In my job I often help families access funding schemes for their children with autism (I work for an NGO not listed in the below info so there is no conflict of interest). I thought it may be useful to share the information and where to find out more:
Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan
Up to 5 sessions in total per person per year
EPC must be prepared by their GP
GP refers to allied health professional
Medicare rebate of $48.95 per service
Allied health professional to report back to the GP
Eligible allied health professionals
Aboriginal Health Worker, Audiologist, Chiropractor, Diabetes Educator, Dietician, Exercise Physiologist, Mental Health Worker, Occupational Therapist, Osteopath, Physiotherapist, Podiatrist, Psychologist, Speech Pathologist
The GP Mental Health Care Plan
Plan created by GP
Up to 12 individual sessions, plus up to 12 group sessions in total, per person, per year.
An additional 6 sessions may be available in exceptional circumstances.
Services available include: psychologist, or an appropriately trained doctor, social worker or occupational therapist
Families and siblings can apply for intervention
Helping Children with Autism
Whats covered?
1) Paediatricians and Psychiatrists - diagnose and develop a treatment plan (children under 13 years) on referral from GP
2) Psychologists, speech pathologists and occupational therapists to provide up to four services in total per child per lifetime to collaborate with the psychiatrist or paediatrician on the assessment where required
3) 20 intervention sessions per child per lifetime. For children aged under 15 years, who were under 13 years at the time of receiving the PDD treatment and management plan.
Psychologists, speech pathologists and occupational therapists to provide treatment following diagnosis
Web:
www.health.gov.au
Phone:
1800 289 177
Or
discuss with an Autism Advisor
Helping Children with Autism Package (HCWA)
Through FaHCSIA
$12,000 per child (good idea to save some for transition to school)
Options include
Early Intervention funding
Parent Support Groups
Parent / Carer workshops
Playgroups
Resources
HCWA Early intervention funds
For children with ASD
includes other diagnosis such as Rhetts, PDDNOS.
If in doubt, talk to an Autism Advisor to see if the child meets criteria.
For children aged 0-7years
Child must have applied for funding before their 6th birthday
Total funding package of $12,000
Maximum of $6,000 can be spent in one financial year
Additional funds may be available for remote families and families who have more than one child with ASD
Can be used to purchase Early Intervention Services and some resources (up to 30% of funds)
How to contact an Autism Advisor
Web:
www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/progser...ngchildrenwithautism
Phone:
1300 978 611
(02) 8977 8345
13 14 50 (for language interpreter)
Email:
autsimadvisor@autismspectrum.org.au 
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