NDIA Accountability Project

Lack of support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

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

From: To: Community Affairs, Committee (SEN); Subject: Submission to the Inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012 Date: Thursday, 27 December 2012 8:59:02 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.

The disability system does not work for my family as people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder’s needs are not recognised, understood nor identified by the current system. They are brushed aside with the Dept of Communities assuming the Dept of Education and Training are supporting our children in the education system which is not true - there is very limited support. Then when our children progress or leave the Education system there is NO support. Families are left without any support and even more concerning is the lack of support/understanding/pathways for our young people who move into a world of isolation and totally withdraw even further from social interactions and lose their skills for coping in a world which does not accept/include them.

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

  • Better access to education and work opportunities,
  • People with a disability can plan their lives and pursue their goals and dreams,
  • People with disability/family will influence the types of support and services offered

The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:

  • Education support (technology/services/equipment),
  • Employment support,
  • Positive behaviour support and psychological services

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

People with a disability and their families deserve support as many of us also participate in the work force while supporting the person/or in some cases more than one person with a disability. People with an Autism Spectrum Disorder deserve more opportunities with education, support with transitioning into the workforce and education after high school. Support through a mentoring system in order to successfully achieve their education goals after high school. More support while they are at school - not enough support with this - people in the education system do not have an understanding or accept people with an ASD. Even though there is “lip service” with regards to improving this area it is not happening. On the other side of things people with a disability want to be valued, need to be valued and deserve opportunities in order to participate in the community - not just volunteering but in paid work, develop independence which requires support - funding needs to be on going and more directed into these areas and not “run out” every 12 months with people fearing that the service they are receiving is going to disappear. The whole funding system needs to be reorganised and I think and HOPE that the NDIS takes the funding from the top and distributes the funding to where it is needed.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Mrs Norelle Kasberger