I am a strong supporter of the NDIS. It will bring much needed help and support to many families. However, I also have concerns about the way some people are manipulating the NDIS which could threaten the integrity of the scheme in the longer term. This is particularly applicable to the over-diagnosis of autism.
For these reasons, I agreed to take part in an article by Mike Steketee published in the online forum Inside Story in November 2017.
If you would like to read the article Autism and the NDIS – a Matter of Interpretation, visit (http://insidestory.org.au/autism-and-the-ndis-a-matter-of-interpretation).
Hello. Thank you…Love your blog!.
As a parent of a nearly 26 year old son with Classic Autism, I feel compelled to comment .
Firstly my son has been seen by Dr Roberts for some 20 years. His care and concern for the whole person , has always been evident . His guidance on a myriad of problems has made this difficult journey easier.
His guidance is based on his knowledge , experience and always from an ethical and professional standpoint.
I agree that there has been an overuse of the diagnosis of Autism. Much in the same way, ADHD was bandied about some years ago,”oh everyone has ADHD”. NO they did not!
Just as not everyone has AUTISM. To want a diagnosis of AUTISM, where it is not indicated , nor appropriate is a terrible disservice…..To the child where it is not warranted , it muddies the water for whatever is an appropriate label for that child. ( if a label is even indicated!).
…..To the blatant misuse of resources , financial, professional, medical, educational and parental.
And from my personal standpoint, it is taking away from those that do genuinely have AUTISM. Taking away from them resources that ethically they do qualify for.
The rigorous diagnostic process that they went through , is not to be taken lightly .
Nor should it be watered down , to achieve a diagnosis where none is present.
called and the phone was answered by a very kind and helpful young lady .She set my mind at ease that my grandson would receive help in more ways than one.
He is 21 and has only just been formally diagnosed /??
Hope is there for everyone just pick up the phone and call them
Maria