Home | Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia

Steve Robson

Health Minister Mark Butler faces a delicate balance ensuring tens of thousands of autistic children don’t lose vital support as he moves them from the NDIS to his new Thriving Kids scheme.

In August this year Health Minister Mark Butler announced his commitment to moving tens of thousands of Australian children from the National Disability Insurance Scheme to a new program to be called Thriving Kids.

Read more about NDIS overhaul must allow kids with most profound autism to retain supports

Almost, two months after A4 made its submission to the Thriving Kids inquiry, the Committee got around to publishing a redacted version of the submission - see https://www.aph.gov.au/DocumentStore.ashx?id=aa16eb63-911d-40fb-a99f-3d….

A4 is a national disability representative organisation (DRO) for autism that is recognised by government. A4 is the only national recognised DRO for autism representing the full autism spectrum.

Read more about Thriving Kids Committee finally publishes a redacted version of A4's submission

Dear Minister Butler MP

I recently became aware of the Westmead's One Stop Shop pro bono service for profoundly autistic patients (and others with severe disability who otherwise do not access many crucial health services). This service was described on the ABC in 2023.

Read more about urgent funding needed for Westmead's One Stop Shop for patients with profound disability

The NDIS was built on a vision of inclusion, dignity and empowerment. But to realise this vision, families need to be shown compassion and have human connection with agencies, writes Legal Services SA chief executive Annmarie Lumsden.

Read more about It took a tribunal to get an SA 9-year-old funding from NDIS. What about everyone else?

Callum Godde

Negotiations on changes to support for autistic children have hit a roadblock as a state premier declares federal Labor is shirking its responsibilities.

The Albanese government wants to move some children with autism and developmental delays off the National Disability Insurance Scheme to rein in spending and keep the scheme viable.

The Thriving Kids program would instead provide early intervention and support for the cohort through mainstream channels such as general practitioners and schools.

Read more about 'Cruel game': cracks showing over NDIS scheme shake-up

Tessa Koumoundouros

New research suggests that those diagnosed with autism in late childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood are more likely to have a different type than those diagnosed in early childhood.

Read more about Study of Over 45,000 People Finds Autism Is More Than One Condition

Andrew Leigh MP looking serious with crossed arms

The Hon. Andrew Leigh MP responded negatively to A4's request that the ABS's SDAC survey collect data in 2025 (or 2026) ... ahead of the government's recent decision to wait until 2028.

The Minister's (undated, received 9/10/2025) response is available below.

A4 does not understand why the survey would return to a six year cycle during the early stages of NDIS stabilisation (or major reform), the start of Thriving Kids, and the design phase of Foundational Supports for people with disability.