ASD on ABC News Breakfast

Some of the VAC 2012 keynote speakers were invited to speak live on ABC News Breakfast on Thursday morning, prior to the conference opening.

Professor Tony Attwood, and Nicola and Jonathan Petty, talked to Karina Carvalho and Michael Rowland at the Melbourne ABC studio about the issues that families face as individuals with ASD grow into adulthood. The burden of care falls to parents who have very limited support or funding.

Professor Tony Attwood (l) with Michael Rowland, Karina Carvalho, ABC News Breakfast presenters, and Nicola and Jonathan Petty tell the audience about ASD prior to VAC 2012 on Thursday morning

Jonathan was quick to put Michael right on his age – 23 on Saturday (today) – and talked about the importance of music in his life. Jonathan got in a great plug for VAC 2012, whilst Mum, Nicola, talked about some of the difficulties facing families and how the hard work has had great results for their family.

We would love to see more discussion of the ongoing issues for people of all ages living with ASD, in the media, to help educate the whole Australian community and we’re appreciative of the ABC picking this up.