Submission
No 128
INQUIRY INTO SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM
DISORDER
Name: Narelle McCaffrey
Date Received: 23 April 2016
Submission S128 Received 23/04/2016 Family and Community Development Committee
secondary school, employment etc., but, what about more practical, in home type services for the (seemingly) growing number of autistic parents? I honestly believe
Education
I am very blessed that the school my children attend demonstrates inclusion for all children as best they can with the funds have (from what I have seen). As mentioned above, my autistic son does not qualify for funding under the PSD due to excellent language skills. The current criteria for funding in the state education system fails to recognise and support that have sensory issues around noise and visual distractions, and who need support to navigate school with extremely high levels of anxiety. While I applaud the current government on steps being taken to create more inclusive learning environments for our children, to say that I am disappointed in the response to the very recent review of the PSD is an understatement. My son, and many like him are at risk of disengaging from school, and unless parents have a large sums of money to pay for supports for their children, this is unlikely to change. The recent PSD review mentioned the autistic children who do not qualify for funding because of their language skills and it made a number of recommendations. One recommendation that is being funded will supposedly help those autistic children are currently unfunded. The confusing thing is, the money in this package is to be used on language programs. This makes very little sense for a child who already has good language skills. A new PSD funding model was recommended as part of the review. This 3-tier model would provide schools with resources to better support these (currently) unfunded children, yet the government, failed to respond to this. One of the recommendations that had the greatest opportunities to help those who need was not responded to.
Conclusion
There are many autistic individuals who receive no support either in the community, or education. The understanding of autism by member of society needs to grow. Should you wish for me to comment further, please do not hesitate to ask.
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