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Hayden is flying around Australia to show others living with autism that the sky's the limit

By bobb |
young man and dog squatting in front of a light aircraft

Bridget Judd

Hayden McDonald didn't always feel like the world was built for him. But from thousands of feet above, life makes perfect sense.

"It's a disconnect from the world, it's my escape," he says.

Hayden McDonald takes off in a light aircraft: he feels at home when he's flying (Gfycat)

"Being on the autistic spectrum, life is a little bit difficult, so it's a way for me to be myself without anyone trying to tell me who I am."

National Autism Strategy: express your interest to be part of the Oversight Council or Working Groups

By convenor |
National Autism Strategy, Expressions of Interest, Closing soon

Expressions of interest are now open for the National Autism Strategy’s Oversight Council and its Working Groups.

This is an exciting opportunity for autistic people and representatives from the autism community to make sure the voices of autistic people, their families, carers and those that work to support them are at the heart of the National Autism Strategy.

The Oversight Council and Working Group members will guide the co-design work to develop and implement the Strategy, with Working Groups to consider four key areas:

StEPS towards national paediatric vision screening in Australia

By bobb |
doctor inspecting the eye of a young girl sitting in a chair facing him

Rhiannon Bowman

The fragmented nature of early childhood vision screening across Australia could be overcome if the eye health sector can implement a new nationwide program by 2030. The topic is close to the heart of PROF FRANK MARTIN, as outlined in his Council Lecture presentation.

The pursuit of an Australia-wide early childhood vision screening program has been a passion project for Professor Frank Martin throughout his career, and one that has endured many false starts.

Teenager author advocates for other students with autism at Armidale high school in NSW

By bobb |
jacob smiles ay camera, holding up a copy of his book

Olivia Babb

Jacob Lawrence, at age 17, is a support student captain at Armidale High school, a motivational speaker and a published author.

He also has autism, something he says doesn't define him but inspires him.

"I'm using it to motivate other people to do what they need to do," he said.

At just six months old, Jacob had a stroke that left him physically impaired, unable to bear weight in his legs or move the left side of his body.

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