Autism news

The NDIS finally produced its latest version of an especially cruel policy (see link below). The NDIS does not support young severely autistic children needing intensive evidence-based EIBI (or ESDM) when clinicians advise these early investments are needed despite what it's website suggests.

Read more about NDIS backdates its especially cruel policy for vulnerable autistic children

A new study led by Flinders University finds both autistic and non-autistic suspects may be judged more harshly if any idiosyncratic behaviours in interviews stray beyond what observers consider as normal.

Emeritus Professor Neil Brewer

Read more about Do autistic suspects get fair hearing?

When the DSM-5 was published in 2013, it combined most of the previous "pervasive developmental disorders" under a single label, autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It indicated that parts A & B of its diagnosis criteria should each get separate severity ratings: 1, 2 or 3. And the diagnosis reports should also indicate with/without intellectual and/or language impairment (see https://a4.org.au/dsm5-asd).

Read more about The Autism Spectrum: the case for both profound and complex labels

Position Paper: Profound autism in Australia

We've always known there is no single experience of autism. It can look very different from one person and one family to the next. At AAA, we've tried to reflect that in the stories we tell, the resources we create and the issues we advocate for.

Read more about Why we need to talk about profound autism

Ben McKay

Under-pressure families suffering cutbacks to their disability supports are being referred to child protection services if they complain.

A parliamentary review into Australia's disability support scheme has been told that the practice - while not commonplace - takes place across the country.

The WA-based South West Autism Network has documented more than 20 examples of surprise visits from authorities that have followed National Disability Insurance Scheme assessments.

Read more about Complaining NDIS families face child protection threats

The NDIS often espouses a "key worker" model for delivering multi- or trans-disciplinary therapy for children with autism or developmental delay. Sometimes, the expectation of key worker services are written into NDIS plans.

The NDIS does not describe what this means. Searching the NDIS website finds no useful information. The NDIS's response to a Freedom of Information request for their information about key worker model showed they

Read more about NDIS's key worker model is just bureaucratic fantasy

Dear NDIS Ministers

Subject: unfair/unreasonable NDIS Compensation recovery legislation

I write to express deep disappointment and alarm at how the NDIS is using its compensation recovery legislation – Chapter 5 — Compensation payments of the NDIS Act 2013. I am aware of the NDIS “recovering” and thereby profiting from compensation for sexual abuse of individuals with disability who were sexually abused and subsequently compensated.