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When you live with autism, daily life can feel full of barriers. Social situations, changes in routine, and even simple everyday tasks can become overwhelming without the right support. For people with autism and their families, knowing where to begin—and how to access help—can be confusing.
A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) can bring some clarity. It helps you understand what’s working well, what needs support, and what services may actually make a difference. If you’re on the NDIS, or planning to apply, an FCA can be a powerful piece of evidence to ensure you get the right funding and support.
Let’s walk through what an FCA is, why it matters for people with autism, and how it can help unlock access to capacity-building supports under the NDIS.
What is a Functional Capacity Assessment?
A Functional Capacity Assessment is a professional report that looks at how someone is managing day-to-day life. It’s usually completed by an occupational therapist or psychologist and includes a detailed look at things like:
- Communication
- Social interaction
- Learning and thinking skills
- Managing emotions
- Personal care
- Mobility
- Participation in community activities
For people with autism, these areas can vary a lot. Some people may have strong communication skills but need help with sensory regulation. Others might need support with daily living but feel comfortable in structured social settings.
The goal of the FCA is to clearly understand how autism is impacting someone’s life and to recommend the right support.
Why is an FCA important for people with autism?
Autism looks different for everyone. That’s why support should never be one-size-fits-all. A Functional Capacity Assessment can:
Show the full picture
It highlights both strengths and challenges—not just what’s “wrong.” This is important because building on what someone can already do is often the best place to start.
Guide support and therapy
If someone needs support with emotional regulation, therapy might be the next step. If daily living is a struggle, occupational therapy or a support worker might be more useful. The FCA lays it all out clearly.
Back up NDIS funding requests
To get NDIS funding for capacity building, assistive technology, or therapy, you often need clinical evidence. An FCA can provide exactly that, especially if it’s detailed and up-to-date.
What is capacity building?
In NDIS terms, capacity building means helping someone learn new skills or improve in areas where they’re struggling. That might be:
- Developing social skills
- Learning to manage emotions
- Building confidence in community settings
- Gaining independence in daily routines
- Setting and working towards personal goals
A Functional Capacity Assessment is one of the main tools used to identify what kinds of capacity-building supports might be most useful.
What does the FCA process look like?
An FCA is a structured but caring process. The person being assessed will usually meet with a therapist who asks questions, observes behaviour, and may use some tools or worksheets. If the person is non-verbal or struggles with communication, the therapist may involve family members or carers to gather insights.
The final report includes:
- A summary of current functioning across different areas
- Information about how autism impacts daily life
- Recommendations for supports and therapies
- Suggestions for how NDIS funding could be used
It’s written in plain language and designed to help support coordinators, NDIS planners, and therapists understand what kind of help is needed.
Who can request an FCA?
Anyone can request a Functional Capacity Assessment. It’s especially helpful if:
- You’re applying for the NDIS for the first time
- You’re preparing for a plan reassessment
- Your current supports aren’t working
- You want to request additional funding for therapies or support workers
If you already have an NDIS plan, your Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) can help you organise one. If you’re not yet on the NDIS, your GP or paediatrician can refer you to the right professional.
An FCA can be done at any age. For children with autism, it usually focuses on early development, learning, play, and communication, with input from parents and carers. For adults, it looks more closely at independent living, employment, social participation, and how support needs show up day to day. The process is always person-centred and adapts to what matters most in your stage of life.
Why we recommend it at United For Care
At United For Care, we work with many people on the autism spectrum. We’ve seen how a good FCA can make a big difference. It not only helps us tailor our support services—it helps people feel understood. It takes away some of the guesswork and provides a clear direction.
Most importantly, it ensures people get access to the NDIS funding and capacity-building supports they need to live a more independent and fulfilling life.
How E Can Help
If you or someone you care about is autistic and navigating support needs, a Functional Capacity Assessment is a valuable tool. It offers clarity, builds confidence, and opens doors to better outcomes under the NDIS.
You don’t need to go through the process alone. At United For Care, we’re here to help you every step of the way—from arranging assessments to connecting you with the right supports.
If you’d like to learn more or speak to someone about booking a Functional Capacity Assessment, get in touch with our team. We’re ready when you are.
Interested in Positive Behaviour Support for Autism? Our team can help.
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