The mother of a disabled boy who has severe behavioural issues is pushing for better skills and standards after settling a discrimination lawsuit with a Victorian support provider.

Catherine Blundy’s discrimination test case against The Lakes Christian College has settled, with the school agreeing to measures to better support autistic children.

In reaching settlement, Catherine, her mum Hannah, and the College have made the following statement:

Hannah Blundy and The Lakes Christian College have agreed to resolve Catherine Blundy’s claim against the College currently before the Federal Circuit Court.

Agron Latifi

Traditionally, most research about autism is conducted by people who are not themselves on the autism spectrum.

However Dr Amanda Webster, from the School of Education, and her fellow University of Wollongong researchers, are involving autistic people in all aspects of the research process, from deciding research questions, to data collection and analysis, to translating the findings into real-world outcomes.

Tate Papworth

For many residents a return to lockdown is tough.

For carers and those with a disability it’s a return to the toughest of situations.

Keilor Downs resident Despina Havelas is a full time carer for her 19-year-old son Kon.

Kon requires Ms Havelas’ support due to his Autism.

She has long been an advocate for better carer support within Brimbank and said prolonged periods of isolation have exacerbated the issues.

Ben Smith

CADEN Sharp probably did not expect his first job to go so well, but he has embraced the extra responsibility it has provided him with.

The 19-year-old is loving life after securing a part-time role with Coles in South Lake at the start of this year, following a successful work placement with them.

Mr Sharp lives with autism and secured a work placement with his local supermarket after working with BizLink to find employment options, having not previously held any permanent positions prior to his current role.

Australians with autism, their families and carers are being urged to have their say about their experiences of living with the condition in a nation-wide survey, due to close on Monday 29 June.

The survey was developed by the Australian Autism Alliance, a network of organisations representing people with autism, in response to information sought by the Federal Government's Select Committee on Autism. 

The Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council, which brings together the top health officials across the nation and today discusses the gender clinic controversy for the first time, has requested states and territories to carry out the audit and review, and report back by July 17.

Sophie Lamberts

Working from home, communicating via a computer, social distancing ... In a world turned upside down by coronavirus, some people on the autism spectrum have prospered, and returning to how things were is now a source of anxiety.

For some adults with autism, it seems strange that the marvels of working from home and social distancing are only being recognised in the wake of a pandemic.