Case study: Functional Capacity Assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder.

An adult in their late 20s, autism diagnosed in adulthood, previously assessed as Autism Level 1. Living semi-independently, employed in a knowledge-work role from home, but cumulative sensory and social load produces regular post-work shutdowns and weekend bed-bound recovery. Past plan-build history: minimal supports approved because the participant 'presents well' in clinic settings.

Functional capacity assessed across home, work and community contexts. Sensory-environment audit documented the gap between the participant's reported tolerance window and the actual sensory load of typical environments. Masking-related fatigue was documented through structured questioning about post-interaction recovery time. Executive function variance was anchored with a self-report of task initiation, switching and completion across high-stim vs low-stim environments.

Recommendations were grounded in the cumulative-load model that current autism research supports, with specific environmental, sensory and social triggers documented. The 'high functioning' framing was reframed as 'supported functioning' — the same person, with appropriate supports in place, was capable in life contexts that without supports produced shutdown. NDIS Act mapping was explicit.

All names, ages, locations and biographical details have been changed or removed. No real participant data is shown. Funding outcomes are illustrative — no NDIS outcome is guaranteed by FCA Reports Australia.