Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has raised concerns about gaps and inconsistencies in the education system for children with autism, following a meeting with a Metung family worried their son may be left without a suitable schooling option.
Mr Chester recently met with Lily Martyn to discuss the future education needs of her youngest son, George, who has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 3.
George, who turns five in August, is due to start school next year. He is non-verbal, has significant sensory needs and requires a high level of support in communication and daily functioning.
Despite this, Ms Martyn fears her son may not qualify for a specialist school placement under current State Government criteria, which generally require an IQ score of 70 or below.
“The current criteria reduces my son’s future to a single number, and that number doesn’t begin to capture who George is or what he needs,” she said.
Ms Martyn said families often do not receive confirmation of eligibility until late in the year prior to school, making it difficult to plan.
“I can’t plan for George’s future or prepare him because the system won’t give me an answer until it’s almost too late,” she said.
She said mainstream schooling may be the only alternative, but she does not believe it would meet George’s needs.
“He needs an environment built around his differences, not one where he has to struggle every day just to cope,” she said.
Mr Chester said the situation highlighted broader issues in a system that involves both state and federal responsibilities.
“This raises serious questions about whether the current system is meeting the needs of children with complex disabilities,” he said.
“George’s needs are well recognised, and the family receives support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme, but he may still end up in a mainstream setting that is not the best outcome.”
Mr Chester said eligibility criteria should take into account a child’s functional needs and family input, rather than relying heavily on a single test score.
He said the issue was not isolated, with other East Gippsland families reporting similar concerns.
The situation also highlights the limited range of specialist education options available in regional areas compared to metropolitan centres.
Mr Chester said there may be merit in exploring alternative models, including specialist autism programs or pilot initiatives to better support children who fall outside current eligibility settings.
“We need to ensure every child has access to an education environment that supports their development,” he said.
“No family should be left without an appropriate pathway.”
Mr Chester said he would write to relevant ministers and continue advocating for more flexible education options for children with additional needs across Gippsland.
