15/08/2024
3 Ways DSM-5’s New Approach to Intellectual Disability Affects Your NDIS Plan
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
As someone living with bipolar disorder, I know how important it is to have the right support. The same goes for those with intellectual disability (ID). The way we talk about and diagnose ID has changed. Under the DSM-V, “mental retardation” no longer gets used. This affects how the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) supports you or your loved ones.
In this post, I’ll explain how the new approach in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) impacts NDIS plans. We’ll look at what’s changed from DSM-IV to DSM-5. We’ll also see how these changes affect support for Victorians with ID.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways:
- DSM-5 replaced the term “mental retardation” with “intellectual disability.”
- The focus has shifted from IQ scores to adaptive functioning.
- These changes can affect your NDIS plan and the support you receive.
Let’s dive in and see how these changes might affect you or someone you care for.
A New Name: Goodbye “Mental Retardation,” Hello “Intellectual Disability”
The first big change is the name. DSM-5 no longer uses the term “mental retardation.” Instead, it uses “intellectual disability.” This isn’t just a word swap. It’s a shift in how we think about ID.
Why does this matter for your NDIS plan? Words have power. The new term is more respectful. It focuses on the person, not the condition. This can lead to better understanding and support from NDIS planners and providers.
In Melbourne, I’ve seen how this change has affected people. Many feel more comfortable discussing their needs. They don’t feel labelled or judged. This can lead to more open talks with NDIS planners. The result? Better tailored support plans.
But it’s not just about feeling better. This change can have real impacts on your NDIS experience. For example:
- NDIS documents now use more respectful language. This makes them easier to read and understand.
- Support workers and coordinators are trained to use the new term. This creates a more positive support environment.
- The focus on disability rather than disorder can open up more support options in your plan.
From IQ Scores to Adaptive Functioning: A Broader View
The second big change is how we diagnose ID. DSM-IV relied heavily on IQ scores. DSM-5 takes a broader view. It looks at adaptive functioning too. This means how well someone copes with everyday tasks.
For your NDIS plan, this is huge. It means your plan can focus on real-life skills. These might include:
- Communication: How you express your needs and understand others.
- Social skills: How you interact with friends, family, and the community.
- Personal care: How you manage daily tasks like dressing and eating.
- Work skills: How you perform in a job or volunteer role.
I’ve talked to NDIS participants in Victoria about this. Many feel relieved. They say their plans now reflect their genuine needs. It’s not just about a number on a test. It’s about genuine support for real life.
This shift can affect your NDIS plan in several ways:
- Your plan might include more practical supports. For example, you might get help with budgeting or using public transport.
- Assessments for your plan might take longer. They’ll look at how you function in different areas of life.
- You might be eligible for supports you weren’t before. This is because the criteria now consider a wider range of challenges.
A Lifelong Approach: Support Through All Life Stages
The third change is the view of ID as a lifelong condition. DSM-5 recognises that needs change over time. This affects how NDIS plans are made and reviewed.
Your NDIS plan can now be more flexible. It can change as you or your loved one grows and develops. This might mean:
- Different supports for different life stages
- Regular plan reviews to check if supports still fit
- Long-term goals that adapt over time
In Melbourne, I’ve seen how this helps families plan for the future. They feel more secure knowing support can change as needs do.
This lifelong approach can affect your NDIS experience in several ways:
- Your plan might include more forward-thinking goals. For example, it might look at future employment or living arrangements.
- You might have more frequent check-ins with your planner or support coordinator.
- Your plan might include supports to help you transition between life stages. For example, from school to work.
How These Changes Affect Your NDIS Plan
So, what do these changes mean for your NDIS plan in Victoria? Let’s break it down:
1. More Personalised Plans
With the focus on adaptive functioning, your plan can be more tailored. It’s not just about cognitive ability. It’s about how you or your loved one function in daily life.
For example, two people with similar IQ scores might have very different NDIS plans. One might need more help with social skills, while the other needs support with personal care. The DSM-5 approach allows for these differences.
2. Broader Range of Supports
Your plan might now include supports you didn’t qualify for before. This could be things like social skills training or job readiness programs (post TK).
