Position Statements and Submissions
On this page you will find ASDP's official responses to key issues impacting developmental paediatric practice and the well-being of children with developmental challenges. ASDP actively engages in advocacy, providing expert insights and evidence-based recommendations to inform policy, improve services, and support better outcomes for children and families. Here, you will find our latest position statements, policy submissions, and contributions to public discussions, reflecting our commitment to advancing developmental paediatrics across Australasia.
Requests for ASDP's review or endorsement of other people's, or organisation's work should be emailed to admin@asdp.au with relevant details, allowing a minimum of three weeks for review.
ASDP Statement on Proposed NDIS Reforms (24 April 2026)
The Australasian Society for Developmental Paediatrics, representing nearly 1000 paediatricians across Australia and New Zealand, supports the shift from diagnosis-based funding toward a greater emphasis on functional support needs. Children with developmental delays should have access to support based on their needs, not based on the presence or absence of a diagnosis. This change has the potential to improve equity and ensure supports are better aligned to the needs of children and families.
At the same time, the details of implementation will be critical.
Child development is highly sensitive to the timing of interventions, access and environment. Early access to appropriate, evidence based supports plays a central role in shaping long-term outcomes across health, education and participation. Participation in everyday settings, including school, community and social environments, is fundamental to the development of communication, learning, regulation and social connection.
Proposed changes to eligibility, assessment and funding models will influence which children access support, and when. Further clarity is needed around how functional capacity will be assessed, including whether assessment tools are evidence-based, consistent and appropriate for children with developmental, fluctuating or less visible needs.
The development of foundational supports, including initiatives such as Thriving Kids for children aged 0–8 years, represents an important shift to service provision in the environments where children live, learn and play, with better awareness and identification of developmental delays and an opportunity to strengthen early intervention pathways. However, these systems are not yet fully established. For children 9 years of age and older, and for those who may not meet revised NDIS access criteria, the availability and accessibility of alternative supports remains uncertain.
Historically, community-based services, including early childhood intervention and school and kindergarten-based supports, played an important role in supporting children with mild to moderate needs. Many of these services have diminished or been dismantled as the workforce and service delivery shifted toward the NDIS. Re-establishing and strengthening these pathways, including through state-based systems, will be critical.
As reforms are implemented, careful attention will be needed to ensure continuity of access to support. Gaps or delays during transition periods risk leaving families without timely access to services during critical developmental windows.
ASDP supports evidence-informed, developmentally appropriate policy and remains committed to contributing clinical expertise to ensure reforms deliver improved outcomes for children while maintaining long-term system sustainability.
Position Statement: Autism Spectrum Disorder, paracetamol and vaccines
The ASDP joins reputable clinical and scientific experts worldwide in rejecting the claims of the US Government and President Trump regarding the causes of autism and ADHD, in particular, the association with paracetamol (acetaminophen) use during pregnancy.
2025
ASDP Position Statement: Autism Spectrum Disorder, paracetamol and vaccines
Position Statement: Risky Play for Children in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand
This statement provides the Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand context for the ASDP endorsement of the Canadian Paediatric Society Position Statement on risky play.
2025
ASDP Position Statement: Risky Play for Children in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand
Inquiry into Australia's Youth Justice and Incarceration System
ASDP's submission to the Inquiry strongly advocates to reform Australia's youth justice system in line with it's international obligations and to reduce recidivism rates and a greater focus on developmental needs.
2024
ASDP Submission to Inquiry into Australia's Youth Justice and Incarceration System
Medicare Benefits Scheme Review
The Medicare Benefits Schedule Review Advisory Committee recently called for input into the post-implementation review of Telehealth items. ASDP's submission focuses on equity of access to Telehealth services.
2023
ASDP Submission to MRAC Telehealth post-implementation Review
Inquiry into the Disability Services and Inclusion Bill 2023
ASDP's submission to the Inquiry into the Disability Services and Inclusions Bill(s) 2023, advocates strongly for differentiation in the legislation between children and adults, and the services and care required
ASDP Submission to Community Affairs Legislation Committee
The Voice to Parliament
The Board of the ASDP believes that self-determination and autonomy are central to achieving best health outcomes for children. We believe that better and more equitable health and developmental outcomes are achieved when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a genuine say in the design and delivery of policies, programs and services that affect their communities.
ASDP Position Statement: Voice to Parliament
NDIS Act and Tune Review
Review of the NDIS Act to inform the development of the NDIS Participant Service Guarantee (Tune Review).
Submission to NDIS Act and Tune Review
Cover letter to NDIS and Tune Review
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
2019
Australian Senate Inquiry into Effective Approaches to Prevention, Diagnosis and Support for FASD
Submission to the FASD Senate Committee
Cover Letter to the FASD Senate Committee
2018
Australian Department of Health consultation about the inclusion of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in the Medical Benefits Schedule funding.
NBPSA Joint Response on Proposed FASD Changes to MBS Funding
Autism Spectrum Disorder – Diagnosis Guideline (Australia)
ASDP has actively engaged with the ASD Guidelines review process since 2017. We continue to advocate for amendments to the guidelines which address a number of key areas affecting outcomes for children.
NBPSA Position Statement – ASD Diagnosis Guideline
NBPSA Media Release – ASD Diagnosis Guideline
The Autism Cooperative Research Centre was commissioned by the National Disability Insurance Agency to develop the Guideline.
Submission to Autism Diagnosis Guideline Australia (draft 1) 19 Oct 2017
Submission to Autism Diagnosis Guideline Australia (draft 2) 18 Mar 2018
Australian Marriage Law Survey 2017
The NBPSA holds the position that children are not harmed by having same-sex parents, other than by the associated societal stigma.
NBPSA Position Statement - Australian Marriage Law Survey 2017