"When a flower doesn't bloom, you fix the environment which it grows, not the flower"  - Alexander Den Heijer

Families and autistic students in the East Hills electorate are severely impacted by the lack of Autism Support Units. Many students are forced to travel long distances to access suitable placements, leading to sensory overload, anxiety, and fatigue. This undermines their engagement, attendance, and learning. Local primary schools' Autism Support Units are at capacity, and some high schools have many autistic students but no where to place them. Specialist placements have more applicants than vacancies, leaving families without access to essential support.

The future of these students' education and well-being hangs in the balance. If things don't change, autistic students will continue to face significant barriers to learning and socialisation. However, if Autism Support Units are established and expanded, students will have access to tailored support, improving their educational outcomes and quality of life. This change can empower them to reach their full potential and participate fully in their communities.

Now is the time for immediate action. The growing demand for Autism Support Units can no longer be ignored. By establishing a dedicated unit at Picnic Point High School and increasing capacity in primary schools, the government can make a tangible difference in the lives of autistic students and their families. We urge our local MP Kylie Wilkinson to take bold steps to address this pressing issue and provide the necessary support for these students to thrive.