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

To find a (free) disability advocate to help you, try:

Reports provided to the National Autism Strategy (NAS)

By convenor |

As the NAS got underway, A4 provided several reports (see below).

The Autism Spectrum Disorder in Australia report describes numerous datasets relating to autism. Australia has several national datasets that include population data relating to people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. These show diagnosis rates over time, by age, etc. Some of the data is quite detailed.

National Autism Strategy: express your interest to be part of the Oversight Council or Working Groups

By convenor |
National Autism Strategy, Expressions of Interest, Closing soon

Expressions of interest are now open for the National Autism Strategy’s Oversight Council and its Working Groups.

This is an exciting opportunity for autistic people and representatives from the autism community to make sure the voices of autistic people, their families, carers and those that work to support them are at the heart of the National Autism Strategy.

The Oversight Council and Working Group members will guide the co-design work to develop and implement the Strategy, with Working Groups to consider four key areas:

Average wait time for autism assessments in children is over 3 years

By bobb |
view if girl drawing with chalk on a footpath

New research has revealed that children wait 3.5 years on average for neurodevelopment assessments.

The largest study of needs of families requesting neurodevelopment assessments found that the average time for families waiting on a completed assessment for their children was 3.5 years in public services. This wait time started from when parents first noticed a concern to when they received a comprehensive assessment.

DSS needs to better understand autism in Australia

By convenor |
Subject:DSS needs to better understand autism in Australia
Date:Fri, 2 Dec 2022 17:39:39 +1100
From:Bob Buckley (A4 Convenor) <convenor@a4.org.au>
To:Amanda.Rishworth.MP@aph.gov.au

Dear Minister The Hon A. Rishworth MP

Thank you for your interest in Ensuring people living with disability have the support they need.

I notice that your media release says:

Subject: improper use of so-called Independent Assessors in AAT reviews for autistic NDIS participants

By convenor |

Subject: improper use of so-called Independent Assessors in AAT reviews for autistic NDIS participants
Date: Wed, 16 Nov 2022 09:44:04 +1100
From: Bob Buckley (A4 Convenor) <convenor@a4.org.au>
To: The Hon. Mr. Shorten MP <Bill.Shorten.MP@aph.gov.au>, attorney@ag.gov.au
CC: ...

Dear The Hon Bill Shorten MP and the Hon Mr Dreyfuss MP,

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