Real-life impact, not diagnosis, should determine NDIS support, write researchers Nancy Sadka and Josephine Barbaro Ahead of the release of the government’s review into the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the topic taking centre stage is the diagnosis of autism. Over one third of people accessing...
Does the government’s new draft do enough to help those in crisis? Asks Andrew Whitehouse The Australian government released its draft National Autism Strategy yesterday. It aims to power a “coordinated national approach, supporting Autistic people at each stage of life”. The strategy is the fulfilment of...
"Research suggests early intervention is linked with better outcomes for children later in life,” said Kirrilie Smout, clinical child psychologist and founder of Calm Kid Central. Recent research commissioned by HCF, Australia's largest not-for-profit health fund, sheds light on the mental health struggles encountered by Australian...
With many families travelling around Australia over Easter and the school holidays, the NSW Health Department is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being originally notified in early February of a woman with the illness in Sydney. Since measles has...
Many Australians are struggling to pay for everyday essentials. Researcher Dr Ana Gamarra Rondinel reports but some of us are feeling the pinch more than others As we head into the Easter period, many Australians are facing a long-term cost-of-living crisis. Thanks to inflation and incremental interest...
Parents say the mental load is crushing, report researchers Kimberley Baxter and Rebecca Byrne. Feeding babies and toddlers can be challenging at the best of times. But when families can’t afford enough food, let alone the recommended range of different coloured vegetables or iron-rich meats, it’s...
On 'World Autism Understanding Day', April 2nd, Professor Andrew Cashin looks at the diversity and the definitions and what has changed. Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg describes herself as having Asperger’s while others on the autism spectrum, such as Australian comedian Hannah Gatsby, describe themselves as...
The Maritime Museum Sydney is excited to share some fantastic news. In honor of World Autism Understanding Day on April 2nd, they're teaming up with Aspect to create a sensory-friendly experience for all families, especially those with children on the autism spectrum or with sensory...
Mental Health affects one in seven kids. Anna Gibson reports on what to look for: Children may have difficulties in more than one of these five areas: • Behaviour: - Externalising problems or ‘acting out’: disruptive, impulsive, angry or hyperactive behaviours. - Internalising problems or ‘holding in’: inhibited or...
You should focus on these 3 things, write researchers Mihiri Silva, Elodie O'Connor, Rachelle Welti and Sharon Goldfeld One in three Australian children has tooth decay by the time they start school, and this number rises to more than 40% by the time they’re eight or nine. Teeth decay...
