For health professionals

The “Aotearoa New Zealand Autism Guideline: Third Edition” outlines the key recommendations for diagnosis and assessment of Autism. A report that states a person shows “traits or features of autism” does not meet the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility will require diagnosis before 18 years, a full-scale IQ test (FSIQ) with a score of 70 or lower, and description of how the intellectual disability affects the person’s ability to communicate and function everyday, in line with adaptive functioning criteria.

New clients under the age of 7 with a definitive diagnosis of GDD can be given interim eligibility for required supports. Just note, this doesn’t necessarily entitle the person to these services for life.

New clients over the age of 7 with a previous diagnosis of GDD don’t meet the Ministry of Disabled People’s criteria. However, once they are over 7, they may be assessed for an intellectual disability or a physical disability.

Learning difficulties and ADHD diagnoses are not covered by DSS support

The physical disability is permanent, likely to last 6 months or more after rehabilitation and treatments have been completed. Documentation must outline what the disability is and how it’s affecting the person’s daily activity. We won’t be able to provide support for physical disabilities caused by an accident, injury or physical incapacity due to a long-term health condition such as arthritis, COPD or heart failure.

The documentation for supports due to blindness, visual impairment and deafness needs to specify that testing has been completed. Provide audiometry report while wearing aids; and ophthalmology report while wearing glasses. Auditory processing disorder is not supported.