In Victoria, I’ve seen plans that now include:
- Community participation programs
- Life skills workshops
- Assistive technology for communication
- Specialised behavioural support
3. Regular Reviews
The NDIS may review your plan more often. This ensures your supports keep up with your changing needs.
These reviews might look at:
- How well current supports are working
- Any new challenges you’re facing
- Progress towards your goals
- Changes in your living situation or daily activities
4. Focus on Long-Term Goals
Your plan can now include long-term goals. These might be about independence, work, or relationships.
Some examples I’ve seen in Melbourne include:
- Learning to live independently
- Developing lasting friendships
- Finding and keeping a job
- Managing health and wellbeing over time
5. Better Communication
The new language around ID can help you communicate better with NDIS planners and providers.
This might mean:
- Clearer explanations of your needs
- More understanding from support workers
- Easier conversations about sensitive topics
Conclusion
The DSM-5’s new approach to intellectual disability is a big step forward. It moves away from labels and numbers. Instead, it focuses on real-life needs and skills. For NDIS participants in Victoria, this means more personalised, flexible support.
These changes reflect a broader shift in how we view disability. It’s not just about what someone can’t do. The focus is on understanding their unique strengths and challenges. It’s about providing the right support to help them live their best life.
Remember, your NDIS plan should reflect your unique needs and goals. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you feel it doesn’t. The changes in DSM-5 are there to help you get the right support.
As someone who’s been through the mental health system, I know how important it is to have your voice heard. These changes in how we understand ID give you a chance to do just that. Use it to shape a plan that truly works for you.
Action Steps
- Review your current NDIS plan. Does it focus on adaptive functioning?
- Talk to your support coordinator about the DSM-5 changes.
- Consider requesting a plan review if your current plan doesn’t reflect these changes.
- Keep track of your daily challenges and successes. This info can help shape your next plan.
- Stay informed about NDIS updates in Victoria, such as through our weekly email newsletter (subscribe below) and monthly NDIS webinars. They might affect how these changes are applied.
- Connect with other NDIS participants. Share experiences and learn from each other.
- Prepare for your next planning meeting. Think about how the DSM-5 changes apply to your situation.
- Read the next post in this series about how the NDIS looks at how a disability impairs a person’s functioning to determine what supports to provide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The best way to know is to talk to a healthcare professional. They can assess adaptive functioning as well as cognitive ability. Remember, the focus is now on how well someone manages daily life tasks. This might include things like communication, social skills, and self-care. Don’t hesitate to ask for a comprehensive assessment.
Not necessarily. Funding is based on individual needs, not just a diagnosis. However, the new criteria might lead to a more accurate assessment of your needs. This could affect your funding. If you feel your current funding doesn’t match your needs, you can request a review. Be prepared to explain how your daily functioning is affected by ID.
The NDIS typically reviews plans annually. However, you can request a review at any time if your needs change. The lifelong approach in DSM-5 might mean more regular check-ins. In Victoria, some plans are reviewed every six months, especially when someone’s situation is changing rapidly. Keep in mind that you’re your own best advocate. If you feel a review is needed, don’t hesitate to ask.
Yes, IQ scores are still part of the picture. But they’re not the only factor. The NDIS will also look at adaptive functioning and how ID affects daily life. When discussing your needs, try to give concrete examples of challenges you face. This could be things like difficulty understanding complex instructions or needing help with personal care.
Be open about how ID affects your daily life. Give examples of challenges in areas like communication, social skills, and self-care. The planner should know the DSM-5 changes, but it’s okay to bring them up if needed. You might say something like, “I understand that the DSM-5 now focuses on adaptive functioning. Here’s how ID affects my daily activities…” Remember, you’re the expert on your own life. Your insights are valuable in creating the right plan for you.
Daniel G. Taylor has been writing about the NDIS for three years. His focus has been on mental health and psychosocial disabilities as he lives with bipolar disorder I. He’s been a freelance writer for 30 years and lives across the road from the beach in Adelaide. He’s the author of How to Master Bipolar Disorder for Life and a contributor to Mastering Bipolar Disorder (Allen & Unwin) and he’s a mental health speaker.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.