The NDIS list of disabilities can seem daunting with its many assessment criteria and eligibility rules. So, if you’re not sure if your condition makes you eligible for NDIS support, keep reading this article.

NDIS provides support to people with disabilities of all types. The scheme helps children under six who face developmental delays. It covers conditions like intellectual disability, autism (Level 2 and 3), and cerebral palsy. These conditions must be permanent and affect daily life by a lot to qualify for NDIS support.

This detailed guide explains the types of disabilities that NDIS covers. You’ll learn about eligibility criteria and support options available in 2025.

1. Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders make up much of the conditions that NDIS covers. These conditions usually show up during early development, even before children start school, and they can affect how a person functions throughout their life.

Types of neurodevelopmental disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders include several conditions that affect brain development and functioning. Clinical classification lists these conditions:

• Intellectual disability (diagnosed as moderate, severe, or profound)
• Autism spectrum disorder (especially Level 2 and 3 requiring substantial support)
• Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Communication and language disorders
• Specific learning disorder
• Motor disorders

These conditions create developmental deficits that affect personal, social, academic, and occupational functioning. Approximately 3.2% of Australian school-aged children are on the autism spectrum. Neurodevelopmental disorders represent more than half of all NDIS participants.

NDIS eligibility for neurodevelopmental conditions

Neurodevelopmental disorders must meet specific criteria to qualify for NDIS support.

A specialist must diagnose intellectual disability as moderate, severe, or profound according to current DSM criteria. A specialist multi-disciplinary team must diagnose autism as Level 2 (requiring substantial support) or Level 3 (requiring very substantial support).

Children under 6 with developmental delays can access support through NDIS early childhood approach without a specific diagnosis. An early childhood partner can guide parents of children aged 6-9 toward appropriate supports.

Some genetic conditions automatically qualify for NDIS support when they cause permanent intellectual and physical impairments. These include Angelman syndrome, Rett syndrome, and various leukodystrophies.

Support strategies and interventions

NDIS understands that each child with a neurodevelopmental disorder needs their own unique support plan. Evidence-based interventions fall into several categories.

Developmental interventions help children learn through interactions with caregivers. They target skills like starting interactions, imitation, and turn-taking. People often describe these interventions as ‘child-led’ and ‘naturalistic’.

Behavioural interventions, technology-based interventions, and cognitive behaviour therapy have shown positive effects on children and families.

Studies show that parents who get involved help their children achieve better results than clinical practitioners working alone. NDIS early childhood approach puts families at the centre. Parents, carers, and family members play vital roles in supporting their child’s development.

2. Genetic Syndromes (e.g. Angelman, Rett, Fragile X)

Many permanent disabilities covered under the NDIS stem from genetic syndromes. DNA changes, whether inherited or spontaneous, can lead to physical and intellectual challenges that need lifelong care.

Overview of common genetic syndromes

The NDIS supports people with various genetic conditions that cause permanent disability. These conditions fall into several groups:

• Severe intellectual and physical impairment syndromes: Angelman syndrome, Rett syndrome, Cornelia de Lange syndrome, Cri du Chat syndrome, and Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18)
• Chromosomal disorders: Down syndrome/Trisomy 21, Fragile X syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Turner syndrome, and Williams syndrome
• Other genetic disorders: Coffin-Lowry syndrome in males, Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, and Leigh syndrome

Males show Fragile X syndrome at a rate of 1 in 4,000, while females show it at 1 in 8,000. Rett syndrome mainly appears in females and ranks as the second leading cause of severe intellectual disability after Down syndrome.

NDIS eligibility for genetic conditions

The NDIS splits genetic conditions into two main lists:

List A has conditions that qualify automatically for support. These include Angelman syndrome, Rett syndrome, and Coffin-Lowry syndrome in males. People with these conditions always face severe intellectual and physical challenges.

List B contains conditions that likely cause permanent impairment but need more assessment. Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome fall into this category. 

