The following list shows A4's recent advocacy. This list contains both publications (including briefs and submissions) and communications (letters & emails).

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NDIS - not the only lifeboat for Autistic Australians

By convenor |

From the outset as Minister for the NDIS, The Hon. Bill Shorten MP, said (15/6/2022):

The NDIS will not fulfil the promise if it is the only lifeboat in the ocean for people living with disability.

Minister Shorten is increasingly concerned in relation to Autistic Australians needing NDIS support. He’s used this analogy repeatedly since then.

AUTISM GROUP (A4) EXPRESSES CONCERNS OVER ANU AUTISM STUDY

By convenor |

MEDIA RELEASE 

17 November 2023

The CEO of A4, a recognised Disability Representative Organisation for autism, has described an ANU researcher’s comments regarding the ‘prevalence of autism’ as flawed. 

The article says:

Australian estimates of prevalence in children are the highest in the world and have grown faster than the global average. Incentives in government policy, specifically the NDIS, is the key factor unique to the Australian context and potentially explains the additional growth in Australian prevalence. 

employment and education submissions to the National Autism Strategy

By convenor |

In addition to previous submissions, A4 worked with GCG on an employment strategy. And submitted the report to the National Autism Strategy development team. 

GCG also wrote a paper on Road Map to Inclusive Education: Developing School Policy Reforms for Australian Schools (K-Y12) for the Australian Autism Alliance.

Behaviourally based interventions in children on the autism spectrum: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

By convenor |

Through the freedom of Information process, A4 came across a report that was prepared for the NDIS that is very relevant to autistic NDIS participants in Australia. However, the NDIS decided not to publish this report.

A4 decided it should make the report available for people who need it.

The report's key conclusions say:

Actuarial student's issues with autism

By convenor |

An actuarial student at the ANU has been writing adversely about autism and the NDIS. 

A4 expressed concerns that some of the mainstream media was linking her work to the NDIS. The NDIS indicated that

She does not represent the views of the agency and we are in contact with her to ensure she is clear in any future work with ANU that her views are her own.

A4's communication with the NDIS can be seen below.