- abilityNEWS
- Posts
- Growth in autism numbers is genuine
Growth in autism numbers is genuine
Says an advocate who insists it simply reflects a growing awareness of real issues
Nic Stuart & Melissa Marsden
June 05, 2025
The abilityNEWS Daily
The Big Story
Advocate says spending money today will save more tomorrow
Recent NDIS reforms have made a concerted effort to remove neurodivergent children from the National Disability Insurance Scheme, with projections showing the cutbacks will reduce spending by $500 million in the following year.
LiveBig, a disability services provider, argues the growing trend for early behavioural support for children reflects growing awareness of the issue rather than overdiagnosis. CEO Juliet Middleton says early intervention and tailored support based on individual functioning is proven to reduce long-term dependence.
The rapid rise in autism diagnoses among Australian children - now reaching 4.3% of those aged 5 to 14 - means demand is surging for positive behaviour support. These do promote emotional regulation and participation in community life, but they're also expensive. Very expensive, by the time you multiply the cost per individual by the number of children affected.
Middleton is clear that the purpose of the NDIS is not to cover every variation of developmental delay saying “it’s for people with permanent, lifelong disabilities that significantly impair functioning”. Children with mild to moderate concerns, she argues, should be supported through alternative, foundational mechanisms rather than through the Scheme.
This, she believes, would preserve the integrity of the NDIS while ensuring that intensive supports go to those who need them most.
Middleton maintains that the surge in autism diagnoses should not be viewed with alarm, but rather as a sign of improved awareness and access to support.
“The increase is a good thing,” she says, “because it means children are getting help earlier, rather than waiting until issues become severe.”
The Briefing
Is consultation really futile? (image courtesy Every Australian Counts)
Dear NDIS Minister - NDIS legislation omits autistic impairments
By Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia
Autistic advocates have raised concerns that proposed NDIS legislation fails to reflect core impairments associated with autism. They argue the omission risks inadequate support for autistic individuals under the revised scheme.
Capacity Building Supports budget: Increased Social and Community Participation
By NDSP Plan Managers
The Increased Social and Community Participation category in the NDIS Capacity Building budget supports skill development and independence. It helps participants engage with their community through activities like workshops, transport and social events.
Latest School leaver provider quarterly report released
By NDIS
The latest quarterly report on school leaver providers outlines engagement levels, employment outcomes and support services offered nationwide. Key data highlights show of the 2,165 participants: 12% (266 out of 2,165) went on to further study or volunteer work. 22% (478 out of 2,165) achieved open employment outcomes. 4% (92 out of 2,165) achieved supported employment outcomes (working in a supported employment service). Increased time receiving skill-specific training was directly associated with a higher chance of making significant progress in applying those skills.
NMHCCF Lived Experience Theory of change
By National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum
The NMHCCF Lived Experience Theory of Change outlines a unified vision that centres lived experience in mental health reform. It emphasises leadership, shared progress and community compassion to build a fairer, more inclusive mental health system.
Cerebral Palsy Alliance celebrates groundbreaking research recognised at PSANZ Annual Congress
By Cerebral Palsy Alliance
Cerebral Palsy Alliance has been honoured at the PSANZ Annual Congress for its contribution to pioneering research. The recognition highlights advancements in early diagnosis and intervention for cerebral palsy through collaborative scientific work.
Support for a nationally consistent approach to assistance animals
By People with Disability Australia
People with Disability Australia has backed draft national principles for the regulation of assistance animals developed by the government. The group urges fair training standards, affordability, and animal welfare to support equal use by people with disability.
Photo courtesy ‘Friendly Dog Collars’
The Wrap
New research exposes barriers to NDIS support for autistic school leavers
By Medical Xpress
Recently published in Health & Social Care in the Community, the study is the first to explore the experiences of autistic school leavers, their families, teachers, and service providers in the context of NDIS Tier 3 support—a higher level of support for participants whose situations are more complex and who need specialist assistance.
A scuffle in the lolly aisle. The sickening death toll climbs. Another family face gut-wrenching grief
By The Guardian
The death of Kumanjayi White, a 24-year-old disabled Warlpiri man, after being restrained by police in Alice Springs, highlights ongoing issues of Indigenous deaths in custody and systemic racism.
Families love the Longreach way of life, except for a lack of disability services
By ABC
The problem for people in the bush, like the Ballards, is that they have limited choice and control over a permanent independent living situation for their child. Rental properties in Longreach are scarce and few registered NDIS providers offer housing.
Showdown set over compo plan
By news.com.au
The NSW Labor government's proposed workers compensation reform bill, which includes raising the threshold for permanent whole-person impairment from 21% to 30%, has passed its second reading despite opposition. Critics argue the changes could reduce support for psychologically injured workers.
Liquidated NDIS firm pays glamorous EA first, but frontline carers still waiting
By The Australian
Cocoon SDA Care, an NDIS provider, has gone into liquidation following a permanent ban due to systemic misconduct, including fraudulent claims. While payments were made to executives, frontline carers remain unpaid.
Quiz: Name a mainstream service required to be accessible under the DDA.
(a) Cafés (b) Movie theatres (c) All public services
Answer – All public services, including education, transport and shops, must be accessible.
The Diary
