Stop leaving autistic children to suffer on waitlists — expand SLPs in Western Australia
The issue
Specialist Learning Programs – Stop Denying Eligible Children
My daughter Caoimhe is 9 years old. She has Autism and ADHD.
Last year, she was confirmed eligible for the Specialist Learning Program (SLP – Autism).
But here we are — nine months later — and she’s still waiting.
On a list.
No timeframe.
No appeal.
No accountability.
💔 The Cost of Delay
Every day children like my daughter are denied access to the support they’ve already been approved for, their mental health suffers. Anxiety, self-esteem, school refusal — these are not small issues. And the longer they go unsupported, the greater the long-term cost: to families, to the community, and yes, to the Government.
Early intervention isn’t optional. Denying it is cruelty and negligence disguised as “policy.”
❌ The System is Broken
The Department claims that children “transition back into mainstream” once ready, freeing spaces for new students.
But in reality? They’re not moving children out.
Places remain blocked for years. Waitlists grow. Families are told to “just wait” while their kids spiral.
This is not a resource issue. This is a management failure.
And families are left powerless — we can’t even apply for 2028 until 2027. What’s “quick enough” when the system itself keeps the door shut? Who decides a child is “autistic enough” to deserve help?
📣 What We’re Demanding
✅ Transparency on SLP waitlists
✅ A clear, fair appeals process for families
✅ Proper transition planning so programs don’t get locked up for years
✅ Urgent expansion of SLP places to meet the actual demand
✊ Why This Matters
This isn’t just about my daughter. It’s about every child being left to struggle because the system is broken.
No child should miss out on support they’re already eligible for.
Every signature is a voice demanding change. Please stand with us — for Caoimhe, and for every child in WA who deserves the right support, at the right time.
📌 Sign this petition now to urge Minister Tony Buti to take immediate and decisive action!
https://www.change.org/Expand_Specialised_Learning_Programs_SLPs_in_Western_Australia_Now
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The issue
Specialist Learning Programs – Stop Denying Eligible Children
My daughter Caoimhe is 9 years old. She has Autism and ADHD.
Last year, she was confirmed eligible for the Specialist Learning Program (SLP – Autism).
But here we are — nine months later — and she’s still waiting.
On a list.
No timeframe.
No appeal.
No accountability.
💔 The Cost of Delay
Every day children like my daughter are denied access to the support they’ve already been approved for, their mental health suffers. Anxiety, self-esteem, school refusal — these are not small issues. And the longer they go unsupported, the greater the long-term cost: to families, to the community, and yes, to the Government.
Early intervention isn’t optional. Denying it is cruelty and negligence disguised as “policy.”
❌ The System is Broken
The Department claims that children “transition back into mainstream” once ready, freeing spaces for new students.
But in reality? They’re not moving children out.
Places remain blocked for years. Waitlists grow. Families are told to “just wait” while their kids spiral.
This is not a resource issue. This is a management failure.
And families are left powerless — we can’t even apply for 2028 until 2027. What’s “quick enough” when the system itself keeps the door shut? Who decides a child is “autistic enough” to deserve help?
📣 What We’re Demanding
✅ Transparency on SLP waitlists
✅ A clear, fair appeals process for families
✅ Proper transition planning so programs don’t get locked up for years
✅ Urgent expansion of SLP places to meet the actual demand
✊ Why This Matters
This isn’t just about my daughter. It’s about every child being left to struggle because the system is broken.
No child should miss out on support they’re already eligible for.
Every signature is a voice demanding change. Please stand with us — for Caoimhe, and for every child in WA who deserves the right support, at the right time.
📌 Sign this petition now to urge Minister Tony Buti to take immediate and decisive action!
https://www.change.org/Expand_Specialised_Learning_Programs_SLPs_in_Western_Australia_Now
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Petition created on 26 June 2025