Making autism treatment affordable.
The Client
Critical Window Foundation (CWF) is an Australian charity that seeks to improve treatment options for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
The Challenge
In June 2012, there were 53,428 Australian children aged under 16 years diagnosed with either Autism or Asperger’s Disorder (1 in 61. 5 children). Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) based therapy, the only empirically substantiated clinical approach availability, costs families a minimum of $86,500 per annum. Funding under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is limited, ranging between $8,000 p.a. to $40,000, leaving affected families with a large financial burden. The MBAe team was tasked with finding a solution that warrants the efficiency and effectiveness of ABA service delivery and reduces the non-NDIS funding impost upon families impacted by an early Autism diagnosis.
The Solution
The student team recommend CWF to lead the development of an advocacy organisation aimed at modernising the treatment philosophy behind Comprehensive Early Interventions for ASD. Detailed action items were proposed that featured the development of a technology platform aimed at streamlining logistics for treatment professional and partners and to provide families with a desirable, supportive and effective interface to interact with service providers. Further advice was given in regards to identifying key partnerships and relationships for the organisation to increase credibility, attract funding and deliver the strategy.