National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 Submission 1063
To Whom It May Concern,
While I am not an NDIS participant, I am making this submission as a concerned member of the autistic community. There are several points I wish to raise that I believe are missed when it comes to discussions about autistic people and the support we need.
Firstly, autism is a dynamic disability and needs vary widely from person to person and day to day. While I am glad to see terms like high and low functioning being used less often and, by and large, no longer used in professional circles, many of us do not fit neatly into the so called “levels”. While I personally can hold down a full time job, this can only be done in certain environments and with a lot of accommodations in place. Moreover, while I would be categorised as level one, I can occasionally have the support needs of a level two or three if I am experiencing sensory overload or have gone non verbal due to a serious emotional upheaval. An annual assessment is not an accurate representation of our needs due to occasions that require assistance with communication, day to day tasks, and assistance with sensory needs in someone who appears close to neurotypical.
Secondly, I have heard from a concerned participant that the NDIA often dictates to participants the support that will be delivered rather than listening to participants’ needs and concerns. This can lead to poorer outcomes for participants and I myself have experienced similar treatment in what was, at the time, called the Disability Employment Network. An expert, such as a medical expert, who does not have lived experience, should not have the final say over the top of the willing consent of a participant capable of making their own decisions. It is my firm opinion that this is simply ableism on behalf of the NDIA and it needs to be stamped out.
Finally, I am deeply troubled that conversion therapy, in the form of Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA from here on) is being actively funded by the NDIS. This is a cruel form of treatment that does nothing more than force the victim into looking more neurotypical. This is not that far removed from the desired outcomes of those that promote and practice conversion therapy on the gay and transgender communities. Those who have been through ABA are up to nine times more likely to attempt suicide that the rest of the neurodivergent population. Recently, ABA practitioners have tried to sugar coat their practices by saying that aversives are not used. However, the victim is still rewarded for appearing to be more neurotypical and there are still cases of preventing victims from going to the toilet, being held in positions that are potentially life threatening, and having their emotional well-being being disregarded. The focus must be on neurodiversity affirming care and activities like animal therapy, sensory affirming outings, and participation in strong interests.
While I am disappointed that so little time has been given to this inquiry, the potential cuts to the NDIS have the potential to cost lives. I would implore you to fully consider the consequences of the proposed legislation on the autistic community and work with us rather than neurotypicals who consider themselves experts on this topic.