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cruel NDIS policy targets the most autistic and vulnerable NDIS participants

By convenor |

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).

Carers are increasingly socially isolated and highly distressed, national survey reveals

By bobb |
female carer looking worried or stressed

In short:

First results from the 2024 National Carer Survey showed about 60 per cent of respondents reported being socially isolated, and around half suffered from high or very high levels of psychological distress.

These figures were similar to or slightly higher than those found in the 2022 National Carer Survey.

What's next?

With the number of carers in Australia growing, experts argue that more sustainable investment is needed in formal support.

Hannah's son was put in a box at school. She's one of many parents calling out the practice

By bobb |
boy-size cardboard box

Zacharias Szumer

The widespread use of 'restrictive practices' in Australian schools is leaving children with disability traumatised and their parents exasperated. Some teachers are also appalled by what they've seen.

Hannah's nine-year-old son Max is intelligent, particularly in "maths, science and thinking outside the box," she says.

Yet, because of behavioural issues he was having at his school in regional Western Australia, he was put in a box — literally.

SBS News has changed both their names for privacy.

Autism diagnoses rising among U.S. children, adults

By bobb |
child's hands and letter-tiles saying "autism"

Big surges in new autism diagnoses among young adults, as well a rise in diagnoses for girls and young women, have driven a near-tripling of U.S. autism cases in just over a decade, researchers report.

Data on over 12 million patients enrolled in major U.S. health care systems found that between 2011 and 2022 the number of people diagnosed with autism climbed by 175%, according to a study published Oct. 30 in the journal JAMA Network Open.

To get access to life-saving NDIS support, I had to make a lot of noise

By bobb |

Elena Filipczyk

The life-changing call came from a sunshine-voiced woman.

"Just calling to let you know that your application has been approved, so you are now a participant of the NDIS," the woman said in her voicemail.

I didn't hear anything she said after that. Sitting beside me, my friend Sam screamed with excitement as I sat silently in shock.

"Elena, you're finally going to get the help you deserve!" Sam cheered.

After the shock, relief flooded through me as the realisation hit.

Changes in the Concept of Autism - 2024

By convenor |

Our understanding of autism has changed over the last forty years.

Historically, autism was diagnosed based on narrow criteria. Today, while still defined by social and communication difficulties, rigid interests and repetitive behaviours, the autism spectrum is far wider, and the historical under-diagnosis of women and girls is being addressed.

‘Autisms’ are more often discussed as neurodivergence rather than a single ‘disorder’ to be treated.

This lecture explores how our understanding of autism has changed, and directions for future research.

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