Autism news

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).

Read more about cruel NDIS policy targets the most autistic and vulnerable NDIS participants

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:

Read more about ChatGPT: NDIS and parents of autistic children

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

Read more about Is generic speech therapy for autistic children evidence-based?

Sarah Lansdown

Schools have been allowed to flout laws and regulations regarding restraining and isolating children without facing any consequences, according to an official from the Senior Practitioner's office.

Read more about 'Locked in bike lockers': Schools accused of flouting laws on restraining, isolating children

Australia's disability sector, including A4, united over the government's poor approach to disability reform. They said:

A coalition of 255 disability organisations and providers, including Australia’s peak disability representative bodies, have come together to call for urgent action from the Government and the new Minister for the NDIS, Amanda Rishworth, to protect the safety and wellbeing of National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants amid rushed reforms.

Read more about 255 Organisations Demand More Time to Codesign NDIS Reforms

Erika McGown

Artist and neurodiversity advocate Daniel Bartholomaeus has been recognised for his efforts in using art to build connections.

Daniel Bartholomaeus sat with his hands pressed tightly over his mouth, his eyes wide with disbelief, sheer shock and excitement radiating. He had just heard his name announced as the 2025 ACT Young Australian of the Year.

Minutes before, Daniel had sat in the audience, taking in the experience.

Read more about on becoming  ACT Young Australian of the Year

Minister Katy Gallagher and autistic daughter Evie

Dana Daniel

Evie Gallagher, 17, says primary school was tough as a girl with undiagnosed autism.

"I just felt a bit different to everyone else, because people were learning at different paces," she said.

After the Albanese government launched the first National Autism Strategy last week, Evie and her mum - ACT Labor senator and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher - decided to share their story, so other families might have a different journey.

Read more about 'I just felt a bit different': Evie's symptoms went under the radar until late diagnosis

Grace Tame

There’s more than one way to clear a pathway. Personally, as a sworn enemy of the leaf blower, I prefer methods that aren’t loud, lazy, clunky and repetitious.

Speaking of bureaucracy, this week the federal government’s Department of Social Services released its first-ever official National Autism Strategy and corresponding action plan.

Read more about National Autism Strategy v leaf blowers

students in a mainstreream classroom (with their hands raised) - teacher with blackboard at from

Analysis of 50 years of research argues that there isn’t strong evidence for the academic advantages of placing children with disabilities in general education classrooms

by Jill Barshay January 13, 2025

A trio of researchers argues that it's unclear where students with disabilities learn the most and recommends that teachers and parents focus first on interventions students need.