When the DSM-5 was published in 2013, it combined most of the previous "pervasive developmental disorders" under a single label, autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It indicated that parts A & B of its diagnosis criteria should each get separate severity ratings: 1, 2 or 3. And the diagnosis reports should also indicate with/without intellectual and/or language impairment (see https://a4.org.au/dsm5-asd). 

We've always known there is no single experience of autism. It can look very different from one person and one family to the next. At AAA, we've tried to reflect that in the stories we tell, the resources we create and the issues we advocate for.

The NDIS often espouses a "key worker" model for delivering multi- or trans-disciplinary therapy for children with autism or developmental delay. Sometimes, the expectation of key worker services are written into NDIS plans. 

The NDIS does not describe what this means. Searching the NDIS website finds no useful information. The NDIS's response to a Freedom of Information request for their information about key worker model showed they

Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4) made submissions and appeared before the Senate Committee. Like the rest of the disability sector, A4 expressed extremely strong opposition to Labor's proposed legislation. 

A4's representative, Bob Buckley, appeared before the Committee at 12noon on 10/6/2026 ... together with representatives from the Australian Autism Alliance and SWAN/EAC. 

Recent communication with the Attorney-General shows major disinterest in whether the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) that the government created in 2024 works effectively. 

A4's major concerns with the operation of the ART's NDIS division include: