Koullas, who runs Yellow Ladybugs — a charity for autistic girls, women and gender-diverse people — said she was “surprised” and “heartbroken” by the announcement.

Koullas says the NDIS has provided her family with reliable, individualised support. She fears the new program could mean losing that — with damaging consequences.

‘No such thing as mild autism’

“We’ve fought so hard to try and change the narrative around the autistic experience, and I fear this is taking a massive step backwards.”

Butler has said the changes will help rein in NDIS costs, which are projected to reach $52 billion in 2025/26.

The federal government released its first national autism strategy in January. Source: AAP / Darren England

Concerns about ‘one size fits all’

Koullas worries such a model would replace the choice and flexibility families now have with the NDIS. “The NDIS is around choice and control and ongoing relationships,” she said. “This is a one-size-fits-all approach that is not customised, it hasn’t had any autistic input or approval.”

“Perhaps there are some cohorts that may benefit from it, but we haven’t had enough information to understand what that nuance is. To be making these announcements without any reassurance for the community, to our people, is damaging and scary.”

Limited consultation

“We haven’t had any consultation, so we’re a little concerned about what this actually means for autistic children and their families,” Karavolos told SBS News.