We've seen autistic doctors and detectives on TV, how about Rain Woman?

By bobb |

Madeleine Ryan

I'm autistic, and I've rarely ever seen myself in the television characters that are supposed to represent me. There seem to be a lot of doctors, detectives – and dudes. It's hard to find stories about openly autistic girls and women navigating life as openly autistic girls and women; and even harder to find ones where autism is treated as more than a freakish gift, or as a disability.

key message - A4 and NDIA meeting, 4 July 2018

By convenor |

Bob Buckley, A4 Convenor, met with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Chairman, Dr Helen Nugent AO, and NDIA CEO, Robert De Luca, along with Ms Vicki Rundle and Mr Peter De Natris, at the NDIA’s Canberra office on 4th July 2018. Mary Mallet, DANA CEO, also attended.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss how to improve outcomes substantially for autistic people of all ages, including children.

In relation to children, this includes:

The Australian pig farm benefitting from employing people with autism

By bobb |

Cassandra Hough

It is not easy for people on the autism spectrum to find work, but an Australian piggery is trying to change that.

SunPork Farms is part of an initiative called Autism and Agriculture which is aiming to develop career paths for people on the autism spectrum in animal care roles.

In Australia only about 40 per cent of autistic adults have a job.

Improving public transport for people with autism

By bobb |

For people with autism, travelling on public transport can be traumatic and stressful experience making them highly anxious. Autism is characterised by limited communication and reduced social skills, repetitive behaviour and high sensitivity to light, sound, touch and smell. People with autism enjoy routine. So late news that a train or bus is delayed or cancelled, can bring with it extreme frustration and disorientation.

Advisory group plans to improve NDIS outcomes for Australians with autism

By bobb |

Amanda Lyons

The Autism Advisory Group, established as a voice for people with autism participating in the National Disability Insurance Scheme, announced its four key issues of focus for the next 12 months.

The Autism Advisory Group (AAG) was established by the Federal Government to advise the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) on issues faced by people with autism in relation to accessing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

NDIS Autism Advisory Group sets priorities

By bobb |

Minister's Media Release

The new Autism Advisory Group (AAG) will provide a strong voice on behalf of people with autism who are participating in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Minister for Social Services Dan Tehan said the Australian Government established the AAG because of its commitment to a collaborative, fact-based approach to autism and the rollout of the NDIS.