Autism and Moving to Australia: A Parent’s Guide
Moving to a new country, especially one as diverse as Australia, can be a challenging journey for any family. However, for parents of children with autism, the process can be particularly fraught. Here, we'll explore the realities of moving to Australia as a family with a child diagnosed with autism, based on personal experiences and expert advice.
Legal Challenges and Family Experiences
John, a parent of a child diagnosed with autism, recently shared his experiences with us. His son, who is now 6, has made significant progress in his development. However, they are torn about moving to Australia from the USA due to the immigration policies.
Immigration and Visa Issues
John's daughter also has autism, and they are considering the move to Australia. However, his experience with immigration shows that the process is far from straightforward. A case in point is his colleague who migrated from Dagestan via Iraq. He also has a daughter with autism, and despite the low cost of living and good quality of healthcare in Australia, his family faced significant hurdles regarding immigration. The Australian government refused to grant a visa for his daughter due to a perceived "medical" condition that would burden the healthcare system. After challenging the decision in immigration courts, it took about three years to get a visa for his daughter. His colleague expresses frustration and disbelief that autism, which does not require medication or medical treatment, was seen as such a burden.
The case highlights the difficulties faced by families with children with autism in immigration processes. One source notes that the Immigration Department sometimes goes as far as to split families rather than grant visas, indicating a lack of compassion and clear understanding of autism and its needs.
Challenges and Considerations
The challenges don't stop at the immigration process. According to several sources, including John, Australia can be an isolating place, particularly for newcomers. Despite having a large immigrant population, many people tend to socialize only with their own family and close friends. This can lead to depression, especially for children with autism who may find it harder to adapt to a new environment.
Weather conditions can also pose additional challenges. Cities like Melbourne are noted for their challenging weather, which can worsen the condition of children with autism. Such an environment may not be the best for a child who is still making progress and needs a stable, supportive atmosphere.
Expert Advice and Personal Insights
Given the potential difficulties, John advises seeking professional advice before making the move. He emphasizes the importance of being honest with the Department of Immigration, as dishonesty can lead to problems later on.
From a personal standpoint, John advises against moving. Not only are the social and weather conditions challenging, but Australia is also considered decades behind North America in terms of social issues, particularly those affecting children with autism.
There has been a significant number of news stories in Canada about the abuse of autistic children by school authorities in Australia. This further raises concerns about the safety and acceptance of children with autism in the country.
Conclusion
Moving to Australia with a child who has autism can be a complex decision. While Australia has a diverse and multicultural society, the social and weather conditions, combined with potential immigration hurdles, may make the move a difficult one. Families may want to consider their child's specific needs and the resources available in their current location before making such a significant decision.
Keywords: autism in Australia, immigration for autism, moving to Australia with autism