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).

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

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.

National Autism Roadmap: Nice vision, but where is the funding?

By convenor |
Australia's National Autism ¾-Strategy - blue circle with 1/4 cut out

Media Release

Autistic Australians and their carers are calling for answers after a long-awaited plan to address the disparities in healthcare for Autistic individuals was today released by the Australian Government's Department of Health, with the disclaimer that funding is yet to be secured. 

The roadmap, which was drafted in December 2024 was reviewed by Minister Rishworth and Minister Butler before reaching the Prime Minister’s desk, who declined funding under his government.

ChatGPT: NDIS and parents of autistic children

By convenor |

ChaptGPT provided the following response in relation to the NDIS's approach to parents of autistic children ...

There have been reports and discussions surrounding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia regarding derogatory comments or insensitive behavior by some officials towards parents of autistic children. While it's important to note that not all officials engage in such behavior, there have been instances where parents have reported negative experiences. Some concerns raised by parents include:

255 Organisations Demand More Time to Codesign NDIS Reforms

By bobb |
Every Australian Counts logo

Australia's disability sector, including A4, united over the government's poor approach to disability reform. They said: 

A coalition of 255 disability organisations and providers, including Australia’s peak disability representative bodies, have come together to call for urgent action from the Government and the new Minister for the NDIS, Amanda Rishworth, to protect the safety and wellbeing of National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants amid rushed reforms.

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