National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026

Submission 2365

My Experience With My Son’s Developmental Challenges

My son was diagnosed with severe non-verbal autism when young; his condition made him unable to communicate verbally or read/write effectively until adulthood. He had difficulty interacting socially due in large measure because:

• He could not understand social cues;
• His body language often indicated frustration rather than friendliness, as he’d growl and scream if someone tried interfering while watching videos on TV; or lash out violently at unexpected routes during car rides. The family struggled significantly as my wife withdrew from her professional life after realizing Lachlan wasn’t developing normally—she spent all hours trying to find ways she might assist him through various means like seeking medical advice & learning how best care for him despite dysregulation issues. Lachlan has now reached age twenty-nine thanks largely to support workers who have come to love, trust, respect, and accept this individual fully into their lives. With constant round-the-clock assistance, he is able today to live a meaningful daily existence: managing self-care within home environment, enjoying cooking, arts/crafts activities, outdoor exercise, contributing positively back towards community welfare.