Show news for a region of your choice (mostly Australian news).

The Need to Protect the Integrity of the National Autism Strategy

By bobb |

Autistic Australians have long faced systemic neglect, with their specific needs often overlooked or diluted under broader, generalized policies. While neurodiversity has gained recognition, we must be clear: the needs of Autistic people are unique and cannot be swept under the umbrella of neurodiversity. To do so risks erasing our voices and our experiences.

Federal Government bribes states, breaks promises on Foundational Support

By bobb |

Through Rick Morton's excellent investigative journalism and reports from grassroots NDIS Participants, our suspicions about the political deal-making behind the extraordinarily misguided amendments and their consequences are being confirmed. Despite the vitriolic public smear campaign waged against opponents of the legislation, it is now very clear that:

Complaint about DSS sponsored advice on ABA for families of autistic children

By convenor |

Dear sir/madam

I write to formally protest the current content of your webpage 
https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/therapies-guide/applied-behaviour…
Its content is very poor quality and largely misleading. I suggest you revert to the page's previous content until more appropriate content can be developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders. 
I raised my concerns previously on 7/1/2025 but I have not heard from you. Please acknowledge my complaint.

A family living with autism responds to the National Autism Strategy (NAS)

By bobb |

Dear Minister,
As parents of an inspiring young man with Profound Autism , we have taken a keen interest in the development of the National Autism Strategy. We appreciate the efforts of many involved, and the commitment to provide a national strategy. We have contributed extensively to the Senate Select Committee on Autism and to the NAS (before and after the draft).

on becoming  ACT Young Australian of the Year

By bobb |

Erika McGown

Artist and neurodiversity advocate Daniel Bartholomaeus has been recognised for his efforts in using art to build connections.

Daniel Bartholomaeus sat with his hands pressed tightly over his mouth, his eyes wide with disbelief, sheer shock and excitement radiating. He had just heard his name announced as the 2025 ACT Young Australian of the Year. 

Minutes before, Daniel had sat in the audience, taking in the experience.  

'I just felt a bit different': Evie's symptoms went under the radar until late diagnosis

By convenor |

Dana Daniel

Evie Gallagher, 17, says primary school was tough as a girl with undiagnosed autism.

"I just felt a bit different to everyone else, because people were learning at different paces," she said.

After the Albanese government launched the first National Autism Strategy last week, Evie and her mum - ACT Labor senator and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher - decided to share their story, so other families might have a different journey.

The Assembly - ABC casting

By bobb |

Hi Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia

My name is Catherine and I am the Casting Director for The Assembly TV documentary series on ABC.  We were in contact for S1 and I wanted to let you know that we have started casting for the second series. We are offering autistic people with an interest in journalism the opportunity to take part and I was hoping you could help me share the news.

Top scholar says evidence for special education inclusion is ‘fundamentally flawed’

By bobb |

Analysis of 50 years of research argues that there isn’t strong evidence for the academic advantages of placing children with disabilities in general education classrooms

by Jill Barshay January 13, 2025

A trio of researchers argues that it's unclear where students with disabilities learn the most and recommends that teachers and parents focus first on interventions students need.