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.

the Specialist Reporting Team's Alison Branley and national disability affairs reporter Nas Campanella 

If you are interested in knowing what advice the NDIA sought and received about autism from its selected and secret Autism Advisory Group (AAG) we're here to let you know ... the NDIA won't tell you.

The NDIA's Freedom of Information (FoI) process in this instance has been a total farce. The law says FoI requests should be processed in 30 days. But not in this case.

Geraden Cann

Ciara Jones

Chloe Thompson feared she would never hear her children say "I love you". 

Her two sons and daughter – all aged under 10 – have level three autism.

Shannon Eeles

As the debate over the National Disability Insurance Scheme intensifies, profoundly autistic children are being left behind, argues Shannon Eeles.

Opinion: As the debate over the National Disability Insurance Scheme intensifies, profoundly autistic children are being left behind.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics released some analysis of data collected in 2022 for their Survey of Disability Ageing and Carers (SDAC) - see https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/disability/disability-ageing-and-carers-australia-summary-findings/2022 

There is a brief section on autistic Australians. It says simply: 

Autism and disability