National autism strategy in the pipeline, with both Coalition and Labor committing to plan

By bobb |
children walking forward (away from camera)

Australia is set to develop a national autism strategy regardless of who wins the federal election — a move that has been welcomed as a "good start" to changing community attitudes ;to children and young people with a disability.

Key points:

  • A parliamentary committee recommended an autism strategy after examining services, support and life outcomes for people with the condition
  • Both Labor and the Coalition have committed to introducing a strategy if elected on May 21
  • Advocates say a national strategy is a good start but more needs to be done

Earlier this year, a parliamentary committee that examined the services, support and life outcomes for people with autism recommended the establishment of a national strategy.

How autistic NDIS recipients could solve our cybersecurity skills gap

By bobb |

Tess Bennett

Autistic NDIS recipients are willing and able to work but fear if they get a job and lose it they will be ineligible for any future financial support from the scheme, a disabled rights activist says.

Rhett Ellis is an autistic entrepreneur with an interest in technology and cybersecurity who has lobbied the government to introduce autistic employment programs.

Government agency accused of being 'at war with those it should be supporting' as appeals against NDIS cuts spike

By bobb |
Sarina and Kaden

Kaden McCarthy, 10, lives with autism and has difficulty using and interpreting verbal and non-verbal communication.

Key points:

  • There has been a big increase in the number of NDIS participants reporting their plans are being slashed
  • Lawyers say they cannot keep up with the demand for assistance and the appeals system is congested
  • The government says the increase in appeals reflects the overall growth in the NDIS

Free Webinar: What's in the Senate Inquiry Report on Autism?

By convenor |

The Australian Autism Alliance is holding a webinar on Tuesday 29 March (from 12.15pm-1.00pm) at which Chair of the Select Committee, Senator The Hon. Hollie Hughes, and Deputy Chair, Senator The Hon. Carol Brown will outline the report’s key findings and recommendations.

A4's Monique Blakemore will be chairing.

Click here to Register.

 

Autism Alliance welcomes bold Senate Report to deliver positive change for all Autistic Australians

By bobb |

Amaze: Media Release

The Australian Autism Alliance today welcomes the release of the Senate Select Committee Inquiry’s history-making report on Autism. This is the first time there has been such a broad-ranging national inquiry into the issues facing Autistic Australians with recommendations for positive change.

DSM-5 revision tweaks autism entry for clarity

By bobb |
DSM-5 cover with graph superimposed

Peter Hess

Two changes to the criteria for diagnosing autism are slated for release tomorrow in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), published by the American Psychiatric Association. The small changes add clarity and nuance to how the reference text defines autism, but they are unlikely to change diagnostic practice, experts say.

Melbourne autism researchers develop world's most effective early screening tool for children

By bobb |

A screening tool developed by Australian researchers has been found to be the world's most effective tool for diagnosing children who are on the autism spectrum.

Key points:

  • A study of more than 13,500 Victorian children found the La Trobe University tool to be the most effective in the world
  • The tool teaches health workers to use a checklist to identify key behaviours when children come in for routine appointments
  • Children as young as 11 months old have been identified as having a higher likelihood of autism

Greater training needed for health professionals caring for people with cognitive disability

By convenor |
Commonwealth logo - words: Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability

The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability has released a Commissioner’s report on Public Hearing 10: Education and training of health professionals in relation to people with cognitive disability.

The report makes 9 findings and 12 recommendations in relation to the education and training of health professionals across Australia including nurses, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists and speech pathologists.

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