NDIA Accountability Project

Submission 74 — Murray Human Services Inc. — Inquiry into services for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Submission

No 74

INQUIRY INTO SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM

DISORDER

Organisation: Murray Human Services Inc.

Date Received: 20 April 2016

Submission S074 Received 20/04/2016 Family and Community Development Committee

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  1. Do you feel the disability sector provides sufficient and quality tailored services to people with ASD?

If yes, what are these? If No, how can this be improved? Yes 25% No 75% o There’s only 1 service provider in Kerang and only 3 days on offer for day programs, if ASD people are deemed unable to work in a sheltered workshop. There is no training available. These kids were well occupied and making progress till they turned 18 and left school and now receive a limited and unsatisfactory program. Two workers is insufficient to cater to a group of various disabilities-some noisy, mobility problems and attention to task deficits and loners. o Can be improved by better service, information and utilising good qualified people to provide a good service. o At present more group facilities are on offer. This is not the best way for this group of disabled people to improve their social skills. 1:1 is much more productive and preferred as well as small selective groups. o My son is in a DHHS accommodation service, which has three other people with ASD. Day placement assists him to fit in with others.

  1. Do you feel information and support is easily accessible within the health system for people with ASD and their families? Yes 50% No 50% If No, how can this be improved?

    o It’s not usually till a crisis occurs that we seek and investigate support. It usually

always comes down to funding. o Particularly in the rural sector, there is very poor provision of this service. o Yes it’s getting better. When my son was diagnosed twenty two years ago, there was no information.

  1. Are you aware of any program/s within your community that help facilitate the participation of people with ASD in the community and employment? Yes 25% No 75% If Yes, what are these? If No, what program would you like to see implemented and why?

  • Training. 1:1 workers alongside ASD people in the workplace training to give skills and confidence and self esteem. Utilising my son’s computer skills. Insurance is usually the biggest hurdle for businesses to cater for our ASD people.

  • Information services should be implemented by local Shires to assist and provide a good service to people with disabilities. o Not already in place. Would love to see more selective and 1:1 programs that assist future employment for this group of disabled people.

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  1. Do you believe that the implementation of the NDIS will affect the services and supports currently available to people living with ASD and their families? If Yes, how?

  • I hope not and like to believe there’ll be more opportunities but can’t imagine any changes to current services available. There may even be more pressure on carer’s coordinating and making decisions.

  • No as all areas in country Victoria need more funding and services. • I hope so, just because there’s more money doesn’t mean it will go where it’s most

effective and have the best results.

  • It will give my son broader horizons to maintain his goals
  1. Is there a particular focus you would like addressed to improve the lives of people with ASD and their families?

  • Yes, building and improving social skills for adults is just as important as it is for young children and this group get forgotten. Targeted improvement is, for any age group of ASD clients and therefore helps their families.

  • More accommodation houses to assist in parents placing their child in permanent care.

  • To occupy clients (ASD) 5 days a week with interest. A residential/respite house in Kerang to help with transition when the time comes to leave family home, we don’t want our kids to move to Echuca or Swan Hill for housing or short term respite. Our kids have no friends, so need young companions/escorts/workers and for weekends instead of ageing parents, to get out of their bedroom retreats of self pre occupation occasionally, once a month for example to ease frustration, loneliness, boredom and isolation from community.