The 2022 Survey of Disability, Ageing, and Carers (SDAC) estimated there were 290,900 autistic people in Australia. In NSW alone, it’s estimated (based on population distribution) that around 80,000 individuals may have autism. Yet, despite these numbers, neurodiversity remains an underrepresented but vital conversation. I recently had the privilege of speaking with Ange McArthur, the inspiring owner of A C McArthur Services. Ange shared her journey of advocating for neurodiverse individuals through the often complex National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Drawing from her lived experiences and work supporting neurodiverse clients, Ange provides valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of navigating an inaccessible system.
From Support Worker to Business Owner
Ange’s journey began as a Disability Support Worker, where she quickly realised that the system wasn’t built for people like her, nor the people she was supporting. She faced burnout, a lack of guidance, and overwhelming caseloads. Ange found herself at a crossroads. She recalls, “I hit a wall. I loved what I did, but I was unwell and had to find another way.”
Through sheer perseverance and the encouragement of her peers, Ange transitioned into support coordination. Eventually, she founded her business, A C McArthur Services, in late 2023. Since then, she has worked with NDIS participants to achieve better outcomes. With intention, Ange focuses on neurodivergent individuals. “I’ve never had to advertise,” Ange says. This is all thanks to word-of-mouth referrals from clients who appreciate her lived experience and her ability to advocate for their unique needs.
Navigating Neurodiversity in the NDIS
As someone diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and other conditions, Ange has first-hand experience navigating life with neurodivergent traits. “NDIS often doesn’t know what to do with someone like me—especially as a woman with autism,” she shares. Ange’s deep understanding of neurodiversity has made her a sought-after advocate in Newcastle, where she helps clients gain access to the support they need.
When asked to define neurodiversity, Ange points to a powerful description she learned from Sonny Jane Wise, a lived-experience educator. “Neurodiversity is an umbrella term that covers various diagnoses and conditions related to the brain, including autism, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, and more. It acknowledges that our brains are unique, just like our fingerprints, and that we experience and interpret the world differently. This uniqueness is not something to be ‘fixed,’ but rather something to be understood and embraced.” This definition highlights the diversity in how people’s brains function, promoting the idea that neurodivergence is just a natural variation in the human population.
Her advocacy extends beyond traditional support. Ange emphasizes the importance of understanding the individual, not just their diagnosis. “Learn the person, not the label,” she stresses. This is especially crucial when working with clients with neurodiversity in the NDIS who may not fit into the rigid boxes often imposed by support systems. Ange’s holistic, person-centered approach fosters an environment where participants can truly thrive, whether it’s helping them secure sensory accommodations in schools or assisting them with NDIS applications.
The Struggles of an Inaccessible System
While Ange’s work is deeply rewarding, it is not without its challenges. The NDIS, though designed to provide crucial support, is often difficult to navigate—both for participants and the support coordinators like Ange who guide them through it. “People look to me for answers, but even I sometimes don’t know,” she admits. The system’s complexity, combined with frequent changes in legislation, leaves many neurodiverse individuals underserved or confused.
Ange also highlighted the difficulties faced by neurodivergent participants when interacting with the system. For example, Local Area Coordinators (LACs), who are meant to help NDIS participants, are often overwhelmed with caseloads that make personal support nearly impossible. “You cannot apply a person-centered approach when one LAC is responsible for 400 to 600 participants,” she explains. Ange adds that they don’t even do half of what support coordinators do.
Accommodations for Neurodiversity
One of the key themes Ange discussed was the need for better accommodations in workplaces, schools, and social settings for neurodiverse individuals. She advocates for a more individualized approach, tailored to each person’s unique needs. “Just because someone is autistic doesn’t mean fidgets will work for them,” she says. Her mantra is: Learn the individual, not the diagnosis. This points to the importance of learning what specific accommodations help each individual thrive.
Ange’s commitment to advocating for tailored accommodations extends to her son, who is also neurodivergent. She is actively involved in ensuring he receives the support she didn’t have growing up, from sensory rooms at school to more flexible learning environments. “He takes himself to the floor to regulate, and we respect that. It’s about giving them the space to be themselves,” she says.
Success Stories and the Power of Support
Despite the barriers, Ange has seen the power of consistent support and the right accommodations. One of her most rewarding experiences was seeing a participant with level 3 autism, who had been mostly housebound and reliant on their family, attend Comic Con independently after working with Ange for a year. “Seeing them there was one of the best moments. It was the result of regular, consistent support,” she recalls.
These moments underscore why Ange remains passionate about her work, even amidst the systemic challenges. “It all comes down to asking the right questions, getting educated, and understanding the person,” she says.
A Call for Change in the NDIS
Ange’s story highlights the need for a more accessible, flexible system. One that truly understands and accommodates neurodiversity. The current structure of the NDIS often leaves neurodiverse individuals struggling to access the support they need, despite their eligibility. Ange remains hopeful for change and continues to be a vocal, a bold one at that, advocate for neurodivergent individuals.
For those who wish to learn more about Ange’s work or are looking for guidance on navigating the NDIS, A C McArthur Services stands as a beacon of support and advocacy for the neurodiverse community.
Conclusion
Celebrating neurodiversity in the NDIS or elsewhere means recognising that every individual’s brain works differently. It also means advocating for a system that meets these unique needs. Ange McArthur, through her lived experience and professional expertise, continues to champion the cause for better accommodations, more accessible services, and a deeper understanding of neurodiversity in a world that often overlooks it.
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