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

Submission 196

My name is and I am 27 years old. I am autistic and I live with anxiety and rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD). Everyday life can already feel overwhelming and unpredictable for me, and the small amount of support I currently receive through the NDIS helps me manage things that many people take for granted. At the moment I only receive approximately 4.5 hours of support per week. I also attend a support group once every two weeks which is subsidised because I do not receive enough funding to fully cover it myself. Even though it may not sound like a lot to other people, these supports make a huge difference in my life. The support group helps me feel connected to other people and part of the community. It gives me routine, social interaction and a safe environment where I do not feel judged or misunderstood. Without supports like this, my world becomes very isolated very quickly. Autism is not something that disappears because funding changes or because governments want to reduce costs. Anxiety does not disappear either. Removing support does not suddenly make people independent. It can actually make things much worse. I worry that people making decisions about the NDIS do not understand how important smaller supports are for people like me. Sometimes the smallest support can prevent a much bigger crisis later. I already try very hard to cope with daily life. Changes, certainty and losing support create enormous stress for me. Knowing my funding may be reduced makes me feel frightened about my future and about losing the few supports that help me participate in life outside my home. I also worry about the impact on my family. My mum already does a giant amount to support me every day If supports are reduced further even more pressure will fall onto families carers. I understand the government wants the NDIS to be sustainable but sustainability should not come at cost vulnerable people losing supports they need stay connected mentally well included society People disabilities deserve more than just surviving We deserve chance take part live feel safe have connections maintain wellbeing ask Committee consider real human impact these changes would have people like me Thank you reading submission.