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NDIS diagnosis of autism may have ‘unforeseen consequences’, Kurt Fearnley warns

By bobb |

 

Stephen Lunn, SOCIAL AFFAIRS EDITOR, MELBOURNE

The need for a diagnosis of autism early in a child’s life to secure NDIS support may have “unforeseen consequences” as they face the long-term stigma of being labelled disabled, National Disability Insurance Agency chair Kurt Fearnley says.

“Camouflaging” of autistic traits linked to internalizing symptoms such as anxiety and depression

By bobb |

Vladimir Hedrih

A study of autistic children and adolescents in Australia showed that those suffering from anxiety, depression or similar symptoms (apart from autism) showed a more pronounced tendency to try to mask their autistic traits in social situations. Adolescents were also more likely to camouflage their autistic traits than children. The study was published in Autism Research.

Hayden is flying around Australia to show others living with autism that the sky's the limit

By bobb |

Bridget Judd

Hayden McDonald didn't always feel like the world was built for him. But from thousands of feet above, life makes perfect sense.

"It's a disconnect from the world, it's my escape," he says.

Hayden McDonald takes off in a light aircraft: he feels at home when he's flying (Gfycat)

"Being on the autistic spectrum, life is a little bit difficult, so it's a way for me to be myself without anyone trying to tell me who I am."

StEPS towards national paediatric vision screening in Australia

By bobb |

Rhiannon Bowman

The fragmented nature of early childhood vision screening across Australia could be overcome if the eye health sector can implement a new nationwide program by 2030. The topic is close to the heart of PROF FRANK MARTIN, as outlined in his Council Lecture presentation.

The pursuit of an Australia-wide early childhood vision screening program has been a passion project for Professor Frank Martin throughout his career, and one that has endured many false starts.