There are many factors that come into play with funding the big ones being age and if the child has a diagnosis.
Age: Children under 7 years There are a range of early intervention programs that children can access depending on if they have a diagnosis or not. The first point of contact should always be the Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) program that is part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Click here to go to the contact page for the NDIS or call them on 1800100 110 and ask for your local community partner's contact details.
There are two other programs that can be accessed and they have their own criteria for children with ASD the program is called Helping Children with Autism (HCWA) and for some other children with significant disability the program is called BetterStart. Both of these programs will be rolling into the NDIS and may have already done so in your region.
Children 7 and above:
The NDIS partner in community can assist parents of children who have turned 7 years to access supports either through the NDIS or in community. Click here to go to the contact page for the NDIS or call them on 1800100 110 and ask for your local community partner's contact details.
DiagnosesChildren who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder level 2 or 3 have automatic entry to the NDIS and only need to supply a letter from their Pediatrician that states this diagnosis under the DSM5 along with their application form. For Children who have been diagnosed as level 1 ASD it is advised that parents seek support through their local partner in the community to make accessing the scheme a smoother process.