Time for action on a NSW Autism Strategy

And its all-too-common opposite, judgment – is evidently the dark, absolute rock bottom of thinking for yourself. As such, the quality of the lives we lead is so largely determined by how we apply the arsenal between our ears, and whether or not we put it to good use. Refraining from constant judgment of others allows for a more refined focus on the development of one’s own self. In the least, it makes us far less abrasive, if not able to confidently shine without any need of putting others down. As Amy Poehler once noted, “I want to be around people that do things. I don’t want to be around people that judge or talk about what people do. I want to be around people that dream and support and do things.”

Relatedly, like the consummate sage and mouthpiece for decency, the German writer Herman Hesse once suggested, “We should not seek but find, not judge but contemplate and understand, absorb and digest what we have absorbed. We should feel our whole being to be akin and attuned to the whole. Only then can we stand in a true relationship to nature.”

So, if you are one of those people inclined to judging others, try to remind yourself that unless you are in a courtroom be-donned in a white wig, then opt for a judgement-free approach to others, and always acknowledge, as Earl Nightingale once said, “When you judge others, you do not define them, you define yourself.”

STATE Member for Lismore Janelle Saffn says she welcomes the Australian Government’s recent release of the Draft National Autism Strategy.

Ms Saffn says “it provides the State and Territory governments with the opportunity to engage with the Draft National Autism Strategy.

“We need a NSW Autism Strategy and I have had discussions with the relevant Minister in the Minns Labor Government, Kate Washington,” Ms Saffn says.

“I raised the importance of an autism strategy in the NSW Parliament last year. South Australia is way ahead of us. Now we have the Draft National

Autism Strategy, we need to seize the momentum and get a New South Wales strategy to break down barriers for autistic children and adults and their families.”

President of the Northern Rivers Autism Association Micheal Lynch has teamed up with Business NSW Northern Rivers Regional Director Jane Laverty to co-host an Autism@Work business luncheon at the Ballina RSL Auditorium from noon today (Tuesday, 9 April).

The event, titled Embracing a Neurodiverse Workforce, celebrates Autism Awareness Month and guest speaker will be former dual-code international for rugby league and rugby union

Mat Rogers.

Ms Saffn says she will be an apology as she is recovering from Covid.

“A panel of speakers for today’s event is sure to discuss the Draft National Autism Strategy,” Ms Saffn says.

“It is clear from the draft that the states and territories and Federal Government need to work together because the strategy covers polices across both levels of government.

“The states have primary responsibility for the key areas of education, health, justice and housing.

“It is the states that have responsibility for pre-schools for example, where children are at critical age for early intervention which can make a huge difference.

“This is an opportunity for National Cabinet to tackle the crossover of responsibilities and ensure that this is an effective, properly funded strategy without gaps for people to slip through.

“Being in a rural or regional area can add another layer of disadvantage, so it is important that people from this region give their feedback to the national strategy.”

For more information on the Draft National Autism Strategy and to give feedback, visit the QR code below: