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

Submission 2167

Dear Government,

I write with serious concerns about upcoming NDIS amendments.

I am a mother of a 14yo child whose primary disability is autism level 3 who currently access the scheme so I feel I have first hand experience as to the benifits and downfalls of the scheme and feel concerned about children with autism being targeted in the amendments.

Autism is a disability. It may be invisible in some cases but it’s very real. Here are some expected life challenges for someone with autism level 3

Level 3 autism (requiring substantial support) generally involves lifelong, stable, or slightly improving symptoms, with ~50–60% of autistic adults facing poor to fair long-term outcomes. Major challenges include high rates of co-occurring mental health conditions (50–70%), low employment, and limited independent living, although functional abilities can improve with support. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Key Life Outcome Statistics for Moderate/Significant Support Needs

• Outcome Ratings: Studies indicate roughly 49% of autistic adults have a “poor” overall outcome (defined by adaptive behavior), 27% “fair,” and only 20% “good”.

• Residential & Daily Living: Up to 38% may live in the family home long-term, while 49% may live in community-based group homes.

• Employment: The unemployment rate for autistic individuals is almost eight times higher than for people without disabilities.

• Co-occurring Conditions: 50–70% of autistic people experience comorbid mental health conditions.

• Communication & Support: About 58% of autistic individuals with significant needs have severe or profound communication restrictions requiring substantial support. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Symptom Stability and Prognosis

• Trajectory: Research suggests that about 80% of children with ASD have symptom trajectories that remain stable, rather than worsening or dramatically improving by adulthood.

• Improvement: While Level 3 is not curable, it is not “high-functioning.” However, with targeted supports, many individuals show improvements in adaptive skills (self-care, daily living), even if social and communication impairments persist.

• Mortality: Autistic individuals have a higher mortality rate and a lower life expectancy (roughly 16–18 years less on average) compared to the general population, due in part to higher rates of health issues. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 8

I feel targeting autism is discrimination and will lead to catastrophic outcomes for affected family’s.

Personally without NDIS support both my sons and my (I am his sole full time carer) mental health will plummet which could have catastrophic results. My child would likely take their own life.

Reform does need to happen but discrimination is not the correct path. Personally I would move NDIS and aged care out of private sector and service under an expanded public health service. Where staff are employed on wages so there would be no incentive for overservicing and fraud.

Constantly increasing hourly rates for suppliers has contributed to the increased NDIS costs. As has the constant requests for reassessments when these reports are rarely even read by those making the plans. I support action against fraud and misuse of funds. I support clearrules. But I do not support reforms that make disabled people carry the burden of cost savings.

Thank you for considering my submission. Kind regards