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ABS SDAC 2022 data release - autism diagnosis rates continue to rise

By bobb |

The Australian Bureau of Statistics released some analysis of data collected in 2022 for their Survey of Disability Ageing and Carers (SDAC) - see https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/disability/disability-ageing-and-carers-australia-summary-findings/2022 

There is a brief section on autistic Australians. It says simply: 

Autism and disability

In 2022:

SA - Hope for autism assessments in schools

By bobb |

Melanie Riley

A MOUNT Gambier/Berrin counsellor has welcomed the introduction of a $330,000 tender that will enable up to 100 eligible school students to access autism assessments at no cost to their families.

Autism assessments will now be made easier with the initiative, which follows the introduction of the Autism Inclusion Teacher program, which has already seen an investment of $28.8 million to provide access to an autism inclusion teacher in every public primary school, including Reception to Year 12 schools.

NDIS reforms boosted by greater involvement in co-design with disability representative organisations

By convenor |

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has strengthened investment in co-designing key reforms to the NDIS, through a funding boost for Disability Representative and Carer Organisations (DRCOs).

The 27 organisations, who will receive up to $10.7 million of funding, collectively represent thousands of people with disability and their families.

A4's response to the draft National Autism Strategy - abundant opportunity for improvement

By convenor |

The Department of Social Security is charged with managing the development of Australia's National Autism  Strategy.

The consultation process for the first draft strategy has closed -  see https://engage.dss.gov.au/developing-the-national-autism-strategy/

A4's "silver buckshot" response to the draft National Autism Strategy prepared by DSS staff is available from the links below.