National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026

Submission 1832

Dear Committee Secretary

Another submission against the NDIS fund reduction.

I am the parent of an autistic child, level 1 according to the system tests (which are very limited in design). I am exhausted, work limited hours to balance appointments and because after school care is not a possibility for my child. NDIS already requires a great deal as ‘parental responsibility’. Unless you have my experience you cannot compare what it is like. Trust me, I would not go through the confusing and emotionally draining NDIS process if there was an alternative.

The alternative must be up and running, clear and providing equal or greater support before any cuts occur.

I have watched how government works and I’m sure you think you have the relevant information to make this decision, but questions are either being avoided or the answers are not understood. Where wriggle words are used and when justification is laboured or unclear the alternative is not sorted.

Removing support based on a ‘level’ that uses unequal tests is inappropriate, before you can remove support you need to ensure tests are equal. Problem with tests:

• Historical Baseline: Early autism research focused heavily on white, male children. Consequently, autism’s “classic” definition is tailored to male-typical traits, such as intense, overt fixations on objects or rigid systems.

• Masking and Camouflaging: Autistic females and children of color often develop sophisticated coping mechanisms to hide or mimic social difficulties to blend in. This “camoufl aging” frequently leads to social exhaustion rather than an immediate diagnosis. This also means that what a teacher sees can be very different to a trusted parent.

• Different Symptom Presentation: Autistic females often present differently, showing intense social interests rather than social withdrawal, and their special interests might appear more socially acceptable (e.g., animals, literature) compared to typical male fixations.

National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026

Submission 1832

• Intersection of Race and Gender: racism, cultural differences in reporting behaviors, and unequal access to healthcare resources frequently delay or prevent thorough diagnostic evaluations for marginalized groups.

Finally, when costs are high, the focus instead needs to be on:

1. Compliance to stop overcharging and fraud - one great way to name and shame providers so they can be avoided. I looked and can’t find this information clearly.

2. Consider the costs that this action will cause in the future. Unsupported high functioning autistic individuals have increased risk of self harm and suicide. What is the cost of that on people, families, health departments and the economy in the long run? It reaches further, is more drastic and makes Australia a worse place to live. Your job is to represent Australians for your tenure and for future generations.

Every decision you are making is important and affects many, so they can start to blur, but this one is so important and it is Australian children and families and societies that will pay the price. Before you decide, please sincerely consider if this is truely, in its current form with the information you hold, 100% what you think is best for Australians?

I know it’s a hard no from me.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. And if you have been tasked with the summary of this for notes, please include my full question.