The Autism Advisory Group (AAG) met in Sydney on 18 June 2024 for their third meeting this year. Some members joined online.
Focus of the meeting
The June meeting covered:
- An update on the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Co-design approach
- Implementing the National Guidelines on Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism.
NDIA Co-design
The NDIA provided an overview of the current approach to co-design and the use of reference and advisory groups to support the expanded program of NDIS reforms. This included how the advice from the AAG will be incorporated.
Members noted it was important for the co-design working groups to include people who have practical experience with the National Autism guidelines.
Members also talked about how AAG members with expertise and lived experience could take part in current and future proposed NDIA co-design scheme reform items.
Implementing National Guidelines on Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism
AAG members discussed approaches for supporting the embedding of National Guidelines for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism in Australia and the National Guidelines for supporting the learning, participation and wellbeing of autistic children and their families in Australia (the Guidelines) across the NDIA.
To support the embedding of the Guidelines, members noted it is important to consider:
- what is in the scope of the NDIA to implement and what relates to other agencies and systems
- what may need to change in systems, processes and workforce capability within the NDIA.
AAG Next Meeting
The AAG’s next meeting is on 13 August 2024.