01/09/2025
Concerns over Mark Butlerās Comments on Autism and the Thriving With Autism Program
The recent announcement by Mark Butler has sparked significant concern within the autism community and professional circles. Butlerās suggestion that children with autism, particularly those described as having āmild to moderateā autism, may no longer require lifelong National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) support is both misleading and potentially harmful.
No Such Thing as Mild or Moderate Autism
It is important to clarify that the terms āmildā and āmoderateā autism, as used in Butlerās comments, do not reflect clinically recognised categories. Autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that manifests with varying levels of support needs. While the NDIS classifies support requirements under different levels, these are not simple severity labels and do not diminish the significant challenges faced by individuals at any level.
āLevel 1,ā often informally called āmild,ā still entails substantial challenges for many, and āLevel 2ā or āmoderateā involves considerable support needs. Importantly, the NDIS already prioritises support for those with higher needs (Levels 2 and 3), and these distinctions should not be used to justify exclusion or reduced funding.
Autism Is a Lifelong Condition
Contrary to Butlerās implication, autism does not simply go away as children grow older. Support needs may evolve over time, but autism remains a lifelong condition. Suggesting otherwise risks diminishing the lived experiences of autistic individuals and the continuous support they require to thrive.
Financial Motivations Behind the Thriving With Autism Program
The underlying motivation for this shift appears to be financial. Butlerās proposal allocates $2 billion towards the new Thriving With Autism program, intended for children under eight years with autism or developmental delays. This funding is to be matched by state governments. However, this amount pales in comparison to the current $44 billion NDIS budget, representing a substantial reduction in dedicated funding for early intervention.
Furthermore, the Thriving With Autism program is yet to be fully developed, with no clear infrastructure or service pathways beyond vague references to support through general practitioners and schoolsāboth of which are already under considerable strain and often unable to provide adequate specialised support.
Lack of Consultation and Impact on Families
The announcement was made without meaningful consultation with the autism community, families, or clinical professionals. Such exclusion raises serious concerns about the programās ability to meet the nuanced needs of these children. Transitioning children out of the well-established NDIS framework to an untested program risks leaving many without the individualised support they currently receive.
A Government Contradiction: Cuts and Subsidies
At the same time as proposing cuts to NDIS support for autistic children, it is notable that the Australian government plans to provide approximately $4.8 billion in diesel fuel subsidies to mining companies for the 2024-25 financial year. Over the past two decades, these subsidies have amounted to nearly $60 billion. This stark contrast in government spending priorities raises questions about equity and commitment to supporting vulnerable Australians.
In summary, Mark Butler's comments and policy direction regarding autism reflect a troubling minimisation of the conditionās lifelong complexity and a concerning reduction in support funding. Autism advocates, families, and clinicians can rightly question why vital early intervention funding is being cut at the same time that large fossil fuel subsidies continue unabated. It is imperative that policy decisions are grounded in evidence, respect the needs of autistic individuals, and are developed in partnership with the community they are intended to serve.
With uncertainty in the air, getting a comprehensive autism assessment that includes evidence of a person's functiong, not just the diagnositic label, is essential, using the measures or assessments NDIS wants.
https://www.feelhappynow.com.au/post/is-autism-for-life
