Comments on twitter indicate that an NDIS "independent assessment", part of its pilot, did not go well.
This is hardly surprising. The NDIA's CEO sent a letter to all NDIS participants claiming "The [NDIA's assessment] tools have been ... used all over the world for many years". There is no such tool for assessing the capability, and more importantly the support needs, of autistic people. There most certainly is no assessment tool for ASD that has been used, and shown to be accurate, "all over the world for many years".
On the 23/5/2018, the Minister for Social Security wrote to autism organisations to "assure" them that there would be "extensive consultation with stakeholders and the community" before making any changes to NDIS eligibility (see http://a4.org.au/node/1761).
Recently, the A4 Steering Committee separated due to personality differences, significantly different views and some name calling. Basically, the committee was not working.
In any case, A4 needs leadership renewal and A4 needs more push from members. It needs more members participating in the activities of the organisation, adding their energy to its advocacy. Also, A4 needs members saying what they want and how to achieve A4’s vision and mission (see http://a4.org.au/a4/visionmission).
Differences have arisen within the A4 Steering Committee (A4 SC) that cannot be resolved.
As a result of discussions and with regret, a majority of the A4 SC decided the divisions in the A4 SC were detrimental to the organisation and cannot be overcome. A majority of the A4 SC have agreed that separation is the best way for everyone involved to move on.
On the 23/5/2018, the Minister for Social Security wrote to autism organisations to "assure" them that there would be "extensive consultation with stakeholders and the community" before making any changes to NDIS eligibility (see 