NDIS Autism & functional capacity assessment in Melbourne

Autism and functional capacity assessment for NDIS 

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding for supports and services for Australians with a permanent and significant disability. For individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), accessing the NDIS requires a comprehensive report with formal diagnosis and a functional capacity assessment that clearly indicates functional impairments.

The Behavioural Neurotherapy Clinic (BNC) can carry out comprehensive diagnostic assessments that also include a functional capacity assssment  in a written report as required to support an NDIS access request.

Important: ADHD alone is not currently listed as an NDIS-eligible primary disability in most cases. However, autism (ASD) is a common NDIS-eligible condition, and many individuals have both ADHD and ASD. Contact BNC to discuss your specific situation.  For funding, NDIS focuses on functional capacity, not just diagnosis.

What Is an NDIS Access Report?

To apply for NDIS funding, you need to demonstrate a permanent and significant disability. For autism, this requires a formal diagnostic report that must:

  • Confirm a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by a clinical psychologist, paediatrician or psychiatrist
  • Be based on a comprehensive, multi-source assessment using recognised diagnostic tools (e.g., ADOS-2, ADI-R, CARS-2)
  • Document how the disability affects daily functional capacity across multiple areas of life 
  • Confirm that the disability is permanent and significant
  • Meet the NDIS's evidence requirements for access

How the NDIS Access Process Works

1

Contact BNC for an ASD assessment

Phone BNC to discuss your situation; this is the first step. A GP or paediatrician referral is not necessary.

2

Comprehensive ASD diagnostic assessment

BNC conducts a thorough autism assessment using clinical interviews for developmental history, standardised observations and validated diagnostic tools. For children, parent and teacher input is usually required. For adults colateral information is required.

3

Diagnostic report preparation

If ASD is confirmed, a BNC psychologist prepares a comprehensive written diagnostic report suitable for NDIS access request submission, documenting diagnosis, assessment tools used, and results of functional capacity assessment.

4

NDIS access request

A psychologist will discuss the report with you and help you complete the access form. You can then submit the NDIS access request form (with the psychology and and any other relevant reports you may have) by email to the NDIS website, or in person at an NDIS office. 

5

NDIS planning meeting

If your access request is approved, an NDIS planner contacts you to develop your first NDIS plan, outlining the supports and funding available to you.

ASD Assessment Tools Used at BNC

For ASD diagnosis (these vary depending on child or adult) 

  • Clinical interview/s to gather family demographics, developmental history and functional issues
  • ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition); a standardised observational assessment and/or
  • CARS-2 (Childhood Autism Rating Scale, 2nd Edition); dimensional rating of autism severity
  • ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised); a structured parent interview
  • adaptive behaviour screening (Vineland, PEDI-CAT, WHODAS etc as required)
  • Online screening Questionnaires for other disorders such as ADHD, anxiety, depression
  • Cognitive assessments if indicated 

For functional capacity assessment 

  • Parent, school and care-giver reports
  • PEDI-CAT
  • Vineland 
  • WHODAS

Note: The NDIS has specific requirements for the evidence it accepts. Not all diagnostic reports automatically meet NDIS standards. Contact BNC to discuss whether your existing documentation is likely to be sufficient.

Is ADHD eligible for NDIS funding? +
ADHD alone is not typically listed as a primary NDIS-eligible disability. However, ASD is an eligible condition, and many individuals have both ADHD and ASD. If you have ASD (with or without ADHD), you may be eligible. Contact BNC to discuss your individual situation.
Who can write an NDIS report for autism? +
An NDIS diagnostic report for autism must be written by a registered psychologist or psychiatrist with appropriate expertise in ASD assessment. BNC's psychologists are qualified to prepare these reports.
How long does an ASD assessment for NDIS take at BNC? +
A comprehensive ASD assessment typically involves 3–4 sessions across 3–6 weeks, plus report preparation time. Contact BNC for current scheduling information.

Need an autism assessment for NDIS ?

Contact BNC to discuss your situation. We provide comprehensive ASD assessments and NDIS-suitable diagnostic reports for children and adults.

📞 (03) 9848 9100 

Page information: Prepared by clinical staff at the Behavioural Neurotherapy Clinic, Doncaster Melbourne. NDIS information is general and subject to change, always verify current requirements with the NDIS (1800 800 110 or ndis.gov.au). 

Updated on:  11/05/2026 by Dr Jacques Duff - BA Psych; Grad Dip Applied Psychology PhD
Reviewed on: 11/05/2026 by: Bernard Ferriere- Clinical Psychologist; BA; Grad Dip Applied Psychology; Dip Clinical Hypnosis; MAPS