Page 3628 - Week 12 - Wednesday, 24 November 2021
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
Services, neurodevelopmental and behavioural paediatricians operate in the community paediatrics and child health service, one arm of the Women, Youth and Children’s Community Health program. Referrals to this service have grown significantly over recent years, in line with Australia-wide trends.
Data from the Australian Paediatric Research Network shows that six in every 10 children will be seen by paediatricians in outpatient clinics for neurodevelopmental or behavioural concerns at some point. The most common conditions are autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, sleep disturbance, learning difficulty and behavioural concerns.
The reasons for these rising numbers include increased awareness of neurodevelopmental and behavioural conditions, leading to increased rates of referral and funding systems that drive a demand for specific diagnoses, particularly autism spectrum disorder, to attract particular disability support services. I reference Minister Davidson’s comments in relation to the NDIS and disability support. The complex interrelations between these factors have led to significantly increased demand for autism spectrum disorder assessments and increased rates of diagnosis.
The Child Development Service, of course, continues to actively pursue the engagement of psychologists to conduct ASDS assessments. Unfortunately, workforce challenges, including an extremely competitive job market and many psychologists in the ACT having to close their books over the past 18 months due to COVID-19—with all of that—mean that this remains a very significant issue.
In relation to Mrs Kikkert’s proposed amendment to Ms Davidson’s amendment, I would also note that, while I acknowledge the intent behind Mrs Kikkert’s amendment and her original motion, it is telling that, despite noting in her speech that there was not an MBS item associated with autism assessment for children aged 13 and older—like our ACT government service, the only MBS items that are available are for children that have a plan by the time they turn 13—Mrs Kikkert’s amendment does not call on the commonwealth government to introduce MBS items in this space.
She spoke eloquently—and I think with justification—about the cost to families of going private, particularly those who do not have private health insurance. But never once did she call on her federal Liberal counterparts to address this issue. Perhaps she will do so in moving her proposed amendment.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who works at the Child Development Service and, indeed, the Canberra Health Services community paediatrics and child health service for the work that they do every day supporting children and their families, and all of those who work across other government and non-government organisations to support individuals and families in the Canberra community. Indeed, there are many teams of health professionals and support staff who do incredible work every day.
In the Child Development Service, in addition to autism assessment, our allied health professionals provide drop-in clinics for children up to six years old, for speech pathology, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. And social workers provide
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video