Concerns 'the next national stars' are being shut out of sporting clubs due to a lack of inclusivity for athletes with autism

By bobb |

Six-year-old Ava Renwood is an aspiring athlete with big dreams of a career in sport.

Key points:

  • Special Olympics Queensland says many athletes with autism struggle to be accepted into sporting groups
  • Brisbane mum Ashleigh Brook says Australia risks potential future athletes "falling through the cracks"
  • Multi-class events are enabling children with disability to compete in more high level sporting events

But her mum Ashleigh Brook fears her options are limited by the lack of inclusivity and understanding of athletes with autism.

SA makes history with new autism minister

By bobb |

Tim Dornin

South Australia's autism community will get its own state government minister in a national first and a decision hailed as a major step towards greater inclusion.

Emily Bourke has been appointed assistant minister for autism in a bid to ensure people with the neurological condition are better represented.

Premier Peter Malinauskas says he has heard from many South Australians that the time has come for a dedicated effort from government to make autism a priority. 

"That is why we have created this new role," he said on Monday.

Hannah Gadsby on her memoir, Ten Steps to Nanette, and how her autism diagnosis changed her life

By bobb |

Hannah Gadsby's memoir, Ten Steps to Nanette, opens at the scene of a fancy Hollywood garden party at the home of actress Eva Longoria.

Celebrities are queuing to talk to Gadsby, whose Netflix comedy special, Nanette, had just sucker punched the world.

But the world-famous comedian extracts herself from a conversation with celebrated singer-songwriter Janelle Monáe to examine the preternaturally green lawn underfoot.

Kids on the autism spectrum experience more bullying

By bobb |

Daniel Lin, Valsamma Eapen

A new study has found autism is the top risk factor for bullying among all neurodiversities.

Children diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism, experience various types of challenges at school. This might be due to communication, and also relationships with other children.

Accumulating evidence indicates children on the autism spectrum are more likely to be bullied.

Autistic mums face stigma, misunderstanding

By bobb |

Savannah Pocock

Imagine that you are a teenager lying on a hospital bed receiving an ultra-sound because your doctor thought that may you have some ovarian cysts.

Suddenly, the nurse’s eyebrows furrow as she hurriedly turns the screen away from view.

Naturally, you freak out. ‘What is it?’ you ask the nurse.

She tells you everything is okay, turns off the screen and leaves the room.

After what feels like a decade, the nurse re-enters the room and tells you that you need to meet with your doctor,

Please involve the autism community in creating a National Autism Strategy

By convenor |

Subject: Please involve the autism community in creating a National Autism Strategy.
Date: Fri, 10 Jun 2022 13:31:52 +1000
From: Bob Buckley (A4 Convenor) <convenor@a4.org.au>
To: The Hon. Mr. Shorten MP <Bill.Shorten.MP@aph.gov.au>
CC: Senator Carol Brown <senator.carol.brown@aph.gov.au>, ...

Dear The Hon. Bill Shorten MP

I am concerned by a report that your Government is planning to start the task of writing a brief "National Autism Strategy" without properly consulting and involving the broader autism community. Please do not do this.

National autism strategy in the pipeline, with both Coalition and Labor committing to plan

By bobb |

Australia is set to develop a national autism strategy regardless of who wins the federal election — a move that has been welcomed as a "good start" to changing community attitudes ;to children and young people with a disability.

Key points:

  • A parliamentary committee recommended an autism strategy after examining services, support and life outcomes for people with the condition
  • Both Labor and the Coalition have committed to introducing a strategy if elected on May 21
  • Advocates say a national strategy is a good start but more needs to be done

Earlier this year, a parliamentary committee that examined the services, support and life outcomes for people with autism recommended the establishment of a national strategy.