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Brand new to accessing NDIS

QldMamaNew Contributor30 Oct 2024, 2:18 pm AEDT

Brand new to accessing NDIS

Hello we’re brand new.

I’m the mother of five kids. Our second child is experiencing a very hard time. He was always different. I thought because many 2 nd borns exhibit a lot of difficulty in behaviour and the fact I ended up with three young kids in a row in the past four years. That this was hugely contributing to success in his life. Turns out it’s because he had both adhd and autism. Our struggles are very deep. And being home with four full time plus one highschooler is hard, we’ve had many family contributors too. And moved after major flooding and damage four times in 8 months. After moving to qld during covid.

anyway. I am low income, and very low in coping! Hod is continuing to get us by. We finally after waiting 22 months in the public system for one public pead appointment got a diagnosis. Audhd. We have a next appointment this week but have zero gp. And zero relationship with the emotionless paed doctors at hosp. For our 11 year old. I asked for mental health and assessment in 2019 but because of covid, two complex pregnancies and losing my job and moving 7 times because of border closures and a remote school and now not able to attend school… we have no evidence for ndis.

no people on our team. And although I know all the areas my son minute by minute struggles and needs constant caring for in, I don’t know how to relate this to our ndis person we meet with in a fortnight. Has said we don’t qualify just by having a diagnosis level 2. The people assessing him have spent about 30mins with him. And the ndis lady hasn’t met him or spoken to me. It’s just a hi, we can meet with you but there is no evidence of needing services because you don’t have any… which is really frustrating obviously- if I had any money- or any ability to go out safely in public, I’d already have him in extensive therapy. But we don’t. I have hit this wall. Where I don’t know what’s next? Do we just homeschool- try our best to keep him sane and safe. Or is there free help to get us started?

2 replies

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In response to: Brand new to accessing NDIS

Ru-beeModerator30 Oct 2024, 2:49 pm AEDT

Re: Brand new to accessing NDIS

Hello @QldMama and welcome to the forums

Thank you for sharing your experiences here. I can hear how difficult this journey has been for you and your family, and how confusing it continues to be as you apply for NDIS, particularly having to navigate this with practitioners who are not familiar with you or your son, and sound like their likely quite overworked and unable to give you the time and care that you need in this situation.

I'm reading that you're looking for more free resources and information that can help to support both you and your family, so I wanted to share some that I am aware of:

Firstly, Kids Helpline offers support not only for young people, but for parents too. They can be a good supportline when you're not able to access more traditional forms of counselling, and they can also be a great well of knowledge for additional resources and supports too.

Autism Connect is a sort of directory service which can provide information on supports available, as well as how to access these. They may be able to provide some help and guidance with your ongoing NDIS application.

This website has also compiled some information on the different funding that those with an autism diagnosis may be eligible for.

Lastly, Aspect Australia offers support services and counselling, however I am unsure of their fees. It may be worth contacting them to learn if your son may be eligible for their services.

I hope that these may be helpful for you, I'm sure that other members may be able to add to this information too.

In response to: Brand new to accessing NDIS

8ppleTreeSenior Contributor31 Oct 2024, 10:25 am AEDT

Re: Brand new to accessing NDIS

Hi @QldMama

Wading through the health system can be frustrating, especially when most people are just expected to have one doctor, one stable house, etc. The link below is to an advocacy service who may be able to assist you.

https://adaaustralia.com.au/disability-advocacy/

help eligible clients address issues such as:

problems with providers, supports or government agencies
unfair treatment or disability discrimination
difficulties accessing support services
NDIS access, planning, service delivery, and reviews

It can also be helpful to look for specific support groups on FB who may be able to help, such as grassroots NDIS pages, children's autism support, etc.

You mentioned that you were low in coping yourself, and it's no wonder, it sounds like you have all been through so much the last few years! Do you have any supports for yourself?

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