Spam: Submission to the Inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012

From: To: Community Affairs, Committee (SEN); Subject: Spam: Submission to the Inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012 Date: Sunday, 20 January 2013 10:15:32 AM

Please consider this email a formal submission by me to the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs Inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012.

The current disability system has many problems that need to be addressed.

My son diagnosed with ASD at 20 months & I was devastated that there was no help available to him until after 3. Even after 3 unless he entered Autism Queensland which after much checking out, I decided against as I did not like their methods, the only program he can enter is a program for kids with all disabilities for (not ASD specific) for 5 hours a week. I have done a lot of research on early intervention & as every bit of research I have come across states that Autistic children need a minimum of 20 hours a week of intervention (including one by the Dept of Mental Health & Aging - 2006), I was not satisfied with this. I have since commenced an Applied Behaviour Analysis program with my son which is very intensive one on one & targets so many areas. He is improving incredibly but has such a long road ahead & the ABA program has only been possible due to his Fahcsia money which will run out this year before he is 4. I would love to continue this program right through unt il early primary years but do not think it will be possible. Having a child with a disability was a whole new door for me to walk through & like taking a bullet to the heart but I think the biggest grief I suffered was the lack of help & choice available to him. The focus with Autism is very much on Early Intervention, we can make a difference with these kids & hopefully they will lead fuller lives. I cannot understand why the help they really need is not available & is certainly not affordable. The government gave me $12000 which was certainly a godsend but walk a day in the life of any parent of a child with Autism & you would realize it is a drop in a very large ocean. Give us the ability to make choices to help our kids & one day these kids may have a choice.

The main features of the NDIS that will make a difference to the community are:

• People with a disability can choose the types of support to use,
• The ability to receive services when needed and in the way that suits the person,
• People with disability/family will influence the types of support and services offered

The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:

• Therapy and allied health services,
• Life-skills,
• Case management, planning and coordination

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

As above

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Miss Christine BULMER