Children under seven can get early intervention support with less assessment. The NDIS takes a family-centred approach with young children.

Functional impact and care needs

Genetic syndromes create various challenges in daily life. Rett syndrome shows how complex these conditions can be. A child develops normally for 7-18 months before losing hand control and communication skills. People with Fragile X syndrome need help with movement, communication and managing emotions.

People living with these conditions need specialised care. This ranges from speech therapy to physical therapy and behavioural support. They often need help with daily tasks, getting around and using communication tools.

The NDIS helps by funding essential services. These cover therapy, personal care, community access, learning new skills, transport and behavioural support.

3. Motor Neuron Disease (MND)

Motor Neuron Disease (MND) ranks among the fastest progressing conditions on the NDIS list of disabilities. People with MND need specialised support and quick intervention because of its unique challenges.

What is MND?

MND is a debilitating neurodegenerative condition that attacks nerve cells (neurons) responsible for voluntary muscle movement. The disease usually starts with muscle weakness in hands, feet, or voice. It can show up in different body parts with varying patterns and progression rates. Common symptoms include:

• • Weakness or fatigue in the limbs
  • Muscle twitching and cramping
  • Slurred speech and swallowing difficultie
  • Shortness of breath

• Eventual generalised paralysis

Most people develop MND in their 60s or 70s, though it can start at any age. Life expectancy after diagnosis typically ranges from one to five years. Only 10% of patients live beyond ten years.

NDIS eligibility for MND

MND belongs to the NDIS List A category of eligibility. This means a confirmed diagnosis makes you highly likely to qualify for support. The Australian government understands MND’s unique challenges. Minister for the NDIS Bill Shorten announced that MND will get a specialist pathway within the NDIS from 1 July 2024.

This specialist pathway will accelerate original plan approvals and revisions. People with MND can’t wait long because their condition progresses faster. Some people waited four months or longer for NDIS plan approvals before. Their condition got by a lot worse during this waiting period.

Progression and support services

People need more care and support to stay independent and maintain quality of life as MND progresses. The NDIS funds several critical services:

• Medications to manage symptoms
• Physiotherapy to maintain function
• Speech therapy for communication challenges
• Occupational therapy for daily activities
• Assistive technologies and equipment
• Home modifications for accessibility
• Personal care support

The NDIS aims to keep functionality and independence through targeted therapy programmes. Research shows that professional physiotherapists’ supervised intervention helped slow down MND’s progression.

The NDIS system sometimes cuts funding, delays equipment delivery, or provides support too late. Notwithstanding that, MND Associations across Australia are a great way to get information and support when dealing with the NDIS.

4. Parkinson’s Diseas

Parkinson’s disease creates many challenges for people who live with it. The disease affects motor function and makes daily life harder as time goes on. Unlike sudden illnesses, Parkinson’s gets worse slowly, so support services need constant adjustment.

Symptoms and stages of Parkinson’s

People with Parkinson’s disease demonstrate both main motor symptoms and other non-motor issues. The key motor symptoms include:

• Tremor (often begins in one hand)
• Bradykinesia (slowness of movement)
• Rigidity (stiffness in limbs and trunk)
• Postural instability (balance problems)

The disease usually moves through five distinct stages:

Stage 1: Mild symptoms show up on one side of the body

Stage 2: Symptoms get worse and affect both sides with small balance issues

Stage 3: Medium symptoms appear with clear balance problems

Stage 4: Severe symptoms need lots of help

Stage 5: Patient needs a wheelchair or stays in bed with round-the-clock care

NDIS eligibility for Parkinson’s

The NDIS puts Parkinson’s disease in List B. This means they know it leads to lasting impairment but need to check how much it affects daily life. Early-stage patients might not qualify, but people with moderate to advanced Parkinson’s usually do because the disease really affects their daily activities.

