Schools are “struggling” to provide for autistic pupils following a 25 per cent increase in autism diagnoses in the past four years, according to government data and local area inspection letters.

The first published inspections of councils’ “local offers” for special education needs and disability (SEND) provision warn of rising autism referrals and lengthy waits – with a nearly 40 per cent increase in pupils with autism statements since 2012 in one area.

Michael Bernick 

Where is employment for adults with autism and other neurodiverse (developmental and learning) differences heading in 2017? What employment assistance or initiatives offer the greatest promise? If you want to help someone you know who is part of the neurodiverse workforce what should you be doing in 2017?

The Integrated Plan for Carer Support Services (the Plan) seems to fall well short of needs.

In a quick review (conducted December 2016), the Carer Gateway (see http://www.carergateway.gov.au/) was unhelpful. In particular, it lacked sensitivity to location and disability type(s).

 Soo Kim, travel writer 

Airports in Britain are being urged to provide better support for passengers with “hidden disabilities” under new guidelines issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

PENNY TIMMS

Australian children are missing out on vital early treatment for autism spectrum disorder because of a lag in diagnosis, according to the Australian Medical Association.

AAP

AMA position statement on Autism Spectrum Disorder recommendations:

Mr Bob Buckley

Convenor

Autism Asperger’s Advocacy Australia

convenor@a4.org.au

Dear Mr Buckley

Thank you for your email of 12 October 2016 to the Assistant Minister for Social Services and

Disability Services, the Hon Jane Prentice MP, regarding best practice early intervention for

autistic children and continuity of supports under the NDIS. The Minister has asked me to reply

to you on her behalf.