Chapter 1
Not all NDIS providers have experience working with LGBTIQA+ autistic young people. Here’s how you can advocate for a provider who respects and affirms your identity.
Choosing the Right NDIS Providers
Look for providers who explicitly state they are LGBTIQA+ and autism-affirming
Read reviews or ask for recommendations from peer support groups
Ask direct questions before booking a provider, such as:
"Have you worked with neurodivergent LGBTIQA+ clients before?"
"Do you have experience supporting gender-diverse autistic people?"
What to Do If a Provider is Disrespectful
If a provider misgenders you, ignores your autism-related needs, or makes you feel unsafe, you can:
Request a different provider
File a complaint with the NDIS Quality & Safeguards Commission
Talk to a support coordinator or advocate about your rights
Example Complaint Statement:
"My support worker refuses to use my correct pronouns. I would like to request a new provider who respects my identity."
• Encourage providers to use inclusive language and ask about pronouns, ensuring you feel respected from the first interaction.
• look for cultural and gender-affirming resources that help autistic and LGBTQIA+SB youth navigate identity safely..
Real-Life Scenario: Kai (they/them), a 15-year-old autistic non-binary Māori-Australian person, is nervous about accessing support due to past discrimination. Their case worker arranges for them to meet an Indigenous queer disability advocate who shares their own experiences, helping Kai feel seen and validated. They work together to ensure Kai’s support plan includes identity-affirming adjustments, such as having providers who respect their name and pronouns.
