The Australian government has officially launched its first National Autism Strategy, aiming to empower and support nearly 300,000 autistic individuals across the nation. Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth unveiled this historic plan on January 14, 2024, emphasizing the need for improved inclusion and life outcomes for people with autism.
At the core of the strategy is the government’s commitment to dismantling barriers to inclusion, with the initiative saying it reflects the first coordinated national approach to autism. “Addressing the barriers autistic people face in areas like education, employment, and diagnosis is long overdue and we are proud to deliver a strategy that'll change lives for thebetter,” Rishworth stated. The strategy is underpinned by AUD 42.3 million ($26.1 million) allocated to initiatives dedicated to enhancing the lives of autistic Australians.
This funding includes AUD 19.9 million over four years for a peer support program, which will leverage lived experience and culturally informed advice to assist those on the autism spectrum. Another AUD 12.2 million will support the establishment of a body focused on translating autism-related research, ensuring the development of evidence-based tools for service providers and policymakers.
The strategy aims to address the systemic barriers faced by autistic individuals, recognizing the need for societal and attitudinal shifts. It delineates four key outcome areas: social and economic inclusion, diagnosis, services and supports, and health and mental health. Each of these areas is expected to guide solutions to the unique challenges these individuals encounter.
According to the Department of Social Services, there are approximately 290,000 Australians diagnosed with autism, though the actual number is believed to be even greater due to underdiagnosis. Autistic individuals face significant hurdles, including being six times more likely to be unemployed than their neurotypical peers.
Equally alarming is the early mortality rate among autistic Australians, who are two to three times more likely to die prematurely compared to the general population. The research also reveals educational disparities, with only five percent of autistic Australians holding university degrees, compared to 20 percent among all individuals with disabilities.
Clare Gibellini, co-chair of the National Autism Strategy Oversight Council, highlighted the importance of recognizing the additional support needs of autistic individuals. “The strategy recognizes... people with autism have additional support needs,” she noted, underscoring the inclusive ethos underpinning the initiative.
The development of this strategy was not conducted in isolation; it drew upon substantial community engagement. A co-design process involving the insights of autistic individuals, families, caregivers, and advocates was put forth. From September to November 2023, over 2000 participants provided feedback through consultations, workshops, and written submissions to refine the strategy’s focus.
A first draft of the strategy was presented to the public in April 2024, welcoming input from more than 1,300 respondents, which was carefully examined and incorporated by the National Autism Strategy Oversight Council prior to finalizing the document.
The strategy envisions not only greater inclusion for autistic Australians but also aims to promote recognition of their strengths and facilitate systemic change to improve their quality of life. It advocates for societal acceptance through enhanced awareness and education about autism, which is seen as pivotal to the implementation of its goals.
The comprehensive action plan established alongside the strategy sets out practical steps to be implemented over the next two years. Several initiatives funded will evaluate existing programs aimed at improving the lives of autistic individuals, invest substantially in community awareness efforts, and fund studies to ascertain the true prevalence of autism within Australia.
Rishworth concluded her remarks with optimism, stating, “Working with autistic people will remain key as we work to implement the goals of the strategy and the associated action plan – ensuring we meet the diverse needs of autistic people in Australia.” The government’s investment marks the beginning of what many hope will be significant and lasting change for autistic Australians.