AEIOU has long recognised that change is the only constant in life, and this is certainly true when it comes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Armed with research-backed evidence and a strong tradition of advocacy, we’ve worked tirelessly to ensure the voices of autistic children and their families are heard when government policies are under review.
Right now, with the NDIS rolling out sweeping reforms that significantly impact AEIOU families and other autistic children in our communities, our advocacy is more important than ever.
An independent review of the NDIS was announced in October 2022, following widespread publicity around the Scheme’s rising costs. AEIOU actively participated in this review process.
While we understood the Scheme’s costs needed to be controlled, we remained adamant that children with complex needs and their families should be included in the consultation process, and access to evidence-based supports which have a return on investment to individuals, family, community and the economy should be retained.
When the Review was published at the end of 2023, there was cautious optimism regarding the Australian Government’s commitment to a five-year reform timeline. There was hope that this would allow leaders in the disability sector time to adjust accordingly, and for participants to be supported through change.
However, months before the first tranche of legislation was passed in October 2024, troubling signs emerged: NDIS plan reviews were under extensive delay alongside increasing cases of denials to funded supports for autistic children with complex needs.
AEIOU raised these concerns early, warning of the risks posed to this cohort of children and their families. As the impact of these changes accelerated, AEIOU launched an advocacy campaign.
We continue to encourage all AEIOU staff, families, and the community to contact their local MP and senators, as well as the NDIS Minister Hon. Bill Shorten about any concerns they have with the reforms.
This is an important point of interest for all Australians: we live in a privileged country, and it is extraordinary to see children who are deserving of everybody’s care and attention being failed in this way.
AEIOU is committed to maintaining access to quality supports during this time of uncertainty, introducing part-time enrolment options and a specialist childcare service.
You can show your support by signing the petition to safeguard integrated, intensive therapy supports for this special group of children.
Getting behind your community will help ensure their voices and lived experiences are heard. Please sign our petition and join us in advocating for the future of autistic children.
About children accessing AEIOU’s services:
- A significant number of families attending AEIOU are now receiving low-value NDIS plans, limiting the quality and duration of critical autism supports their child can access
- 15% of parents in our cohort report high stress levels, and an additional 30% of parents report clinically high stress levels
- 7.41% are First Nations, Torres Strait Islander, and/or Australian South Sea Islander
- 36.07% identify as culturally and linguistically diverse
- At AEIOU, children make gains in early learning skills, often at rates above what would be expected of a typically developing child
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