Submission notes for the Inquiry into the Thriving Kids initiative
Dear Committee
Thank you for the opportunity to make a submission regarding the Thriving Kids initiative. I am writing as an autistic person who has worked in the disability service sector for over 10 years and seen what support looks like before and during the delivery of the NDIS.
Here is a list of questions and concerns that I would like you to consider and address: Will these resources and this information be offered in languages other then English and in Plain English? What criteria will be used to determine “mild to moderate” autism? Is there an evidence-based test or diagnostic tool or series of them which will be used? Will autistic people be spoken and listened to when deciding how effective any program or initiative has been? Were any autistic people consulted in the first place regarding this? For CALD and First Nations issues, I feel like it is necessary to consult with these moments as they would be the most qualified to speak about these issues. I feel like a lot of workforce support, education and training is needed to make Thriving Kids work as well as it is intended. This would have to include how to avoid diagnostic overshadowing, getting workers to not treat autistic people, especially children as a nuisance or ignore them and speak to a support person instead, especially as a first response. Teach the importance of the fact that autism looks different for everyone.
Don’t accuse someone of lying or faking if their version doesn’t present how you expect it to. How can all of the levels of government guarantee that no child will be worse off? How will ‘best practice’ be decided and by who? I feel concerned that this program could be used to reduce costs and not offer children the supports they need as well. The concern regarding “best practice” relates to the fact many people offer ideas about how to deal with autism, just look at what Donald Trump has said recently, many of these ideas are false and frankly offensive to those who are autistic, especially as they are not only not helpful but actively harmful to us. Final thoughts: I am very concerned about this initiative as it could lead to many autistic children not receiving or losing the supports that they need to thrive. Such a failure would lead to major negative long-term consequences – such as poorer life outcomes, for them and their families. I understand the need to make the NDIS sustainable but I don’t want to see children suffer for it to happen. If Australia is as serious about the idea of a fair go as it likes to ask that it is and if we want to see these children become independent adults, then we need to ensure that this done with all due care and that any children in this program are given the support they need to lead a fulfilled and meaningful life.
Thank you for your time.