Show news for a region of your choice (mostly Australian news).

Do autistic suspects get fair hearing?

By bobb |

A new study led by Flinders University finds both autistic and non-autistic suspects may be judged more harshly if any idiosyncratic behaviours in interviews stray beyond what observers consider as normal.

The research also undermines the widely held perspective – referred to as the ‘double empathy hypothesis’ – that autistic people can better ‘read’ differing intentions and motivations in other autistic people, more than non-autistic people can.

The Autism Spectrum: the case for both profound and complex labels

By convenor |

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). 

Complaining NDIS families face child protection threats

By bobb |
Ben McKay
Under-pressure families suffering cutbacks to their disability supports are being referred to child protection services if they complain.

A parliamentary review into Australia's disability support scheme has been told that the practice - while not commonplace - takes place across the country.

The WA-based South West Autism Network has documented more than 20 examples of surprise visits from authorities that have followed National Disability Insurance Scheme assessments.

NDIS's key worker model is just bureaucratic fantasy

By bobb |

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

unfair/unreasonable NDIS Compensation recovery legislation

By convenor |

Dear NDIS Ministers

Subject: unfair/unreasonable NDIS Compensation recovery legislation

I write to express deep disappointment and alarm at how the NDIS is using its compensation recovery legislation – Chapter 5 — Compensation payments of the NDIS Act 2013. I am aware of the NDIS “recovering” and thereby profiting from compensation for sexual abuse of individuals with disability who were sexually abused and subsequently compensated.