So you just got an ASD diagnosis, Part 3

I'm hoping to  make this a series of tips and information for parents of children with autism - however I'm sure a lot of the information would apply to children with other disabilities! Please feel free to post comments or share your tips, or ideas for further parts to the series. If your child has another disability and you're interested in writing a similar post or series please contact me!

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Part 3

Funding
If you're lucky enough to get an ASD diagnosis before your child is 7 years old you may be entitled to a significant amount of funding to assist with therapy, equipment etc.

We weren't lucky enough to get any of this funding so I don't know a lot about it but thanks to many people on the CASPAR facebook group, and the Essential Baby forum I have many links to share with you :)

There are also a few other kinds of funding that may be of use over time.

Helping Children with Autism Package
The Enhanced Primary Care Program (EPC) scheme is for children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder who need help in any of the allied health areas including speech pathology, psychology, and occupational therapy. Talk to your GP about putting together an Enhanced Primary Care program for your child. (From AAACT)

Information on the Dept. Health & Ageing website, including Fact Sheets
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/autism-children

Information on the FAHCSIA website
http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/our-responsibilities/disability-and-carers/program-services/for-people-with-disability/helping-children-with-autism

Better Access to Mental Health Care (Medicare Rebates)
The Better Access to Mental Health Care program provides up to 10 clinical psychology sessions per calendar year as part of a Mental Health Care Plan developed by a GP
http://www.autismunderstanding.com.au/index.php/fees-a-services/medicare-rebates

Chronic Disease Management Items (Medicare Rebates)
The Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Medicare items on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) enable GPs to plan and coordinate the health care of patients with chronic or terminal medical conditions, including patients with these conditions who require multidisciplinary, team-based care from a GP and at least two other health or care providers.
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/mbsprimarycare-chronicdiseasemanagement

Carer Allowance
A diagnosis of Autism or Asperger Syndrome means you are automatically entitled to Carer Allowance (just over $100 per fortnight, plus an annual payment of around $1K). a diagnosis of PDD-NOS will require you to prove the child's needs - your GP, paed or psych will need to complete the form with you.  Here is the list of recognised disabilities.  Carer Allowance is not means tested.

Carer Allowance is a supplementary payment for parents or carers who provide additional daily care to an adult or dependent child who has a disability or medical condition or is frail aged.
http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/carer-allowance

Carer Payment
Carer Payment provides financial support if you are unable to work in substantial paid employment because you are providing full-time daily care to someone with a severe disability or medical condition, or to someone who is frail aged.
http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/carer-payment

Carer Adjustment Payment
Carer Adjustment Payment is a one-off payment that helps families deal with the increased care needs of a 0 to 6-year-old child who has had a sudden and severe illness or accident.
http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/carer-adjustment-payment

ACT Government Grants
http://www.grants.act.gov.au/

Quality of Life Grants
Quality of Life Grants will be offered for small, person-centred initiatives that will make a real difference to the quality of life of people with a disability. Applications for grant funding are invited from people with disabilities aged under 65, and the families, carers and services who support them. Grants awarded are between $500 - $5000 - total of $100,000
http://www.dhcs.act.gov.au/home/grants#qol

Good Life Planning Grants
Good Life Planning Grants are for people who are not linked to government-funded service providers that provide assistance for the development and implementation of their good life plan.
http://www.dhcs.act.gov.au/home/grants#glp

ABA Therapy as a Tax Deduction
I can't say this is definite, but save your reciepts and check with your accountant :) some parents have been able to claim in recent years.
http://www.ato.gov.au/rba/content.aspx?doc=/rba/content/4119.htm

Conveyancing Allowance
I haven't been able to find anything about how this works in the ACT but it is mentioned on the ACTION website on their privacy page. If anyone finds out more let me know! this is the basics of what it's all about:

The allowance is available to eligible students attending government and non-government schools in all country and outer metropolitan areas. It applies to travel by public transport, private bus and private car. The Allowance is available to students aged between 5 and 21 who live more than 4.8km by the shortest practicable route from the nearest school and do not have access to the free school bus service.