Dear The Hon. Christian Porter MP

Recent media reports mention the increasing number of people being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and the possible impact on the NDIS. Apparently, more people are diagnosed with autism than the NDIA expected … especially in South Australia.

There are a number of issues relating to autism that we would like to raise with you. These include:

1. autism and the NDIS … particularly increasing numbers of diagnoses and the NDIA's minimal consultation with the autism community;

2. the challenges autistic people, families and service providers face trying to access professional behaviour and mental health services and support for autistic people; and

3. disappointing outcomes for autistic people in education and employment of autistic people.

Please can we meet you to discuss these matters?

Yours sincerely,

Bob Buckley

Convenor, Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia.

5/11/2015

Mobile: XXXX XXX XXX

email: cnvnr@a4.org.au

References:

• http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-11-05/government-warned-of-cost-blowout-in-ndis-rollout/6913246

• http://www.policyforum.net/policy-needs-of-autistic-australians-must-be-met/ and http://a4.org.au/node/1071

• http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/4428.0Main%20Features52012 and http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/4428.0Main%20Features62012

• http://a4.org.au/node/1027

The response received (16/12/2015) can be downloaded here. It has no discernible connection with the letter above.