The following list shows A4's recent advocacy. This list contains both publications (including briefs and submissions) and communications (letters & emails).

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no confidence in DSS and Foundational Supports

By convenor |

The letter below says there are 134K autistic children getting CA(child) and 148.5K autistic NDIS participants in the relevant age group. In 2022, the ABS SDAC estimates there are 161K autistic Australians most of whom would be eligible for CA(child). At 9% growth per years, the ABS estimate would be around 191K in 2024. These data suggest that it is likely that in 2024 around 30% of eligible autistic children did not get CA(child). A4 suspects that those missing out are likely to be children who most need this Foundational Support.

NDIS data show declining autism diagnoses in young Australians

By convenor |
NDIS logo

The proportion of young children (age 0 to 6 years) diagnosed with autism in the NDIS has declined significantly since the full roll-out of the NDIS. The number of autistic NDIS participants aged 0-6 years old in the NDIS decreased 32% in the 2 years from 30/9/2022 to 30/9/2024.

The following chart shows the number of children in the NDIS with different types of "primary disability" according to data published by the NDIS on their website. 

Updated data ... Dec 2024

2024 - Making an effective National Autism Strategy; sector expectations and requirements

By convenor |
report from cover - Making an effective National Autism Strategy; sector expectations and requirements

Bob Buckley provided the submission below to the Oversight Committee of the National Autism Strategy (NAS) and the relevant Ministers. 

It was written quickly ... with less consultation than is ideal. While it's his submission, a summary of the issues raised was shared with A4's Management Group who provided input towards the submission.

A4 provided detailed commenatry on parts of the Health working group's draft Health Roadmap for Autism. 

A4's response to the draft National Autism Strategy - abundant opportunity for improvement

By convenor |
cover of A4's "silver buckshot" response document

The Department of Social Security is charged with managing the development of Australia's National Autism  Strategy.

The consultation process for the first draft strategy has closed -  see https://engage.dss.gov.au/developing-the-national-autism-strategy/

A4's "silver buckshot" response to the draft National Autism Strategy prepared by DSS staff is available from the links below.

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