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This week the Albanese government launched Australia's first National Autism Strategy, aiming for a more inclusive society. The strategy has been developed with La Trobe University and includes 50 recommendations on education, housing and jobs.
Backed by $42 million, it focuses on inclusion, support service, and health, while respecting the diversity of the autistic community.
Josephine Barbaro, an Associate Professor at La Trobe University says the strategy’s overall objective is to improve the quality of life of autistic Australians.
“It's about improving quality of life that's meaningful to autistic people. Not what we, as a society, think is important, but what is important to the autistic person. This strategy has been developed by and for autistic people to improve quality of life across the lifespan.”
Nicole Antonopoulos is the mother of a 15-year-old with autism.
She says she is excited about the strategy but feels it's important there's collaboration across government to ensure changes to the NDIS are meeting the needs of autistic people.
“I think the strategy really highlights that autistic people do have specific needs that need specific policy solutions,” Nicole says.
She says the investment in peer support is a welcome addition as it has been a vital resource for her in the past.
“Peer support has been absolutely a lifesaver for me. There's just something in speaking to…other parents and knowing that you're not alone in your experience and learning from them…being able to talk through your successes as well as your challenges.”
The Strategy focuses on four key outcome areas that will help guide strategies and solutions to help overcome the unique barriers and challenges Autistic people face. These include:
- Social inclusion;
- Economic inclusion;
- Diagnosis, services and supports; and
- Health and mental health.
Deputy CEO of People with Australia, Megan Spindler-Smith says the National Autism Strategy is an important starting point, but argues it has the potential to forget that autism is a lifelong disability.
“Being autistic doesn't stop once you leave primary school or high school,” they explain.
“For many of us who are autistic, how we engage and have access to things are not yet fully supported in a way that is autistic and neurodivergent appropriate or affirming.”
Megan says those that are late diagnosed have been disadvantaged as they haven’t had the opportunity to access early supports and interventions.
“This strategy will really support those in a way that is impactful and effective and hopefully limit the long term trauma that many late diagnosed autistic people are living through,” they say.
However for those that are late diagnosed, the issue of co-conditions are not being recognised through the strategy.
“We know that autism is part of a wider set of co-conditions that are not being considered…so there are some gaps that need to be filled,” Megan says.
They hope the government continues to co develop with neurodivergent people directly, and the upcoming changes will not just impact the neurodivergent and autistic community, but provide positive impacts for the wider community.