The intricacies of the genetic code play a crucial role in shaping the development and functioning of the human body. Genetic conditions affect overall health, whether inherited from parents or occur spontaneously. Therefore, it’s necessary to understand the causes and symptoms associated with genetic conditions to know how to care for the affected individual. If you know someone who needs help getting the NDIS funding because of their condition, below is a well-defined guide on how to go about it.
What are Genetic Conditions?
Genetic conditions are disorders caused by abnormalities in an individual’s DNA. These conditions can result from mutations, deletions, or other alterations in genes. Genetic disorders can be inherited from one or both parents or occur spontaneously due to new mutations in an individual’s genes. These conditions may impact different organs and systems in the body, resulting into;
- Chromosomal disorders
- Single-gene disorders
- Multifactorial disorders
- Mitochondrial disorders
- Congenital anomalies
The effect of genetic conditions can range from mild to severe, and the symptoms can become apparent at various stages of life.
Causes of Genetic Conditions
Several causes can stir genetic conditions, and they are categorised based on the nature of genetic changes. Here are some common causes:
- Inherited Mutations: Lots of genetic conditions are passed down through parents to their children. These mutations may affect a single gene (monogenic disorder) or involve multiple genes (polygenic disorder).
- Spontaneous Mutations: Some genetic conditions occur spontaneously due to spontaneous mutations that happen randomly during the formation of reproductive cells or the early stage of embryonic development.
- Chromosomal Abnormalities: The changes that occur in the structure or the number of chromosomes may lead to genetic conditions.
- Multifactorial Inheritance: Sometimes, genetic conditions might occur from the combination of factors.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to toxins or radiation can increase the risk of genetic mutations. Although changes in DNA cause most genetic conditions, environmental factors can contribute to the development or severity of the disorders.
- Mitochondrial DNA Mutations: Mitochondria have their DNA. Mutations in mitochondrial DNA can lead to mitochondrial disorders, resulting in issues affecting various organs and symptoms.
Symptoms of Genetic Conditions
Symptoms of genetic conditions vary widely depending on the type of genetic disorder affecting the individual. Below are some of the general symptoms that can be associated with genetic conditions:
- Developmental Delays: Children affected by genetic conditions sometimes delay reaching developmental milestones like talking and walking.
- Intellectual Disabilities: Affected individuals might have certain intellectual disabilities like learning abilities, cognitive function, and problem-solving skills.
- Growth Disorders: Abnormal growth patterns, either insufficient or excessive, can be a symptom of certain genetic conditions.
- Physical Abnormalities: It might result in limb differences, facial features and other structural anomalies.
- Metabolic Issues: Some genetic disorders might affect the body’s ability to process and utilise nutrients, which leads to issues like difficulties in maintaining a healthy weight or metabolic disorders.
- Organ Dysfunction: Genetic disorders might affect crucial organs like the heart, lungs, kidney or liver.
- Muscular Dysfunction: Some genetic conditions affect the muscles, leading to stiffness, weakness or other motor dysfunction.
- Infections or Diseases: Some genetic conditions weaken the immune system and make the affected individual more susceptible to infections and diseases.
- Behaviour: Certain genetic conditions affect behaviour and contribute to issues like mood disorders, depression, or anxiety.
- Sensory Impairment: Certain genetic conditions affect sensory organs, causing hearing loss, vision problems, etc.
However, symptoms manifest differently. Some genetic conditions have mild symptoms that can be easily managed, while some have severe symptoms that greatly affect the individual. Genetic conditions often require accurate diagnosis through genetic testing and medical evaluation.
Criteria for getting NDIS funding
To be eligible for NDIS funding for genetic conditions, individuals must meet certain criteria. The eligibility requirements include:
- Permanent Disability: The individual must be permanently impaired. The genetic condition the individual is suffering from must be a permanent one that has substantially reduced the individual’s ability to participate effectively in daily activities.
- Australian Residency: The individual must hold a Protected Special Category Visa, be a permanent resident, or be an Australian citizen.
- Age Requirement: NDIS funding is available for individuals aged 9 to 65.
- Early Intervention: For children under age 9, early intervention support is available to support them, but the eligibility is based on the presence of developmental delay or disability.
Services Available for Individuals under NDIS Genetic Conditions Funding
The services individuals get under NDIS genetic conditions funding vary based on the severity of the condition and their needs.
- Assistive Technology: Individuals get funds for necessary aids and equipment that will assist them in their day-to-day life.
- Therapeutic Supports: This includes services provided by allied health professionals like psychologists, therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists.
- Home Modifications: Homes are modified to enhance easy accessibility for affected individuals.
- Transportation: Assistance with transportation if the genetic conditions affect the individual’s ability to use public transportation.
- Early Intervention Supports: For children with genetic conditions, early intervention is made available to them to allow them to live a better life.
- Personal care
It’s paramount to note that the services provided for individuals vary depending on the type of genetic conditions and severity of the needs and goals in their NDIS plan.
How to Get NDIS Funding for Genetic Conditions
To access NDIS funding for genetic conditions, follow these steps:
- Eligibility Criteria: Ensure that the person with the genetic condition meets the NDIS eligibility criteria.
- Access Request Form: Get an access request form from the NDIS. Fill out the form and submit it to the NDIS while attaching the necessary documents. The form can be submitted via mail, in person or online.
- Planning Meeting: The NDIS will go through the submitted form request for any other thing they need, and if deemed eligible, a planning meeting will be scheduled. At this meeting, needs, goals and support will be discussed, after which an NDIS plan will be made. The plan will outline the things the funds will cover, services and supports that will be made available.
- Approval: After the plan has been developed, the NDIS will go through it again before approving it. The plan may be revised to meet the individual’s current needs.
Conclusion
Human genes play a pivotal role in our overall body development and functioning, and anything outside of the normal gene functions can lead to genetic conditions that can greatly affect an individual’s health. However, the NDIS provides funding for individuals whose genetic conditions have incapacitated them. If you need to access NDIS funding for someone who has become disabled because of genetic conditions, reach out to us now. We will help every step of the way!