ASD: 3 ways the NDIS and Bauerfeind can improve quality of life

Autism Spectrum Disorder (commonly known as ASD) refers to a disorder that impacts the nervous system. Ranging widely in symptoms and severity, some of the more common symptoms are repetitive patterns of behaviour, difficulty with social communication and interaction and impaired language development. With Bauerfeind recently becoming a registered NDIS provider, we wanted to take a look at a few ways we can help to improve the quality of life for those with ADS. 

Autism Spectrum Disorder

As of December 2018, there were 205,500 Australians with ASD, with around 66,000 of those people using the NDIS at that time.

While people with ASD often struggle to form social connections and interact in certain parts of society, there is now more awareness of the wide-ranging symptoms of the condition, especially with the growing recognition of neurodiversity.

The NDIS has provided support for people who have ASD, and in fact, is the most commonly supported condition under the scheme.

Even though there is a wide range of issues that require support and assistance with ASD (which the NDIS provides support on a majority of). We are going to focus on three common ways to improve the quality of life for those with ASD - using NDIS and Bauerfeind.

Everyday support with services and devices

If you are at all affected by ADS, life doesn’t stop happening any more than the next person. And an injury, niggling pain or an unrelated condition can put you out of action.

Often, the difficulty is a lack of a supportive social network which means that when someone with ADS is affected by these circumstances, it can have a compounding effect on the rest of their life.

NDIS funding is designed to subsidise or fully cover the costs to purchase products which help to make life a little more comfortable. By speaking to your plan manager or an NDIS approved provider, you can get the best assistance available, without worrying about the cost.

Whether it’s a brace for joint pain relief. Compression socks for venous issues. Or insoles for foot discomfort. Products purchased through the NDIS and Bauerfeind mean you can focus on the things you love and enjoy life pain-free.

Early intervention and treatment

ADS support for NDIS falls under two branches depending on age. For children seven and under, and for anyone over seven years of age.

Children with ADS 7 and under:

Early intervention and therapy planning are one of the most effective ways to provide consistent and stable support to children with ADS. And to mitigate the severity of any possible secondary conditions, as well as help to build strong social skills.

Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) is a process that sets you up with an Early Childhood Partner to work alongside you and your child to access services and supports within your community that suit your child in their unique condition.

This is accessible through the NDIS, full details here: How ECEI works.

People with ADS over the age of 7:

Setting up with a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to organise an NDIS plan. This works by first having a meeting to look at the needs of the participant, and the ways in which the NDIS can assist with funding and resources.

A great resource to help can be found here: Autism Spectrum, how can we help.

Social access and empowerment

ADS has a wide range of symptoms that affect people in all sorts of ways. However, communication issues, as well as behavioural patterns and social stigma, often mean that it is more difficult for people with ADS to find a job they enjoy or transition to a new job.

In fact, 65% of people with ADS in Australia have reported such a challenge. Another large struggle is developing successful community relationships and forming these networks safely.

The NDIS provides support in this area in a number of ways, but the key focus is using resources to help you set goals, funding and assistance to pursue those goals (through various programs and organisations), and ongoing support to help both you and your employer. Speak to your plan manager for more details.

Bauerfeind are proud to be registered NDIS providers. Find out more: Bauerfiend NDIS. 

If you would like assistance selecting the right product for your needs, book a video consultation with a Bauerfeind expert: Book Video Call, or call us on 1300 668 466

Bauerfeind products are developed at our innovation and manufacturing facility in Zeulenroda, Germany. Based on years of scientific research, our award-winning braces and support garments are highly recommended by medical professionals and athletes worldwide.