Disability

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Parents could face thousands of dollars of medical fees to maintain the same care, if new Medicare items reflect existing ones.

After autism changes, Labor will still need to find billions more in NDIS savings

Figures supplied to this masthead show that the Thriving Kids program will help the budget – but not enough to completely get NDIS spending under control.

  • Natassia Chrysanthos

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Last week, the government announced children will be moved off the National Disability Insurance Scheme and onto the Thriving Kids scheme.

NDIS wasn’t equitable or sustainable for families. As a paediatrician, I welcome change

While the NDIS has enabled better access to supports for some children, it is neither.

  • Harriet Hiscock
Health and Disability Minister Mark Butler announced the reforms this week at the National Press Club.

Medical bills could surge in unclear NDIS shake-up

As the government looks to rein in the NDIS and create new Medicare pathways for children, parents could face thousands in new costs.

  • Nick Newling
Gold Coast mother and childhood development expert Dr Kristyn Sommer was late diagnosed autistic, aged 27.

‘NDIS isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline’: Parents hit back at autism funding plan

Parents, health professionals and advocates from across south-east Queensland have weighed in on the federal government’s plan for autism funding.

  • Courtney Kruk
Liberal MP Phil Thompson and his daughter Emery, who has been assisted by NDIS early intervention support.

‘Families feel like their child is an inconvenient dollar figure’: The MP, his daughter and the NDIS

Liberal MP Phil Thompson’s political instinct tells him to support budget repair on the NDIS. But as a father of a five-year-old autistic child, his heart says otherwise.

  • Natassia Chrysanthos

Cold hard facts and figures don’t tell the whole NDIS story

There is logic to the government’s planned changes to the scheme, but there are also real human risks, especially for children.

  • The Age's View
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National Disability Insurance Scheme participants have received an apology and refunds after being incorrectly pursued for debts.

NDIA chased more than 100 disabled participants for debts they did not owe

The agency has blamed poor process and human error for incorrectly pursuing 115 people for debts.

  • Grant McArthur
Thriving Kids is the new name for the foundational supports that the 2023 NDIS Review called for.

Anxious wait for those living with autism as NDIS rethink unfurls

For thousands of parents, it’s essential their children can access early support and care – but also it’s fair for government to ensure this support is limited only to those who absolutely require it.

  • The Herald's View
NDIS Minister Mark Butler announced changes to the scheme on Wednesday.

NDIS costs will still need to be reined in, but this autism plan is a good start

The government had no choice but to attempt to rein in the costs of the NDIS. This week’s initiative, while not perfect, is a step in the right direction.

  • Sam Bennett
Adam Weeks and Cara Delarue with their four children Ivory, 3, Elijah, 7, Madelyn, 4, and Kohen, 5.

‘You’re saving money by having children go without’: Parents scared of NDIS changes

Sydney parents have criticised announced changes to autism on the NDIS but there is cautious optimism the change could allow children to access earlier support.

  • Mary Ward and Kate Aubusson