The float, page-86

That’s no doubt true (that better diagnosis has led to an increase in autism cases). Government incentives (under the NDIS, especially) have also been an important factor in promoting testing and diagnosis for autism; unfortunately, however, it’s also true that some have joined the NDIS gravy-train on questionable grounds, sometimes with the assistance of ‘compliant’ medicos. The effect of that has been (and will be) to increase the pressure to constrain the growth of the NDIS overall, with the result that genuine and needy autism sufferers will receive less help than they arguably deserve.

One other point. You mention the targeted help that autistic children can receive in specialised schools and classes. That’s also true, of course, but under the banner of ‘Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’ there’s now a concerted push to abolish ‘special schools’ and limit ‘special classes’ within mainstream schools. Needless to say, children with special needs will suffer under this approach, but that’s of little concern to those who promote this agenda,