Autism strategy empowers people to thrive

La Trobe University has welcomed the release of Australia’s first-ever national autism strategy, which aims to create a safe and inclusive society, where all Autistic people are supported and empowered to thrive.

Professor Nora Shields, Research Director of the University’s Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC), said they had worked closely with the federal government to develop the strategy, with Associate Professor Josephine Barbaro invited on the National Autism Strategy Oversight Committee.

OTARC, Australia’s leading autism research centre, made 50 recommendations in critical areas such as education, housing, aged care and workforce inclusion in a submission to the draft strategy, drawing on more than a decade of research and lived experience.

“We shaped our recommendations around creating a society where every Autistic person can thrive,” Professor Shields said.

Commitments in the seven-year plan, launched today, are focused on four key areas: social inclusion; economic inclusion; diagnosis, services and support; and health.

The government has pledged $42.3 million to implement the first stage of the strategy.

“We recognised the diversity within the Autistic community and the unique challenges faced by those with higher support needs or by older adults,” Professor Shields said.

“Our goal in contributing to the strategy was to inspire change that respects individuality while addressing systemic barriers.

“This strategy is a fundamental step to acknowledging Autistic Australians and we look forward to understanding how these ideals will be implemented in practice.”

Associate Professor Barbaro said the strategy was “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make lasting change”.

"The need for change sits with society as a whole," Associate Professor Barbaro said.

“This is extremely powerful. To my knowledge, this is the first time this has been explicitly stated in any Australian Government document in relation to autism.

“It actually makes me quite emotional that my Autistic son will grow up in a world that accepts him as he is.”