Disappointing! Government removed advice on early intervention for autism

By bobb |

Early in 2015, without consulting or even informing stakeholders and before submissions for the NDIS ILC consultation were due, the Government removed documents and links to them from its websites. These documents contain information that is crucial for families who need to act quickly after their child is diagnosed with autism. Without access to these documents families can miss crucial advice about choosing appropriate early intervention. 

Since these documents are helpful for people affected by autism spectrum disorder, A4 makes them available for download from its website (see the links below).

Helping Children with Autism extended until the NDIS starts

By bobb |

The Government announced that it will continue the Helping Children with Autism (HCWA) package until the NDIS starts. John Howard created HCWA in 2007 and Bill Shorten implemented it. HCWA funds about 5% of the early intervention that the Government advised a child with autism needs.

Funding extensions for disability and carer programmes

13 March 2015

Disability groups granted temporary funding reprieve

By convenor |

March 1, 2015 Julia May

Federal government delays a 40 per cent funding cut to the disability sector amid allegations it was in breach of United Nations convention.

The federal government has made a partial backflip on its cuts to disability groups, granting a temporary reprieve to eight bodies whose funding was due to run out on Saturday.

Beau Abela wants $300,000 compo from Education Department because he can’t read properly

By bobb |

A LONG-running legal battle between the Education Department and a former student who blames it for his illiteracy could be resolved as early as tomorrow.

Twenty-one-year-old Beau Abela wants $300,000 from the department, claiming they failed to teach him properly and that he should have never been able to progress from primary school.

Mr Abela launched the action in 2007 when he was just 14, but failed and is now appealing to the full bench of the Federal Court.

How to spot an Autism Spectrum Disorder in school-age children

By bobb |

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD; which now includes former diagnostic labels such as Autistic Disorder and Asperger syndrome) is a life-long neuro-developmental disorder. It first shows itself early in life, emerging across toddlerhood and into the preschool years.

It’s what’s on the outside that counts

There is no genetic or blood test for ASD; diagnosis is based on behaviour.

Marky Roberts has Down syndrome — and is at the centre of a battle affecting SA’s intellectually disabled adults

By bobb |

MARKY Roberts cannot speak but he has a growing voice in his Victor Harbor community, which is speaking out to protect him.

The 38-year-old, who has severe Down syndrome, is at the centre of a battle affecting hundreds of South Australia’s intellectually disabled adults who face being chemically or physically restrained for even the most basic medical care.

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