cruel NDIS policy targets the most autistic and vulnerable NDIS participants

By convenor |
NDIS logo - broken into two bits

NDIS policy (AAT Case Management Guide Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) - see below) fails some of the youngest and most severely autistic NDIS participants. Clinicians advise that some children with severe/profound or classic autism need intensive early intervention for their autism. NDIS policy (see below) says funding for the required early intervention depends on families winning a case against the government in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).

ABC RN: Concern as RFK Jr declares US will find 'cause' of autism in months

By bobb |

The US Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr, has boldly predicted the US will have found the cause of autism by September.

Mr Kennedy has launched a study to investigate what he calls the autism "epidemic", prompting concerns in the medical industry that it may only serve to promote spurious claims linking autism to vaccines, which Mr Kennedy has long supported.

Outgoing senior US health official Dr Peter Marks has said overnight that it amounts to giving people false hope. 

Long delays in autism diagnosis hurting children’s future

By bobb |

STEPHEN LUNN

The earlier an autistic child is diagnosed, the better their long-term outcomes. So why are initial diagnoses taking longer and longer?

Almost one in three families is waiting more than two years for a diagnosis for their autistic child, significantly more than a decade ago, a new survey finds.

And getting the right support at school for children with autism is a parent or carer’s biggest worry, it concludes.

Issues with ART NDIS Division operation

By bobb |

Bob Buckley has helped over 60 families with their AAT and ART reviews of their NDIS plans. His experience results in a number of concerns about operation of the ART. 

He has particular concerns about: 

  • so-called independent medical experts (IMEs)
  • the Tribunal treating the NDIS as a model litigant. 

He expressed them in a letter to Justice Kyrou and Mr Michael Hawkins of the ART. The Tribunal acknowledged receiving the email - see below.

Dear Justice Kyrou and Mr Michael Hawkins

hoping for a better Administrative Review Tribunal

By bobb |

Dear Justice Kyrou and Mr Michael Hawkins

I write about some of the operations of the NDIS Division of the new Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). 

I am a volunteer advocate and have now helped over 60 NDIS participants in their requests for the AAT and ART to review the statements of participant supports (SOPS) in their NDIS Plans. These have mostly been reviews of plans for young autistic NDIS participants.

Opinion: I’m an NDIS participant. Here’s what I’ve uncovered about this chaotic system

By bobb |

Zoe Mithen Disability advocate

Fixing the NDIS mess requires honesty, not scapegoating. Costs can only be controlled by limiting participant numbers – tightening eligibility – or cutting average per person funding levels

Since 2017, when the National Disability Insurance Scheme rolled out in my area of Victoria, it has been a lifeline.

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