
Today, the Albanese Labor Government has taken a monumental step towards creating a more inclusive Australia with the launch of the country’s very first National Autism Strategy and an associated Action Plan. These initiatives are designed to provide better inclusion, support, and life outcomes for the 300,000 Autistic Australians.
The government’s goal? To ensure that Autistic people are not just understood and supported but also empowered, with access to spaces and services that truly work for them.
For the first time at a national level, this Strategy aims to break down barriers to inclusion, improve the understanding and acceptance of autism, and ensure that Autistic people across the country have the support they need to thrive.
Developed with the Community
The Strategy has been built with input from Autistic people, their families, carers, and a wide range of experts in the autism and disability sectors. It was shaped by the guidance of the National Autism Strategy Oversight Council, ensuring it reflects the real living experiences and needs of the Autistic community.
A key insight that emerged from this consultation was the concept of “masking”, where many Autistic individuals hide or suppress their true selves to fit in with a predominantly neurotypical world. This new Strategy and Action Plan aims to create a more supportive environment where Autistic people can express themselves freely and without fear of judgment.
Four Key Areas of Focus
The Strategy focuses on four key areas that are critical to improving the lives of Autistic Australians:
- Social Inclusion
Promoting greater social participation and reducing isolation. - Economic Inclusion
Ensuring access to meaningful employment and financial security. - Diagnosis, Services, and Supports
Making diagnosis easier and providing better access to vital services. - Health and Mental Health
Addressing the unique health challenges faced by Autistic individuals and ensuring they have access to appropriate care.
Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth, expressed the government’s commitment to improving the lives of Autistic Australians, saying:
“Our Albanese Labor Government is committed to improving the lives of the almost 300,000 Autistic people living in Australia, and it’s why we’ve delivered the first National Autism Strategy. Addressing the barriers Autistic people face in education, employment, and diagnosis is long overdue.”
Real Action, Real Change
The Strategy’s First Action Plan is already backed by $42.3 million in funding, ensuring the government’s promises lead to tangible results. Some of the key steps outlined include:
- $19.9 million over four years for a peer support program, offering Autistic people tailored advice and a sense of community that formal systems may not be able to provide.
- $915,000 over two years to enhance community understanding and acceptance of autism through awareness initiatives.
- $445,000 in 2025-26 to improve the diagnosis process with better support for families before and after diagnosis.
- $915,000 over two years to increase employment opportunities and provide better support for Autistic individuals entering the workforce.
- $12.2 million over five years for a dedicated knowledge translation body, ensuring that academic research in neurodiversity informs the development of policies and services.
- $3.7 million over two years to evaluate and improve existing programs supporting Autistic people.
- $2.8 million over four years for an epidemiological study to get a more accurate picture of autism prevalence in Australia, which will inform future policy development.
A More Inclusive Future
This groundbreaking National Autism Strategy and its First Action Plan represent a significant step towards a future where Autistic Australians have the tools, support, and opportunities they need to live full and meaningful lives.
Minister Rishworth highlighted the importance of ongoing collaboration, saying, “Working with Autistic people will remain key as we implement the goals of the Strategy and Action Plan. This ensures we meet the diverse needs of Autistic people across Australia.”
If you want to learn more about the National Autism Strategy, its Action Plan, and the resources available, head over to the Department of Social Services website, where you can find accessible versions of all supporting materials: https://www.dss.gov.au/national-autism-strategy
This is just the beginning, and it’s exciting to think about the positive changes this Strategy will bring for Autistic people across Australia.
At the NGO Training Centre, our Autism course developed in partnership with our subject matter expert, equips Disability Support Professionals with the essential skills to support Autistic individuals effectively. Training is key to creating inclusive environments where Autistic people feel understood and empowered. Our course covers communication strategies, sensory sensitivities, and promoting inclusion in various settings. By investing in education, you can help ensure better support, acceptance, and opportunities for Autistic individuals to thrive in all areas of their lives.🌱💙
Written by Amanda Robinson, B.A., MMentalHealth Prac.
Amanda is a professional with over a decade of dedicated experience in the fields of Mental Health and Disability. Her extensive expertise lies in navigating the intricate landscape of the Disability Sector. She brings a unique perspective to her work, being both a person with lived experience of disability and a compassionate carer. She has a passion for advocacy, making her a staunch champion for the rights and well-being of individuals facing similar challenges.