Jigsaw Autism Services

14/10/2026

📣 He helped develop I-CAN. Now he’s raising concerns about NDIS assessments.

In the latest episode of NDIS Insights with Dr George, our Independent Chair, Dr George Taleporos, speaks with Dr Sam Arnold, the former lead author of I-CAN, the tool being adapted to help determine NDIS budgets.

Sam led the development of versions four and five, trained hundreds of facilitators and personally conducted hundreds of assessments. His concerns deserve our attention.

Together, they explore some important questions:

🔹 What role will clinical judgement play?
🔹 How much will decisions rely on algorithms?
🔹 What happens when an assessment gets someone’s support needs wrong?

For people with disability and our families, these decisions affect our daily lives, our independence and our ability to pursue our goals. We need an assessment process that understands the supports we need, and a way to put things right when it gets them wrong.

Please watch and share this important conversation, and subscribe to NDIS Insights with Dr George on YouTube.

The link to the podcast is in the comments

12/10/2026

Read more: https://trib.al/IYvm5Sy

02/09/2026

A new NDIS assessment tool set to be introduced next year is raising serious concerns among psychologists and disability advocates. The adapted I-CAN tool relies on an interview conducted by a non-clinical assessor, with responses fed into an algorithm to determine a participant's funding.

Questions remain about whether the tool is scientifically reliable and valid for such high-stakes decisions, creating a risk that participants may receive funding levels that do not accurately reflect their support needs.

APS CEO Dr Zena Burgess warns that reducing the role of clinical reports risks undermining professional advice in the NDIS overall. That's why we will continue advocating for an NDIS that values psychologists' expertise and delivers fair outcomes for people with disability.

Read more: https://ow.ly/FyPI50ZI1jk

22/08/2026

The Picnic Train is excited to offer 1 hour return trips from Gosford to Hawkesburry River. Perfect for a family day out.

01/08/2026

If your around on the Central Coast catch this great play over the next 2 weeks. Starring our own Joanne and Eliza Brearley

14/07/2026

27/06/2026

UniSC researchers are seeking autistic parents and carers, as well as parents and carers with chronic health conditions or disabilities, to take part in an anonymous survey about their parenting experiences. You're eligible if your youngest child is 5 years or under. The findings will help shape how parents are best supported during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.

To find out more and go in the draw to win one of five $50 AUD e-gift cards (courtesy of UniSC) head to https://hubs.li/Q04mr1p00
Questions? Contact Angela Hinz at [email protected].
Ethics Approval Number: A252872

09/06/2026

Upcoming Parent Info Session: What does that mean? Interpreting Behaviour. Presented by Marie Rodatz, CliniKids Occupational Therapy Clinical Lead.

🗓️ Thursday, 11 June
⏰ 10.30am-12.00pm AWST | 12.30pm-2.00pm AEST

Are you a parent of an autistic or developmentally delayed child? This workshop explores the ‘why’ behind your child’s behaviour. We’ll discuss how our behaviour impacts on the child, as well as the various tools kids and adults use to regulate.

LEARN:
💛 To understand social communication, including joint attention and symbol use.
💛 About emotional regulation, including self- and mutual regulation.
💛 About transactional supports, including interpersonal and learning supports
💛 To identify what transactional supports you’re already using.

Register: https://shorturl.at/HI3t7

17/05/2026

When my son was first diagnosed, I had no idea what communication meant. Learning to communicate non-verbally came first and it was often such fun.

04/04/2026

Happy Easter to all of you wonderful Superstars!

Love from the Planet Jassi team. 🩷