NDIS data show declining autism diagnoses in young Australians

By convenor |
NDIS logo

The proportion of young children (age 0 to 6 years) diagnosed with autism in the NDIS has declined significantly since the full roll-out of the NDIS. The number of autistic NDIS participants aged 0-6 years old in the NDIS decreased 32% in the 2 years from 30/9/2022 to 30/9/2024.

The following chart shows the number of children in the NDIS with different types of "primary disability" according to data published by the NDIS on their website. 

Updated data ... Dec 2024

2024 - Making an effective National Autism Strategy; sector expectations and requirements

By convenor |
report from cover - Making an effective National Autism Strategy; sector expectations and requirements

Bob Buckley provided the submission below to the Oversight Committee of the National Autism Strategy (NAS) and the relevant Ministers. 

It was written quickly ... with less consultation than is ideal. While it's his submission, a summary of the issues raised was shared with A4's Management Group who provided input towards the submission.

A4 provided detailed commenatry on parts of the Health working group's draft Health Roadmap for Autism. 

Carers are increasingly socially isolated and highly distressed, national survey reveals

By bobb |
female carer looking worried or stressed

In short:

First results from the 2024 National Carer Survey showed about 60 per cent of respondents reported being socially isolated, and around half suffered from high or very high levels of psychological distress.

These figures were similar to or slightly higher than those found in the 2022 National Carer Survey.

What's next?

With the number of carers in Australia growing, experts argue that more sustainable investment is needed in formal support.

Hannah's son was put in a box at school. She's one of many parents calling out the practice

By bobb |
boy-size cardboard box

Zacharias Szumer

The widespread use of 'restrictive practices' in Australian schools is leaving children with disability traumatised and their parents exasperated. Some teachers are also appalled by what they've seen.

Hannah's nine-year-old son Max is intelligent, particularly in "maths, science and thinking outside the box," she says.

Yet, because of behavioural issues he was having at his school in regional Western Australia, he was put in a box — literally.

SBS News has changed both their names for privacy.

To get access to life-saving NDIS support, I had to make a lot of noise

By bobb |

Elena Filipczyk

The life-changing call came from a sunshine-voiced woman.

"Just calling to let you know that your application has been approved, so you are now a participant of the NDIS," the woman said in her voicemail.

I didn't hear anything she said after that. Sitting beside me, my friend Sam screamed with excitement as I sat silently in shock.

"Elena, you're finally going to get the help you deserve!" Sam cheered.

After the shock, relief flooded through me as the realisation hit.

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