Cost Blowouts Prompt Stricter Criteria for NDIS Autism Access

The federal government plans to raise the bar for children with autism to access the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) due to cost blowouts.  People with autism and developmental delays account for 45 percent of NDIS participants, costing taxpayers $42 billion (US$27.5 billion) this financial year and $90 billion by 2030. Research by the Australian National University’s Maathu Ranjan said it is “plausible” that diagnosis of autism is higher in Australia than in any other country because of financial incentives; the average autism participant receives about $34,000 per year on the scheme.  NDIS Minister Bill Shorten is reviewing the scheme and called for “clarity around entry” for people with autism....