National Autism Strategy
A National Autism Strategy was identified to be needed to improve the life outcomes of Autistic Australians. We asked for this pre-election and the Australian government responded with a commitment to the co-design and development of a National Autism Strategy (Strategy) that is informed by the experiences of autistic people, their families and carers, and those who work to support them.
This will involve a comprehensive co-design and national consultation process that will draw in views from the full diversity and representative range of the autistic community and the autism and disability sectors.
The national consultation process and co-design of the Strategy are to be guided by an Oversight Council and assisted by four Working Groups considering:
- Social inclusion.
- Economic inclusion.
- Diagnosis, supports and services.
- National Roadmap to Improve the Health and Mental Health of Autistic People.
The members of the Oversight Council and the first three Working Groups are to be appointed by the Minister for Social Services, The Hon. Amanda Rishworth MP, who has overall responsibility for the development and implementation of the Strategy. The National Roadmap to Improve the Health and Mental Health of Autistic People Working Group is being established by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care.
In keeping with the Government’s commitment to co-design, the Oversight Council and Working Groups are to have autistic and autism community representation alongside researchers, professionals and government representatives.
The Australian Autism Alliance is one of the organisations that has been asked to manage an Expression of Interest process from the autistic and autism community, to assist with appointments to the Oversight Council and the first three Working Groups. The aim is to have the Oversight Council and Working Groups operating as soon as possible. The Autism CRC and the Australasian Society for Autism Research are managing the Expression of Interest process from researchers and professionals (eg health, education, social work).
Given the diversity of the autistic community, it is important that the Oversight Council and the Working Groups bring experience and understanding of many individual perspectives. This includes an individual’s background, identities and roles. An individual member may bring experience from multiple perspectives.
The Oversight Council will, as a collective, bring significant and contemporary experience, skills and understanding of the many strengths and challenges of the autistic community. The same applies to each working group.
Contribute to the National Autism Strategy
There are a number of ways to contribute to the National Autism Strategy. As consultations have just opened there will also be other opportunities to come, which we will advise you about.
Follow this link to learn more.
