cruel NDIS policy targets the most autistic and vulnerable NDIS participants

By convenor |
NDIS logo - broken into two bits

NDIS policy (AAT Case Management Guide Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) - see below) fails some of the youngest and most severely autistic NDIS participants. Clinicians advise that some children with severe/profound or classic autism need intensive early intervention for their autism. NDIS policy (see below) says funding for the required early intervention depends on families winning a case against the government in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).

Gold Coast single mother of autistic twins facing homelessness

By bobb |
mother in floral dress facing camera

Danielle Mahe

Tammy Majeed has applied for more than 30 rental properties over the past few months without any luck.

The single mother of twin boys, who have both been diagnosed with autism, says the family could become homeless if they do not find housing before their lease ends in March.

The 33-year-old said she had been desperately applying for help, but housing and support services have told her they can't do anything until they no longer have a roof over their head.

Mother of autistic man starved to death in Gold Coast hospital 'satisfied' with damning investigation

By bobb |
Daniel smiling

Danielle Mahe

In short:

An investigation into Stewart Kelly's death at Robina Hospital in 2022 has found staff lacked training in managing the complex needs of his neurodevelopmental condition.

Mr Kelly's mother, Ann Jeffery, says she hopes her son's "tragic death" from starvation and dehydration will serve as a catalyst for change.

Model revealed for Thriving Kids, the NDIS alternative for some children with developmental delay or autism

By bobb |

Nas Campanella

In short:

The federal government has released the model for its Thriving Kids program, aimed at setting up services and supports run by states and territories outside the NDIS.

The model centres on key areas including identifying children with developmental delay or autism, connecting them with information and supports, and building the skills of parents.

Mosman Park suspected double murder-suicide prompts calls for greater support for families with high-needs children

By bobb |
Maiwenna Goasdoue (left) and Jarrod Clune (right) facing the camera and smiling

Rhiannon Shine

In short:

Teenage brothers Leon and Otis, who lived with disabilities, were found dead in their Perth home along with their parents Jarrod and Maiwenna.

The incident, which police have described as a suspected double murder-suicide, is still being investigated.

What's next?

A disability advocate says the tragedy highlights the need for more support for families with high-needs children.

Labor offers to delay NDIS autism changes if states agree to hospital and disability funding deal

By bobb |
Albo and Butler walking down stairs

The $2bn Thriving Kids scheme, due to start on 1 July, would instead start in October, after states said they were not ready yet.

The Albanese government has offered to delay the start of a new program for early intervention autism services and provide budget top-ups for smaller states, part of efforts to secure an overdue deal on hospitals and disability funding.

Subscribe to