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NDIS Minister Bill Shorten has addressed commentary surrounding the high number of children and adults with autism who are using the disability scheme.

“There has been, at times, some unhelpful, indeed stigmatising, commentary around children and indeed adults with autism,” he said at the National Press Club on Thursday.

“Identifying autistic people, singling them out in this debate about the NDIS is deeply unfair and distressing for autistic Australians.

“So it is to you that I want to speak directly at this point: you are part of not just the disability community but the Australian community.

“You deserve better than unfounded gossip and needless anxiety.

“This review has not been about finding ways to exclude autistic people or leave children without much-needed support.

“If you read the report, you will see it recommends removing diagnosis as the primary basis for entry into the scheme because that approach is actually unfair.”