New research finds 1 in 28 Australian children may have FASD

By bobb |
27 grey human figures ... and one orange figure

Isabella Southwell

A new national study suggests that one child in every classroom may be living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, with major implications for early childhood educators and support services.

Up to one in 28 Australians may be living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), according to new modelling led by the University of Sydney. The study, published in Drug and Alcohol Review, is the first to estimate FASD prevalence in the general population using national data.

Long delays in autism diagnosis hurting children’s future

By bobb |

STEPHEN LUNN

The earlier an autistic child is diagnosed, the better their long-term outcomes. So why are initial diagnoses taking longer and longer?

Almost one in three families is waiting more than two years for a diagnosis for their autistic child, significantly more than a decade ago, a new survey finds.

And getting the right support at school for children with autism is a parent or carer’s biggest worry, it concludes.

hoping for a better Administrative Review Tribunal

By bobb |

Dear Justice Kyrou and Mr Michael Hawkins

I write about some of the operations of the NDIS Division of the new Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). 

I am a volunteer advocate and have now helped over 60 NDIS participants in their requests for the AAT and ART to review the statements of participant supports (SOPS) in their NDIS Plans. These have mostly been reviews of plans for young autistic NDIS participants.

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