Your NDIS application needs to show:

• Your condition won’t go away
• Daily activities are really hard to do
• You need ongoing support

It’s worth mentioning that Parkinson’s often has “off periods” when medicines don’t work well. You should document these ups and downs during assessment to show your true support needs.

Daily living and mobility support

The NDIS can help pay for different types of support to keep independence and life quality. This includes:

• Physiotherapy to help movement and balance
• Occupational therapy for everyday tasks
• Speech therapy for better communication
• Changes to your home like grab rails and ramps
• Personal care help with grooming and hygiene

The NDIS system can be hard to deal with for people who have Parkinson’s. Assessments sometimes miss how symptoms change from day to day. Working with your neurologist to record symptom changes can make your application stronger and help you get the right support.

5. Autism (Level 2 and 3)

The DSM-5’s way of categorising Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is vital to getting the right NDIS support. The difference in severity levels can determine what life-changing help someone receives.

Autism severity levels explained

DSM-5 breaks down autism into three different levels based on how much support people need:

• Level 1: Requires support (milder symptoms)
• Level 2: Requires substantial support (moderate symptoms)
• Level 3: Requires very substantial support (severe symptoms)

People with Level 2 autism face major challenges with verbal and non-verbal communication. They show little interest in social interactions and often repeat behaviours that make daily life difficult. Level 3 autism brings more serious challenges. These include severe communication problems and extreme distress when someone needs to switch tasks or change their routine.

NDIS eligibility for Level 2 and 3 autism

Level 2 and 3 autism have a special place on the NDIS disability list. These diagnoses automatically qualify for the scheme without extra functional assessments. They’re part of the NDIS’s “List A” – conditions that meet disability requirements under section 24 of the NDIS Act.

Qualified professionals must provide the diagnosis. This includes specialist multi-disciplinary teams, paediatricians, psychiatrists, or clinical psychologists who know about autism assessment. The good news is you won’t need more evaluations after this to prove eligibility.

Support needs and interventions

NDIS funding for autistic participants usually falls into two main areas:

• Core funding: For support workers and daily assistance
• Capacity Building: For therapeutic interventions

Autistic individuals receive around AUD 50,150 each year, while children under seven get about AUD 25,534. This money helps pay for:

• Speech therapy to improve communication
• Occupational therapy for sensory issues and daily skills
• Behavioural therapy to develop social skills
• Social skills programmes that help with community participation
• Educational support in learning environments

The NDIS updated its guidelines in July 2021. These new rules focus on proven practises for autistic children and stress inclusion, participation, and adapting to changing needs throughout life.

6. Spina Bifida

Spina bifida is one of the most common permanently disabling birth defects on the NDIS list of disabilities. This condition affects approximately 5,000 Australians and doctors diagnose around 150 new cases each year.

What is spina bifida?

The condition develops when the neural tube, tissue surrounding a developing foetus’s spinal cord, doesn’t close properly. This birth defect leaves part of the spinal cord and its meninges exposed through a gap in the backbone.

Spina bifida comes in three distinct types, each varying in severity:

• Myelomeningocele: The most severe type where the spinal cord or nerves push through an opening in the back. This leads to paralysis and higher infection risk
• Meningocele: The rarest form that shows a sac of spinal fluid without nerves and causes fewer complications
• Spina bifida occulta: The mildest and most common type that appears as a small gap in vertebrae without a visible fluid sac

The condition can affect all bodily organs, and complications may arise at any point throughout life.

NDIS eligibility for spina bifida

List B of NDIS-eligible conditions includes spina bifida, which means it will likely result in permanent impairment. The NDIS creates support packages based on individual needs rather than just the diagnosis.

Early intervention is vital for children. The treatments they receive help determine their symptoms and disabilities as they grow.

