Launch of National Assistance Card – Autism trial in Tasmania

This new card makes it much easier for autistic people to communicate their strengths and challenges; and critically – the type of understanding and assistance they may need in everyday community life situations. Autistic people are invited to design their own card  and to use it when and how they choose.  The card can include information about a person’s unique strengths and challenges. The types of information can be shared with others as written on their card or accessed by QR code, such as video-stories or other documents.  It is also about feeling safer in the community too, with options to include a contact person. The options are wide. Autistic Tasmania is […]

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Autism Assistance Dog Funded by NDIS

After three years of battling with NDIS, the Bugg family have finally secured funding for an autism assistance dog (AAD) for their autistic son Lucas. Relying on human touch to sleep at night, six-year-old Lucas found sleeping in his own bed impossible. However, just four weeks after getting his AAD his parents said “The benefits have been immeasurable. They’re just that massive.” Lucas’ dog Vinnie is one of just a few assistance dogs funded through the NDIS. Funding is vital as it costs around $50,000 to train an AAD which is then provided to the family for free. Read the […]

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Autism Terminology is important

The Autism Tasmania Board has endorsed a Terminology Policy that recognises the dual importance of: consistent use of terms that match the collective preferences expressed by the Autism community, and working in parallel to always follow individual preferences expressed by each person. Autism Tasmania will adopt this terminology in all communications and will work to encourage other organisations and the media to join us. View the Terminology Policy here.     […]

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