Developing the National Autism Strategy
The Australian Government is making a National Autism Strategy to make sure Autistic people and their families have better support and are included in all areas of life.
Life outcomes for Autistic people are worse than they should be. It can be harder for Autistic people and their families to get the help they need. This includes getting:
- the right healthcare
- support at school or university
- job opportunities
- secure housing.
For Autistic people with an intellectual disability, there can be even more barriers to an inclusive life. We wrote about some of these barriers and ways of including people with complex needs in the consultation process in our report to the Department of Social Services earlier this year.
The Government has now heard from the community about what should be included in a National Autism Strategy. They wrote a Discussion Paper talking about what they have heard so far and invited the community to give feedback. You can read the Discussion Paper here, there is also an Easy Read version.
We wrote a submission talking about the issues that affect Autistic people with an intellectual disability and their families. You can read it here or click on the box below.
You can read the Easy Read version of our submission here (or see below): National Autism Strategy submission – Easy Read.
The Government will now release a Draft National Autism Strategy early 2024 and there will be another opportunity for the community to give feedback.
There will also be an Easy Read version of the Draft Strategy.
You can stay up to date by subscribing for updates here: https://engage.dss.gov.au/developing-the-national-autism-strategy/#subscribe