Autism Advisory Group Meeting August 2025

The Autism Advisory Group met on 7 August 2025 for the fourth meeting of the year. The meeting was held online.

Focus of the meeting

The focus of the August meeting was:

  • Access to the NDIS
  • AAG feedback on impairment information letters
  • Early Intervention Pathway for Children under 9
  • Member reports.

Access process

The NDIA shared an overview of the guidance and process used by delegates in making access decisions.

  • The operational guideline sets out how NDIA staff make decisions about access to the NDIS, using the eligibility criteria in the NDIS Act.
  • The NDIS Act changed in October 2024, and access delegates can now consider if someone meets both the disability and early intervention requirements.
  • Since January 2025, the NDIA has been providing information about the impairments a participant meets access for. This information is part of the access outcome letter.
  • The NDIA acknowledged feedback that the terminology of ‘notice of impairment’ as set out in the NDIS Act does not resonate as being empowering or strengths based. Co-design groups are considering different terminology resulting from this significant feedback.

Feedback on impairment information letters

The NDIA sought feedback from members on the new letter in development for existing participants.  

NDIS Pathway for Children under 9

The NDIA shared a presentation and sought feedback and insights on design concepts for a new pathway for children under 9. 

The NDIA shared an update on co-design and consultation work that has been completed since the previous discussion with AAG at the April meeting:

  • The primary focus has been gaining insights from parents and carers of young children in the NDIS. The NDIA is working with a group of 20 parents and carers to help design the new pathway.
  • Work has also been continuing with the Children’s Expert Advisory Group. 

Members provided the following feedback: 

  • The importance of pilots and early testing in the right locations, including rural and remote areas.
  • Suggested a resolution process to enable the best possible outcomes for the children’s pathway and Navigators.

Autism Advisory Group next meeting

The Autism Advisory Group’s next meeting is on 8 October 2025.