional free independent assessments are a great idea, but it would not be wise to force everyone to complete one, especially for complex cases.
Thankyou,