NDIA Accountability Project

Delays in autism treatment and support for children

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: Thursday, 24 January 2013 9:18:08 PM

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.

Not knowing what services were available when my son was diagnosed with autism or what we needed led to delays in treatment then waiting lists lead to longer delays followed by massive bills getting private (and very limited services) treatment to start intervention as fast as we could when someone tells you it’ll be a two year wait to get the assessment you need to get help you find the money no matter how much debt your in.. We have to fight every step to get on waiting lists to get information and support.. There just aren’t enough therapists or agencies to help and god knows what we will do as he gets older and a lot of the therapists we use will only see him till he’s 7.. The future is scary for us a support system would be amazing.

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

  • Ensure support and equipment is available when needed,
  • Increased ability to coordinate services to suit the “whole” person/family,
  • Removal of age barriers to services for children

The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:

  • Therapy and allied health services,
  • Education support (technology/services/equipment),
  • Positive behaviour support and psychological services

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

I never realised how hard we would have to fight for services and support for our son at a time we were fighting to deal with the idea he was autistic.. Families have enough grief and pain in these situations without the stress of waiting lists and red tape

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Mrs Victoria Fahey