Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia

New research from Western Sydney University, conducted and funded in partnership with major not-for-profit disability service provider Northcott, has shed light on the challenges autistic young school leavers face when trying to access NDIS support.

Download the flyer below. 

My letter (19/3/2025) to the ART is available at https://a4.org.au/node/2721.

The Executive Advisor to the ART CEO and Principal Registrar responded (dated 17/4/2025, posted 20/4/2025) - see below.

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.

Steve Robson

The NDIS is an easy target. It isn’t perfect, but it’s so much better than not having an NDIS. Time for some rational discussion and dealing with the real issues and not the political ones.

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.

Date: Fri, 28 Feb 2025 10:11:11 +1100
From: Bob Buckley <convenor@a4.org.au>
Subject: urgent meeting request - NDIS impairment categories and autism
To: minister.rishworth@dss.gov.au, Amanda.Rishworth.MP@aph.gov.au 

Dear Minister