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cruel NDIS policy targets the most autistic and vulnerable NDIS participants

By convenor |
NDIS logo - broken into two bits

NDIS policy (AAT Case Management Guide Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) - see below) fails some of the youngest and most severely autistic NDIS participants. Clinicians advise that some children with severe/profound or classic autism need intensive early intervention for their autism. NDIS policy (see below) says funding for the required early intervention depends on families winning a case against the government in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).

ABC RN: Concern as RFK Jr declares US will find 'cause' of autism in months

By bobb |

The US Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr, has boldly predicted the US will have found the cause of autism by September.

Mr Kennedy has launched a study to investigate what he calls the autism "epidemic", prompting concerns in the medical industry that it may only serve to promote spurious claims linking autism to vaccines, which Mr Kennedy has long supported.

Outgoing senior US health official Dr Peter Marks has said overnight that it amounts to giving people false hope. 

Long delays in autism diagnosis hurting children’s future

By bobb |

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.

Opinion: I’m an NDIS participant. Here’s what I’ve uncovered about this chaotic system

By bobb |

Zoe Mithen Disability advocate

Fixing the NDIS mess requires honesty, not scapegoating. Costs can only be controlled by limiting participant numbers – tightening eligibility – or cutting average per person funding levels

Since 2017, when the National Disability Insurance Scheme rolled out in my area of Victoria, it has been a lifeline.

ChatGPT: NDIS and parents of autistic children

By convenor |

ChaptGPT provided the following response in relation to the NDIS's approach to parents of autistic children ...

There have been reports and discussions surrounding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia regarding derogatory comments or insensitive behavior by some officials towards parents of autistic children. While it's important to note that not all officials engage in such behavior, there have been instances where parents have reported negative experiences. Some concerns raised by parents include:

Is generic speech therapy for autistic children evidence-based?

By bobb |
Speech Pathology Australia logo

Answer: it appears not.

Recently, the NDIS was unable to provide any evidential basis for having generic speech or occupational therapy listed as a support for autistic children - see https://a4.org.au/node/2674

There are various other examples where evidence supporting generic speech therapy is missing. These include research reviews for Australian Government agencies - in particular

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