Mobility and continence support

People with spina bifida experience these effects:

• Lower limb paralysis or weakness that affects mobility
• Impaired bladder and bowel function (neurogenic bladder/bowel)
• Spinal curvature and possible spinal cord tethering
• Loss of skin sensation and pressure sore risks

Continence management becomes a primary focus because spina bifida disrupts nerve connections between the brain, spinal cord, bladder, and bowel. The NDIS typically funds vital supports like mobility aids, continence products, therapy services (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy), and home modifications.

The scheme also helps cover support workers for daily tasks, aquatic therapy, and vehicle modifications. These supports help maintain independence as symptoms change over time.

7. Tuberous Sclerosis

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) needs significant NDIS support because it affects multiple body systems and neuropsychiatric functions. This complex condition appears on the NDIS list of disabilities.

Understanding tuberous sclerosis

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex is a rare genetic disorder where benign tumours grow in different organs throughout the body. The condition affects the brain, skin, heart, lungs and kidneys. People with TSC might experience:

• Epilepsy (occurring in 80% of cases, often in the first year of life)
• Intellectual disabilities (affecting 50% of individuals)
• Skin abnormalities including red or pink spots on the face
• Benign growths in various organs
• TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND), affecting 90% of patients

Each case looks different, even among family members. This makes every person’s support needs unique.

NDIS eligibility and functional impact

TSC appears in two places on the NDIS eligibility list:

• List B: TSC likely causes permanent impairment but needs severity assessment
• List D: TSC causes permanent disability that’s significant, especially for children under 7

You need to show how TSC has reduced your functional capacity or psychosocial functioning. This includes its effect on social or economic participation. The application must prove you’ll need support throughout your life.

TSC creates challenges with intellectual ability, behaviour, mental health, and physical symptoms. Research shows that TSC patients often experience serious impairments in health and daily functioning.

Support services available

The NDIS typically funds these services for TSC:

• Allied health therapies (crucial for children under 7)
• Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) services
• Support workers for daily assistance
• Capacity building interventions

Your NDIS plan might include core support, capacity building support, and capital supports.

Tuberous Sclerosis Australia (TSA) helps people navigate the NDIS application process. They suggest describing TSC as “a rare genetic condition that causes tumours to grow in any organ of the body” that “commonly affects the brain, skin, heart, lungs and kidneys”.

Good preparation helps maximise your NDIS funding. Document your current supports, write detailed carer and participant statements, and set clear goals before planning meetings.

8. Lysosomal Storage Disorders

Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are rare inherited metabolic conditions that appear on the NDIS list of disabilities. These disorders happen when toxic materials build up in cells throughout the body, and doctors have identified nearly 70 different types.

Examples of lysosomal disorders

LSDs might be rare individually, but together they affect 1 in 5,000 to 1 in 8,000 newborns. The NDIS recognises several LSDs that cause severe intellectual and physical impairments:

• Gaucher Disease Types 2 and 3: Type 2 can be fatal in the first years of life
• Niemann-Pick disease: Types A and C are the most severe forms, affecting 1 in 250,000 people
• Pompe disease: This affects 1 in every 40,000 births and symptoms often show up in infancy
• Sandhoff disease: The infantile form needs immediate attention
• Schindler disease: Type 1 requires early intervention
• Tay-Sachs disease: Babies show signs between 3-5 months of age

Other examples include Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, Krabbe disease, and various forms of Mucopolysaccharidoses like Hurler syndrome and Hunter syndrome.

NDIS eligibility for these conditions

The NDIS framework places lysosomal storage disorders in List A of eligible conditions. These conditions cause permanent disability and lead to the breakdown of multiple body systems and organs.

The NDIS looks at how these conditions affect daily life rather than just the diagnosis. These disorders can severely limit:

• A person’s intellectual growth and development
• Their physical movement and strength
• Essential organ function (heart, lungs, liver)
• Their ability to communicate

Care and treatment considerations

People with LSDs have several treatment options:

1. Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT): Scientists use DNA technology to create human recombinant enzymes. This works best before organ damage occurs
2. Pharmacological Chaperone Therapy: This uses small molecules to fix enzyme misfolding
3. Substrate Reduction Therapy: This method reduces substrate formation
4. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Doctors use donor or umbilical cord blood stem cells

The NDIS helps fund various supports including personal care assistance and therapeutic aids. They also cover assistive technologies for mobility and communication. Support coordinators help connect patients with additional services. A patient’s outlook depends on their specific disease type, how early doctors catch it, available treatments, and access to modern medical facilities.

