CLEAR GUIDANCE AT LAST!!
Minister for NDIS Confirms Educational & Developmental Psychologists Can Diagnose Autism
Clarification for Members and the Public
For years, confusion has circulated about which professionals can provide a valid Autism diagnosis for NDIS eligibility. Today, AEDPA can clearly confirm: The NDIA can accept single-clinician Autism diagnoses completed by Educational & Developmental Psychologists.
The Myth
“For NDIS eligibility, Autism must be diagnosed by a psychiatrist, paediatrician, or clinical psychologist. A diagnosis completed by an Educational & Developmental Psychologist is not accepted.”
Where This Myth Came From
While most NDIA materials simply state that Autism diagnoses must be provided by appropriately qualified professionals, one outdated page on the NDIS website listed a narrow example referring only to psychiatrists, paediatricians, and clinical psychologists.
This isolated inconsistency has driven years of misinformation.
Compounding this confusion, many members report that their Autism assessments have been rejected solely because they are not clinical psychologists, despite the NDIA accepting similar assessments in other cases.
What the Evidence Shows
1. NDIA has never formally held a policy excluding Ed & Dev Psychologists
Although some Access Officers have applied the misconception in practice, no official NDIA policy has ever restricted Autism assessments to certain endorsed psychologists.
2. The Autism CRC National Guideline explicitly supports psychologists with relevant training - not specific endorsements
The Autism CRC National Guideline for Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism, which is partially funded and endorsed by the NDIA, makes it clear that assessments should be conducted by professionals with appropriate qualifications, experience and competence to undertake Autism assessment, which includes psychologists with relevant postgraduate training and demonstrated expertise. Stating:
"It is recommended that all clinicians involved in assessment of ASD concerns, in addition to the foundation qualification(s) relevant to their professional discipline, obtain and maintain relevant training and expertise through peer observation, peer supervision and peer mentoring." (Autism CRC, National Guideline, section 4. Assessment Participants, page 16)
The guidelines also specifically include Educational & Developmental Psychologists in Single Clinician Diagnostic Evaluation
"To conduct a Single Clinician Diagnostic Evaluation, psychologists are recommended to have a practice endorsement in clinical psychology, educational/developmental psychology or neuropsychology." (Autism CRC, National Guideline, section 4. Assessment Participants, page 16)
3. AEDPA Advocacy Has Resulted in Written Confirmation From a Federal MP
Following sustained advocacy from our members, and thanks to Darren Chester, Federal Member for Gippsland we have received written confirmation from The Hon. Jenny McAllister, Minister for the NDIS, stating that:
This written assurance formally acknowledges that the NDIA can accept Autism diagnoses completed by Educational & Developmental Psychologists. Members can see the full letter HERE.
(Note: we do not endorse the use of the term 'specialty' to describe endorsement).
Why This Matters
Unnecessary Barriers Have Been Created
Families have experienced:
-
Inconsistent application of NDIS legislation
-
High-quality Autism assessments being arbitrarily rejected
-
Delayed access to supports
-
Confusion across other diagnoses, with some Access Officers/Support Coordinators and/or Plan Managers rejecting other psychological assessments unless completed by a clinical psychologist
Clear confirmation enables:
-
Consistency across NDIA Access Officers
-
Confidence for families seeking assessment
-
Recognition of the expertise of Ed & Dev psychologists
-
Reduced delays, wasted resources and inequitable access
Additional Confirmation: Psychologists and Psychosocial Disability Reports
In addition to the clarification regarding Autism diagnosis, AEDPA has also received written confirmation from The Hon. Jenny McAllister, addressing another area of frequent confusion.
Her correspondence confirms that all registered psychologists - regardless of endorsement - are qualified to provide reports that support NDIS access for psychosocial disability. This includes functional assessments, evidence of impairment, and documentation relevant to demonstrating the impact of mental health conditions.
This clarification is an important reinforcement of the role psychologists play in supporting individuals with psychosocial support needs, and helps ensure that unnecessary barriers or misinterpretations do not delay access to essential services.
We have also included The Hon. Jenny Mcallister's letter in full below for your reference and advocacy use.
Find Out More
FAQ: What Psychologists and Families Need to Know
Does endorsement matter for NDIS access?
No.
NDIS legislation does not restrict Autism diagnosis to certain psychology endorsements. What matters is:
-
appropriate qualifications
-
relevant training and experience
-
comprehensive assessment, including functional impact
Educational & Developmental Psychologists meet these requirements.
What if an Access Officer rejects a diagnosis because I’m not clinical?
Request written reasons and escalate. AEDPA members now have written political confirmation to support challenges to incorrect decisions.
Do families need a multidisciplinary team for diagnosis?
Not necessarily. The Autism CRC guideline supports both single-clinician and team-based assessments, depending on complexity and clinical need. Multidisciplinary assessment however, is good practice wherever possible.
Is NDIA updating their public information?
AEDPA continues to advocate for the removal of outdated language from the NDIA website to prevent further confusion.
Please reach out to admin@aedpa.org with feedback and questions