National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment

Submission Details: Securing the NDIS for Future Generations Bill, Year 2026 - Submission Number 8

Author:

Dear Government,

Introduction: The author expresses serious concerns about upcoming amendments in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The letter highlights personal experience as a mother with two sons who have autism level III disabilities currently accessing services through this scheme.

The challenges associated with Level II Autism include lifelong or stable symptoms requiring substantial support; approximately half of autistic adults face poor long-term outcomes due primarily from co-occurring mental health conditions affecting nearly all individuals within such groups [1]. These issues also extend into employment opportunities where unemployment is eight times higher than among non-disabled peers while independent living remains limited despite improvements possible under adequate supports.[5]

Key Life Outcome Statistics For Moderate/Significant Support Needs:

• Outcome Ratings: Roughly forty-nine percent report having “poor” overall life quality defined via adaptive behavior compared to twenty-seven and twentieth respectively indicating fair/good status;
• Residential & Daily Living: Upwards thirty-eight may reside permanently at home whereas almost fifty live independently elsewhere;
• Employment Rates: Unemployment rates amongst those diagnosed are significantly elevated by around sevenfold relative normal populations without disability-related impairments;
• Co-Ocurrence Conditions: Approximately five out ten people affected suffer comorbidity between their primary condition alongside other psychiatric illnesses;
• Communication & Social Interaction Issues: Around sixty per cent exhibit severe communication difficulties necessitating extensive assistance for daily functioning[4, 3];

Symptom Stability And Prognosis:

Research indicates that eighty percent maintain symptom stability throughout adulthood rather than deteriorating or improving dramatically. While Level III autism cannot be cured it does not equate with high-functioning capabilities. With targeted interventions many individuals demonstrate enhancements in self-care abilities even when social skills remain impaired; mortality statistics reveal a shorter lifespan expectancy of approximately sixteen years less on average due largely from health complications [1].

*Conclusion: The author strongly opposes any discrimination against autistic children within the NDIS framework which they believe could result catastrophic consequences affecting families deeply involved such as themselves where mental well-being would drastically decline leading to possible suicide attempts among dependent members.[2] Reforms must occur but should focus towards eliminating fraud and mismanagement practices instead of burdening disabled beneficiaries further financially through cost-cutting measures. Thank you, Kind regards