10. Stroke-Related Disability

Stroke is Australia’s second deadliest killer and causes major disability. Only 1.4% (5,935) of active NDIS participants list stroke as their main disability despite how common it is.

Types of stroke and resulting impairments

Strokes happen in two main ways:

• Ischaemic stroke: Blood clots or plaque block brain arteries. These make up about 87% of all strokes. They can be thrombotic (clots forming in the brain) or embolic (clots travelling from other parts).
• Haemorrhagic stroke: A weak blood vessel breaks and bleeds into the brain. High blood pressure, aneurysms, or arteriovenous malformations often cause this type.

The brain area damaged by stroke determines what disabilities occur. Most patients get hemiplegia on the opposite side from where the stroke happened. People often face these challenges:

• Communication problems (dysarthria, aphasia)
• Vision issues (hemianopia)
• Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
• Brain function problems (memory loss, confusion)

NDIS eligibility post-stroke

You need permanent disability from stroke to qualify for NDIS. The requirements are:

• Age under 65 years
• Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or Protected Special Category Visa
• Living in Australia</
• Need specific disability support daily

NDIS accepts several tools to assess stroke patients: Modified Rankin Scale, Motor Assessment Scale, Stroke Impact Scale, and Unmet Resource Needs.

Rehabilitation and support

NDIS funds these key services for stroke survivors:

1. Therapy services (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy)
2. Personal care help with daily tasks
3. Home changes and helpful equipment
4. Transport help
5. Programmes to build skills
6. Support for behaviour

The brain tries to heal and rebuild lost functions best in the first 3-6 months after stroke. NDIS support continues because many problems last long-term and need ongoing help.

NDIS funding helps people get support to improve their independence and life quality as they recover from stroke.

11. Rheumatoid Arthritis (Severe Cases)

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) stands out on the NDIS list of disabilities. This autoimmune disorder brings unique challenges that set it apart from other inflammatory conditions. People with RA experience painful joint inflammation that can lead to permanent disability if the condition advances.

When arthritis qualifies for NDIS

You’ll find Rheumatoid Arthritis listed specifically on List B of NDIS-eligible conditions. This means the NDIS recognises it as a condition likely to cause permanent impairment. However, you’ll need an assessment of how well you can function. Your RA must meet these criteria to qualify for support:

• • The condition is permanent and substantially affects your daily activities
  • You need someone else’s help regularly
  • Your impairment requires special equipment
  • You need ongoing support to reduce future needs

The assessment looks at how the condition affects your life rather than just the diagnosis. Not everyone with arthritis will qualify – you need to show how it limits your daily activities substantially.

Functional limitations and support

RA can make it hard to move around, use your hands, and live independently. The NDIS helps eligible people with several key services:

• Help with personal care tasks
• Support to access the community
• Guidance for nutrition
• Programmes to develop new skills
• Help with transport
• Support for household tasks

Your individual needs determine how the funding gets distributed. Your plan might combine core supports for daily activities, capacity building through therapy, and capital supports for equipment and home changes.

Assistive devices and therapies

The NDIS groups assistive technology (AT) by risk levels and costs. People with RA often receive funding for these devices:

Mobility aids:

• Walking sticks and canes that help with balance
• Walkers or rollators to take weight off sore joints

Daily living equipment:

• • Special utensils with bigger, non-slip handles
  • Tools to help open jars and bottles when grip is weak
  • Bathroom safety bars and rails

• Higher toilet seats to reduce joint pressure

You won’t need detailed assessments for AT items costing less than AUD 2,293.49. More expensive items need professional AT advice. Your NDIS plan might include AUD 764.50 to get independent advice about what AT you need.

