Fees and Rebates

Autism Funding

The following rebates are available once a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder has been confirmed by your Paediatrician:

Helping Children with Autism (HCWA) package (or FaHCSIA funding)

This package involves a $12,000 grant provided to children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder prior to their 6^th birthday, with the funds needing to be used prior to their 7^th birthday.  Once a diagnosis has been confirmed, your paediatrician will write a letter confirming the diagnosis, which the family will take to AMAZE (formerly Autism Victoria) to register for the funding package.

Helping Children with Autism (HCWA) Access to Treatment (or Item 135)

This is a Medicare item number your paediatrician will bill as a once off consultation prior to your child’s 13^th birthday.

This gives your child access to 20 sessions with allied health providers (psychologists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, etc.) specialising in the management of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

It allows a Medicare rebate for these services and can be used up until your child’s 15^th birthday.

Note that you cannot access both the Helping Children with Autism and Better Start packages.