Autism, ADHD, anxiety, hypermobility, bowel issues, and NDIS supports (Family or carer experience) | External submission

Submission 2799

Name:

I am a: ☑ Family member / supporter

My position on this Bill: ☑ I have serious concerns

My main concern about this Bill is:

I am concerned that changes to the NDIS may make it harder for children with lifelong disabilities,

including autism, ADHD, anxiety and complex support needs, to access and keep the supports

they need. My daughter will not “grow out” of her disability. Her needs may change over

time, but she  will always require support to participate in everyday  life. The NDIS has been

essential in helping her access therapies, build skills, and remain connected to her community.

This Bill may affect me / people I support because:

I am the primary carer of a child with significant and permanent disability.
As a newly diagnosed disabled parent myself, the cognitive and physical load of navigating a complex system and fighting for my daughter’s needs puts our entire family at a much higher

risk of burnout.

My daughter requires ongoing support from psychologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and support workers.
Without these supports, her anxiety, burnout, social isolation and daily functioning would significantly worsen.
Caring responsibilities already have a major impact on my own health, wellbeing, employment opportunities and financial security.
Increased barriers, reassessments or uncertainty create additional stress for families who are already carrying a significant caregiving load.

One example from my experience:

My daughter has an internalised PDA profile, autism, ADHD, chronic anxiety, hypermobility and

significant bowel issues. She is currently unable to participate in many activities that other children

her age take for granted. NDIS-funded supports help her leave the house, develop skills, build

Submission 2799

confidence, regulate her emotions and maintain her wellbeing. Without these supports, she would

become increasingly isolated and our family would be at risk of crisis.

What I want the committee to understand is:

Disability does not disappear because funding becomes harder to access. When supports are

reduced, the needs do not disappear—they are shifted onto families, carers, schools, hospitals and

already overwhelmed health systems. Early intervention and ongoing support reduce long-term

costs and improve quality of life for both participants and their families.

Because (Rationale for my position):

I am concerned the proposed changes may reduce certainty, flexibility and access to essential

supports for people with permanent disabilities. Any reforms must protect the rights, wellbeing and

future of people with disability and recognise the significant contribution and burden carried by

unpaid family carers.