right to education for a child with disability being decided in NZ

By bobb |

The NZ High Court "found that Green Bay High School in Auckland was not justified in excluding a student with Asperger's syndrome, following a row he had with a teacher." [see article]. This may not be over yet.

I am not a lawyer and I do not know NZ law. I know that under international law, paragraph 3 in Article 23 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRoC) says every child has a right to "education, training, health care services, rehabilitation services [and] preparation for employment" ... and that "the state" is ultimately responsible for ensuring this happens. Specifically, in relation to children with a disability, the CRoC says ...

... assistance ... shall be provided free of charge ... and shall be designed to ensure that the disabled child has effective access to and receives education, training, health care services, rehabilitation services, preparation for employment and recreation opportunities in a manner conducive to the child's achieving the fullest possible social integration and individual development ...

Medical Journal - Autism spectrum disorder: A guide for physicians to help families

By bobb |

Increased awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is placing huge demands on health care systems and health care professionals to help children and their families cope with the disorder. A comprehensive evidence-based review published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) aims to help physicians provide appropriate medical support to families of children with ASD, from detection to treatment.

Susan Boyle diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome

By bobb |

Susan Boyle: diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. Photo: Getty Images

Scottish singer Susan Boyle has revealed that she has been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism.

Boyle, a 52-year-old church volunteer who became a global singing sensation, told Britain's Observer newspaper she had been diagnosed a year ago and spoke of her relief after years of bullying for her learning difficulties.

I think people will treat me better because they will have a much greater understanding of who I am and why I do the things I do.

"It was the wrong diagnosis when I was a kid," she said.

We Belong: Aspect reports on adults with Asperger's Disorder and "high functioning autism" in Australia

By bobb |


Warning: this material is depressing

Autism Spectrum Australia released a report on the lives of adults with autism spectrum disorder but without intellectual disability, a group of vulnerable citizens who are often/routinely denied appropriate and necessary services and supports.

NDIS: reverts to original name ... slowly and cheaply

By bobb |


The Coalition in line with its pre-election commitment has directed that DisabilityCare resume its original name of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The return to NDIS has two purposes. The first is to leave behind a name that was seen by many people with disability as patronising and not reflecting the intent of the scheme to have the individual at the centre and in charge.

People with disability don't so much want to be cared for as supported to be as independent as they can.

Bob Buckley: State Finalist (ACT) Senior Australian of the Year 2014

By ianrgrs |

Autism activist

Many people would find it impossible to devote the time and energy to advocacy activities while also caring for a child with a disability. For Bob Buckley, however, having a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has driven his desire to raise awareness, attract funding and advocate for better opportunities for people living with ASD. After his son was diagnosed with the disorder, Bob began to apply his outstanding academic and analytical skills to become one of Australia’s most formidable ASD activists. In 2002, Bob co-founded Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia, which he convenes to this day.

Autism CRC website and a media release

By bobb |


Australia's Autism CRC has posted its website — see http://www.autismcrc.com.au/

It also posted a media release ...

Researchers to unveil details of world first autism diagnostic tool

Australian researchers are combining genetic, biological and behavioural research to develop a world first screening tool that could enable early identification of autism risk.