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Funding cuts threaten early intervention program helping kids with autism

By bobb |

Finding childcare is difficult at the best of times but when your child has a neurodevelopmental condition it's almost impossible.

One centre that specialises in kids with autism is achieving incredible results with its early intervention program.

Parents were happy and their kids were achieving things they never thought possible but now this special place is being threatened by funding cuts.

2025 Australian of the Year for Queensland - Geoffrey Smith (Yeronga)

By bobb |

The 2025 Australian of the Year Awards recipients for Queensland have been announced at a ceremony in Brisbane this evening. 

The Queensland recipients will join those from the other states and territories for the national awards to be announced on 25 January 2025. 

The 2025 Australian of the Year for Queensland is Geoffrey Smith, co-founder, Australian Spatial Analytics. 

NDIS providers struggling to remain viable amid funding issues as people with disability lose access to support and employment

By convenor |

For the past seven years, Peter Thorn has thrived under his National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan.

As someone who is non-verbal with autism, the support he receives allows him to live alone, volunteer regularly, go to the gym and be part of a Special Olympic swimming squad.

He has also been receiving overnight support — a time where he is most vulnerable.

But 10 months ago, he was told there was an "error" in his plan, turning his seven days of overnight support per week into seven days a year, without explanation.

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

By bobb |

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.