12. Speech and Language Impairments

Communication disorders show up in many disabilities on the NDIS list. Speech pathology services play a vital role to help people overcome these challenges. People need to communicate well to express their needs, understand others, and take part in daily life.

Types of speech-language disorders

NDIS funding covers many conditions that affect how people speak, listen, understand, and interact with others:

• • Speech sound disorders like stuttering and trouble with pronunciation
  • Problems with understanding and using language
  • Social communication disorders

• Developmental language disorder (DLD) that stays through school years
• Communication challenges linked to autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disability
• Speech and swallowing issues after stroke, brain injury, or ongoing nerve conditions

Children with DLD need help early to avoid problems with social life, education, and mental health. Australian children’s access to NDIS funding isn’t consistent because assessment criteria are subjective and exclusion rules aren’t clear.

NDIS eligibility for communication impairments

You can get NDIS support for communication difficulties if you can show:

• Your disability makes it hard to do everyday activities
• You have a lasting impairment tied to intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, or physical factors
• You need special support to communicate daily

The NDIS Early Childhood Approach helps children under 7 without needing a formal diagnosis. This family-focused programme connects parents with the right services through early childhood partners. Children who struggle with speaking and understanding language can get funding for early help.

Therapies and communication aids

Speech pathology is the life-blood of communication support in NDIS plans. The funding to build better communication skills usually comes from:

• Capacity Building Budget (Improved Daily Living) – pays for speech therapy sessions, assessments, and parent training
• Assistive Technology – covers communication aids and devices

Many people use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) when speech isn’t enough. Research shows AAC doesn’t hold back speech development—it often helps improve it. NDIS commonly funds these communication aids:

• Key Word Sign with signs and natural gestures
• Picture communication boards
• Communication apps and speech-generating devices

NDIS support wants to boost people’s quality of life by helping them communicate better at home, school, work and in their community.

13. Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

Dementia stands out from other disabilities on the NDIS list because age of onset, not just the diagnosis, determines eligibility.

NDIS eligibility for early-onset dementia

The NDIS framework covers early-onset dementia (diagnosed before age 65), but age-related dementia usually doesn’t qualify. Your application needs to meet these requirements:

• Your age must be under 65 when you apply for NDIS
• You must show permanent impairment
• Your daily functioning must be significantly affected
• Your diagnosis must have clinical evidence

A neuropsychologist or geriatrician’s confirmation of diagnosis becomes essential for NDIS approval. The level of support depends on your cognitive impairment’s severity and daily assistance needs, which functional assessments help determine.

Cognitive and behavioural challenges

Dementia affects cognitive functions progressively in several ways:

• Short-term memory deteriorates first
• Managing complex financial tasks becomes difficult
• Judgement and reasoning abilities decline
• Communication becomes challenging
• Time and place orientation becomes confused

Cognitive decline often brings behavioural changes that create extra support needs. These changes include agitation, disrupted sleep patterns, confusion, and personality shifts. People experiencing these changes may be eligible for NDIS support. The path to NDIS approval can be lengthy – almost 25% of younger people with dementia wait over a year for their diagnosis.

Support for carers and families

The NDIS understands that dementia’s effects reach beyond the individual to the whole family. Support packages usually include:

• Breaks for carers through respite services
• Help with daily personal care activities
• Home modifications through occupational therapy
• Safety and independence through assistive technology
• Support for social and community participation

The NDIS approach recognises dementia’s progressive nature, so plans need regular reviews as needs change. Support coordination becomes crucial to help families guide through both disability and aged care systems at the same time.

14. Leukodystrophies (e.g. Krabbe, Canavan)

Leukodystrophies represent a rare group of neurological disorders listed under NDIS disabilities. These disorders affect the white matter of the central nervous system. The conditions emerge from abnormal production, processing, or development of myelin – the protective coating that surrounds nerve fibres.

