People on autism spectrum die 18 years younger than average

By bobb |

Emily Underwood

People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) die on average 18 years before the general population, according to a report released today by Autistica, a philanthropic group based in the United Kingdom. People with both ASD and an intellectual disability die even younger, on average 30 years earlier than those without the conditions.

Senate Committee report: Access to real learning: the impact of policy, funding and culture on students with disability

By bobb |

The report is available at http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Educatio…

It contains: 

RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommendation 1

4.75 The committee recommends that the government commits to funding schools on the basis of need, according to the Gonski Review.

Recommendation 2

Senate committee calls for royal commission into disability abuse

By bobb |

A Senate committee has found a royal commission is needed into the abuse of people with disabilities, after a parliamentary inquiry heard "shocking" and "cruel" examples of violence and neglect around Australia. 

The report, by the Senate's community affairs committee, found that while there are no clear national statistics on the prevalence of violence against people with disability, there is "overwhelming anecdotal evidence". 

THE UNCOUNTED COSTS: CHOICE AND CONTROL FOR PEOPLE WITH BEHAVIOURS OF CONCERN

By bobb |
This study explores how the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can best ensure that people with behaviours of concern are offered choice and control in the emerging disability support market.

Summary

Using the experiences of two provider organisations – Anglicare Tasmania and Optia – the research examines what is involved in providing support for people with behaviours of concern. Behaviours of concern can include verbal and physical aggression, damage to property and vehicles and self injurious behaviours. Behaviours of concern are often volatile and can change from day-to-day.

2015: National Autism Centre (USA) review of ASD interventions 0-22yo

By bobb |

People who are prepared to read a "new review and analysis of interventions for autism spectrum disorder (ASD)" can find one to download here: http://www.nationalautismcenter.org/nat…

This project is designed to give educators, parents, practitioners, and organizations the information and resources they need to make informed choices about effective interventions that will offer children and adults on the spectrum the greatest hope for their future.

Submission to Review of Australia's Welfare

By bobb |

front coverA4 submitted the report below to the Australian Government's Review of Australia’s Welfare System.

A4's report highlights that ... 

  • people with autism want to work and are capable of working. The problem is that employers, including governments in Australia, simply do not employ people with autism,
  • describing people with disability as "leaners", or as "rorters, bludgers, slackers, etc." does not improve employment outcomes,
  • growth in Disability Support Pensions is not even as big as growth in autism diagnoses ... so there is no real welfare crisis, but growth in the number of people diagnosed with autism deserves much more attention, and
  • Australia's welfare compared to GDP is below average for the OECD so Australia's welfare system is sustainable at present and is not heading towards being unsustainable, as the current Government claims.

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