Emphasising what can be achieved

The abilityNEWS Daily

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The Big Story

Focussing on what can be done (photo courtesy Playgroup NSW)

Looking for strengths

Children are increasingly diagnosed with autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and learning disorders. A new research paper is urging that assessments focus on the positive as well.

When a child struggles with making friends, focusing in class or keeping up with peers, parents often turn to clinical assessments to find answers. But a team of Sydney University neurological experts are asking what happens if the script is flipped, to look not at what’s going wrong, but what’s going right?

Adam Guastella, Kelsie Boulton and Natalie Silove have developed a ‘strengths checklist’ to help families identify these positive characteristics. Their study is challenging the traditional deficit-focused approach to disability by spotlighting children's strengths during neurodevelopmental assessments.

The Child Autism and Neurodevelopment Strengths Checklist (CANS) uses data from nearly 700 families that can help parents and clinicians to identify positive traits. This ‘checklst’ looks at abilities. from creativity and kindness to persistence and passions.

The idea is simple but powerful: when children and families recognise what’s working, they feel more motivated, confident and connected. Strengths can become the foundation for therapies, support plans, and everyday strategies that actually work.

This shift is especially vital in settings like the NDIS, where families are often required to list what their child can’t do to qualify for help. By focusing equally on what children can do, researchers hope to transform support into something more empowering.

A more detailed description of their project on the Conversation’s website can be read by pressing the link below.

Read the original conversation

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The Briefing

What the sector is saying

Together at Werribee

Werribee Down Syndrome Fun Day

by Down Syndrome Australia

Families from across Victoria gathered at Werribee Zoo for the 2025 DSV Family Fun Day celebrating connection and inclusion. Speeches, interactive activities, and performances highlighted the importance of community support for people with Down syndrome.

”Protecting your rights at work” is now up on PDA’s YouTube channel

by Physical Disability Australia

A recent webinar featuring ACTU Assistant Secretary Joseph Mitchell explains key workplace rights and employer responsibilities. The recording is available to watch on the PDA’s YouTube channel for those seeking clarity on employment issues.

Clearer distinctions between audiometrists and audiologists

by Deafness Forum Australia

Community feedback shows confusion between audiometrists and audiologists due to unclear distinctions in their qualifications and roles. Deafness Forum Australia highlights the need for clearer public understanding and system improvement in hearing care services.

More needed to drive accessibility in Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways partnership

by Physical Disability Australia

Physical Disability Australia is responding with 'wary optimism' to the airline partnership between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways, cautiously welcoming the move in the hope it leads to more inclusive airline travel. Airline accessibility in Australia has long been inadequate, as evidenced by the 2023 Disability Royal Commission.

How to access photo identification in Australian States and Territories

by People with Disability Australia

Photo identification can be essential for people with disability needing proof of identity not just for voting, but also regular services and support. Each Australian state and territory offers different types of photo ID cards with varying requirements and costs.

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The Wrap

The latest stories

Inquest told Indigenous prisoner did not receive disability support before death

by ABC

An inquest hears Victoria's prison disability support service has hundreds of inmates on a waiting list. Clinton Austin was an NDIS participant but did not get the support he was entitled to before he died.

Green light for NDIS accommodation

by SunraysiaDaily

MILDURA Rural City Council has imposed "more than enough" conditions on a proposed residential care accommodation for people with a disability in a Red Cliffs cul-de-sac to address the concerns of 27 objectors, a forum has been told.

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The Diary

What’s coming up

Go to abilityDIARY

Queer Disability Peer Network Event

The next session titled ‘Belonging and Identity: Navigating Faith & Inclusion’ will explore the intersection of faith, spirituality, identity, and belonging, particularly within the Queer and Disabled communities. This is a free event hosted by Valued Lives Foundation Ltd.

Date: 30 April 2025
Location: Fremantle Library, 151 High Street Fremantle (WA)
Time: 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM

Go to event webpage