Help and Resources for Kids with Autism, ADHD & Neurodiversity on the Sunshine Coast

Some days I just wish that there was a cheat sheet for everything. In fact, most or all days I wish there was a cheat sheet. How to parent these days? Check. How to manage one neurodiverse child’s needs with the other child’s needs? Check. How to organise everything in one simple cheat sheet? Check, check, check. As a parent of kids who are on the autism spectrum and the director of an autism hub in Noosa, I thought I would try and compile a ‘cheat sheet’ for other families to try and help them navigate their way through all this and access the help that is available. So, here’s my cheat sheet for families with neurodivergent children who are busy being a parent, juggling meeting their children’s needs and organising everything that needs to be organised. It’s not an exhaustive list – that would be overwhelming. Just a little something to help get you started. Read on for my guide to help and resources for kids with autism, ADHD, and neurodiversity on the Sunshine Coast.

Companion Card in Queensland

A Companion Card is helpful for neurodiverse children and young adults in Queensland who need someone to support them when out in the community. Companion cards help with the cost of accessing community activities and venues, including the movies. Be aware that not all venues accept Companion Cards in Queensland, however, you can check ahead of time.  Link to Companion Card.

Carer Allowance/Carer Payment

Carer allowance is a fortnightly payment and an annual subsidy for a carer who provides additional care to a child/person with a disability/medical condition, including neurodiverse children. Your GP can fill out the medical declaration to assist with the application, no it doesn’t have to be a pediatrician, however, they certainly can do this. Either of these payments can also provide access to a Health Care Card for the applicant. Link to Carer Allowance.

 Queensland Fairplay Vouchers

Fairplay vouchers support regular participation in physical activity, by reducing the cost for neurodiverse children and young people from low-income families. The QLD Government provides rounds of Queensland Fairplay vouchers at $150 each. These vouchers need a Health Care Card for the applicant’s child. Use the website below to search for local providers that accept Fairplay Vouchers.

Medicare for Allied Health Appointments & Mental Health

Medicare rebates are available for Allied Health appointments, including where there is a Mental Health Care Plan. A Mental Health Care Plan can be arranged by your GP. Once you reach the Medicare Safety Net, Medicare will reimburse a bigger portion of the out-of-pocket costs. Please contact Medicare directly for more information. 

Carers Gateway/Wellways

Wellways have options available to support carers of neurodiverse children in a variety of ways including carer support planning, counseling, in-person peer support, coaching, tailored support packages, and emergency respite care. They have limited funding, but if you need help – ask for it. Link to Wellways. 

NDIS Sunshine Coast

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) helps to assist with costs for people with a disability. Access depends on function, not a given ‘level’ of disability. Applying for NDIS might seem like an uphill battle, however, there are plenty of people and organisations on the Sunshine Coast who can help with access for your loved one. Link to NDIS. 

NDIS Advocacy in Noosa and the Sunshine Coast

Having an Advocate for all things NDIS means a little break from the stress of appealing an NDIS decision. The team at Spectrum Styles in Noosa handles all manner of NDIS appeals up to and including the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. We are trusted by Allied Health professionals to advocate for their clients and get results. Our neurodiverse hub is centrally located within All Abilities Therapy in Noosaville on the Sunshine Coast. Feel free to call Nicole for a chat any time - 0415 736 944 or check out our website for more NDIS info.

I’d have loved to put a little box beside each heading so you can check them off as you go, however, formatting is just not one of my skills. I have to be realistic, sharing information yes, formatting, nope! 

I hope you find this useful. We offer a supportive social and learning hub for neurodiverse school-aged kids and support for parents and educators in all aspects of neurodiversity. Please give us a call if you need some friendly advice or support.

 Best of luck!

Nicole Styles, Co-Founder, Spectrum Styles

0415 736 944

SPECTRUM STYLES

Coming Up Next…

For those of you tormented by education options for your children, I’ve got another cheat sheet coming up with more quick information to save you searching.