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FaHCSIA is a relatively new funding scheme for children who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Pervasive Developmental Delay (PDD). You are eligible to access this funding through Autism Victoria if your child is between the ages of 0-6 years and has not started full-time schooling. Some children are eligible for an extension of these criteria (up to the age of 7 years provided they have not started full-time school).
The funding is up to $6000 per financial year (up to a total of $12000) and is specifically for early intervention for the eligible child. You can access this funding only with registered health providers. Sensational Kids is registered to provide these services to eligible children.
Autism Victoria is the overseeing body for the FaHCSIA Funding in Victoria.
If your child already has a formal diagnosis of ASD or PDD you can contact Autism Victoria to apply for this funding. They will discuss with you the requirements (including diagnosis, paperwork etc) that you need to submit with your application. Once your funding has been approved you bring your acceptance letter to Sensational Kids and our friendly administration staff will explain the process once your child starts therapy under this funding.
If your child does not yet have a formal diagnosis of ASD or PDD you will need to speak with your GP who will provide you with a referral to a Consultant Paediatrician or Consultant Psychiatrist. If the Paediatrician or Psychiatrist decides further investigation is required they will then refer you to one or more allied health professionals (psychologists, speech pathologists or occupational therapists) to assist their diagnosis. Sensational Kids offers a comprehensive assessment service for this purpose.
Once the diagnosis has been confirmed your Paediatrician or Psychiatrist will provide paperwork which you then provide to Autism Victoria as part of your application for funding. Once your funding has been approved, Autism Victoria will provide paperwork which you bring to Sensational Kids.
FaHCSIA funding can be used to access Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and Psychology services at Sensational Kids. All services utilised at Sensational Kids are paid for by your FaHCSIA funding - this means you have no out of pocket therapy expenses up to the $6000 threshold each year. If you exceed your $6000 threshold you will need to start paying via other means (see other funding options listed here for details).
You are also entitled to use a portion of your funding to purchase equipment or tools used as part of your child's therapy. Books are not eligible to be claimed under this scheme.
FaHCSIA funding unfortunately cannot be used to pay for cancelled/ missed appointments or for subsiding a gap in a Medicare-funded service.
There are other funding options available for children who do not meet the criteria for this funding package listed here on our site. Alternatively please call to discuss your options with one of knowledgeable administration staff.
Our staff are knowledgeable in the different funding options available. Further information is available on our site or through the FaHCSIA: Helping Children with Autism site
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