Dear Ministers Butler and McAllister
The Australian newspaper (in A caring approach to autism 25/2/2026) says incorrectly:
Nationwide, about one in three children are now diagnosed as autistic, Adams says, ...
Please, understand that the information is wrong and the writer, Sian Powell (cannot be called a journalist), misquoted the source, Prof. Adams.
Publishing misinformation like this seriously damages public perceptions about autism and autistic Australians. Australia deserves better.
I attach my correspondence with Prof. Adams. In her email to me (27/2/2026 - see attached) she says:
Thank you for drawing my attention to that article, I hadn’t seen it had been published.
I had spoken about 3% or 1 in 33 being autistic (e.. based on data summarised in https://theconversation.com/australias-rates-of-autism-should-be-celebrated-but-real-life-impact-notdiagnosis-should-determine-ndis-support-217921), so I will contact our media team right away to get that amended!
As yet (5/3/2026), the newspaper has not corrected its online article. By now, a journalist and/or a competent newspaper editor would have corrected the misinformation.
Will you (both) confirm that you and your government regard this report as incorrect and damaging for the autism sector in Australia? Please note: a response is required.
--
Bob Buckley
Co-convenor, Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4)
website: http://a4.org.au/
A4, a recognised disability representative organisation (DRO), advocates for autistic people, their families, carers and associates. A4 is internet based so that Australians anywhere can participate in and contribute to A4's advocacy for autistic people, their carers and allies.
A4 recognises the Traditional Owners of lands in Australia; we respect their elders past, present and emerging. Sovereignty was never ceded.
Recipients of correspondence from A4, especially politicians and government officials, are all subject to A4's policy on unanswered questions: see http://a4.org.au/node/1419.
The autism issue is that autistic people just don't deliver on the plans, dreams and expectations in other peoples' heads.
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| 20260305_The_Australian_newspaper_-_misinformation_about_autism_in_Australia_-_response_required.pdf (90.74 KB) | 90.74 KB |