What are leukodystrophies?

Scientists have identified over 34 separate diagnoses of leukodystrophies. Each diagnosis shows genetic, progressive neurological degeneration. These conditions target the brain’s white matter and lead to hearing loss, vision problems, cognitive decline, and reduced mobility.

Let’s look at two key examples:

• • Krabbe disease (globoid cell leukodystrophy): This rare inherited metabolic disorder shows abnormal globoid cells in white matter. Patients experience severe mental and motor skill deterioration, muscle weakness, seizures, and unexplained fever. Babies with infantile Krabbe show symptoms before they reach 6 months.

• • Canavan disease: This neurological disorder causes the brain to develop spongy tissue filled with fluid spaces. The result is progressive brain atrophy. Most children with this condition don’t live beyond age 10, though some reach their teens or twenties.

NDIS eligibility and progression

List A of NDIS-eligible conditions includes several leukodystrophies, such as infantile Krabbe disease and Canavan disease. Conditions not listed specifically need functional impact assessment to determine eligibility.

The NDIS planning process must account for the progressive nature of leukodystrophies. Funding allocations should reflect that a person’s condition will get worse over time. Without this consideration, people might not receive enough support as their symptoms progress.

Care needs and prognosis

People living with leukodystrophy need round-the-clock care. Their support requirements grow as the condition advances. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms through:

• Medications that help with muscle tone, seizures, and spasticity
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
• Nutritional and educational programmes

Families dealing with leukodystrophy struggle to find adequate in-home support and respite care. They must coordinate with many health and welfare services, both in hospitals and community settings. Some types of leukodystrophy might respond to stem cell or bone marrow transplantation treatments.

15. Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) affects thousands of Australians. The NDIS list of disabilities substantially underrecognizes this condition despite its effects on brain development and functioning.

Understanding FASD

Alcohol exposure during pregnancy damages the developing brain and causes permanent disability through FASD. This neurodevelopmental condition affects up to 5% of the population – about 1.3 million Australians. Recent data shows the NDIS approved plans for only 265 people who listed FASD as their primary disability.

The condition affects multiple functional domains:

• Mobility and motor skills
• Learning and knowledge application
• Social interaction and adaptive behaviour
• Communication and language
• Self-care abilities
• Executive functioning and self-management

These impairments show up as difficulties with attention, memory, impulse control, and academic achievement. People with FASD often need extensive support for daily activities.

NDIS eligibility for FASD

The NDIS recognises FASD as a permanent and substantial disability. Age determines the eligibility criteria:

• Children under 7 years with FASD diagnosis qualify automatically for NDIS support without needing additional evidence of functional impairment
• People aged 7 and above must show evidence of severe functional impairment with their FASD diagnosis

Support might be available even without a formal FASD diagnosis if evidence shows permanent disability with substantial functional impairment.

Many families face barriers to NDIS access because of long diagnostic processes and limited specialist assessments. Public system waiting lists take 6-12 months for each required health professional assessment.

Behavioural and learning support

NDIS funding covers several vital supports after establishing eligibility:

• Therapy services including occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physiotherapy
• Positive behaviour support and strategies
• Home modifications and personal care assistance
• FASD-specific training for parents and carers
• Transition-to-work support and workplace assistance
• Respite care for families

The NDIS uses a family-centred approach. Early intervention between birth and age seven plays a vital role in improving outcomes. The scheme funds support to reduce future needs through early, targeted intervention.

16. Hydrocephalus

People with hydrocephalus face life-changing challenges due to pressure buildup in their brain. This condition appears on the NDIS list of disabilities and needs lifelong management and support.

What is hydrocephalus?

The brain’s ventricles fill up with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) when its normal flow gets blocked. This creates dangerous pressure on brain tissue that can damage it. The condition might show up at birth or develop after a brain injury. Doctors usually treat it by putting in a shunt through surgery. This helps drain extra CSF from the brain to other body parts where it’s safely absorbed.

Kids with hydrocephalus often need several surgeries, and some might need more as adults when problems come up. Each person experiences different effects that can change over time, so personalised support becomes vital.

NDIS eligibility and treatment

You’ll find hydrocephalus on List B of NDIS-eligible conditions under “Other disorders of the nervous system” along with multiple system atrophy. The NDIS sees it as something that likely causes permanent impairment. They’ll need to check how it affects your daily life.

Your NDIS application needs to show that hydrocephalus is permanent and how much it affects your everyday activities. Medical reports from specialists who check your shunt and brain health serve as key proof.

Daily living and mobility support

Living with hydrocephalus can cause these common symptoms:

• Bladder control loss or needing to urinate often
• Memory and thinking problems
• Headaches that keep coming back and tiredness
• Changes in emotions and behaviour
• Balance issues and trouble walking
• Declining ability to reason

The NDIS helps eligible people with essential support like mobility equipment, therapy services (speech, occupational, physiotherapy), continence care, and home modifications. Support workers can help with daily tasks and getting to medical appointments.

People who live with hydrocephalus suggest building a solid healthcare team. They recommend making sure your doctors talk to each other, managing your energy levels, and staying active when possible. A strong network of family support and community connections helps improve life quality while dealing with this tough condition.

Comparison Table

Condition	NDIS List Category	Main Features	Support Needs	How to Qualify	Common Treatments
Neurodevelopmental Disorders	List A	Deficits that affect personal, social and academic function	Growth support, behaviour help	Diagnosis must show moderate, severe, or profound levels	Growth programmes, behaviour therapy, tech-based solutions
Genetic Syndromes	List A/B	Lasting mental and physical challenges	Expert therapy, personal help	Direct entry for List A conditions	Speech work, job support, physical care
Motor Neuron Disease	List A	Muscle weakness that gets worse, paralysis	Personal care, help with movement	Doctor’s diagnosis through specialist	Medicine, physical therapy, support tech
Parkinson’s Disease	List B	Shaking, slow movement, stiffness, balance problems	Help with daily tasks, movement support	Need proof of how it affects daily life	Physical therapy, job support, movement tools
Autism (Level 2 and 3)	List A	Major problems with talking, repeated actions	Basic help, skill building	Expert diagnosis needed	Speech help, behaviour work, social training
Spina Bifida	List B	Spine problems from birth	Movement help, bladder support	Must show lasting effects	Physical work, job help, movement aids
Tuberous Sclerosis	List B/D	Non-cancer growths in many body parts	Health therapy, daily help	Must check how bad it is	Early help services, care workers
Lysosomal Storage Disorders	List A	Harmful substances build up in cells	Personal care, therapy help	Direct entry for bad cases	Enzyme treatment, stem cell work
Stroke-Related Disability	Not specified	One-sided weakness, talking problems	Therapy work, personal help	Under 65, lasting effects	Movement work, speech help, daily support
Rheumatoid Arthritis	List B	Joint pain, hard to move	Personal care, helper tools	Must show major effects on life	Movement aids, therapy support
Speech/Language Impairments	Not specified	Hard time talking	Speech expert help	Must affect daily life	Speech work, talking aids
Dementia/Alzheimer’s	Not specified	Memory gets worse over time	Personal care, safety help	Must be under 65 when applying	Daily living help, support tech
Leukodystrophies	List A	Brain function gets worse	Round-the-clock care, symptom help	Direct entry for certain types	Medicine, physical work, diet help
FASD	Not specified	Brain development problems	Behaviour help, learning support	Under 7: direct entry; Over 7: need proof	Therapy work, behaviour support
Hydrocephalus	List B	Fluid buildup in brain	Movement help, therapy work	Must show how it affects life	Surgery, therapy services