In January 2025, the Australian Government released its first National Autism Strategy (‘Strategy’), aiming to create a “safe and inclusive society where all autistic people are supported and empowered to thrive.”

The Strategy is a landmark initiative designed to bring meaningful change to a community that has long faced barriers in many aspects of life. It marks an important step toward improving the quality of life for Autistic individuals and fostering a more inclusive society.

What’s in the Strategy?

The Strategy outlines 22 key “commitments” across four major reform areas:

• Social Inclusion – Creating accessible, low-sensory public spaces to foster community participation and safety for Autistic people.
• Economic Inclusion – Supporting Autistic individuals in securing and maintaining employment by helping workplaces become more inclusive.
• Diagnosis, Services, and Supports – Improving access to timely and affordable autism diagnoses, with a focus on enhancing services, particularly in rural areas.
• Health and Mental Health – Ensuring Autistic people can access high-quality healthcare, including improved mental health support. This aspect will be further detailed in the upcoming National Autism Health Roadmap.

Additional commitments include tackling discrimination, bullying, and exploitation in key areas of life.

Government Funding and Implementation

The Strategy will be rolled out over seven years, backed by a $42.3 million funding commitment for the first phase. Key allocations include:

• $19.9 million (over four years) – Peer support programs offering lived-experience knowledge and culturally tailored advice.
• $12.2 million (over five years) – Establishing a body to translate autism-related research into practical tools for service providers and policymakers.
• $3.7 million (over two years) – Evaluating existing programs aimed at improving the lives of Autistic people.
• $2.8 million (over four years) – Conducting a national study to determine the true prevalence of autism in Australia.
• $915,000 (over two years) – Launching community awareness and education initiatives.
• $445,000 (for 2025-26) – Developing new pre- and post-diagnosis resources.

A draft of the Strategy was released last year and refined through extensive consultation with an oversight council, working groups, and the Autistic community.

Why is This National Autism Strategy Needed?

The need for a comprehensive Autism Strategy is evident:

• Around 290,000 Australians have an autism diagnosis, though actual numbers may be higher.
• Autistic individuals are six times more likely to be unemployed than those without disabilities.
• They are 2–3 times more likely to experience premature mortality compared to the general population.
• 69% of Autistic students (ages 5–20) report difficulties at school or university.
• Only 5% of Autistic individuals hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (compared to 20% of people with disabilities and 35% of the general population).
• 37% of all NDIS participants list autism as their primary diagnosis, the highest proportion among all disabilities.

Source: Department of Social Services, National Disability Insurance Agency

Beyond fostering inclusion, the Strategy recognises the need for systemic changes in education, healthcare, and workplace structures to remove barriers for Autistic individuals. The Government’s investment will help reduce stigma and prevent Autistic people from falling through the cracks.

What’s Next?

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth has emphasised the Strategy’s importance, stating:

“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 will change lives for the better.”

Details of the first phase of implementation can be found on the Department of Social Services website.

Want to Learn More?

For more insights into the National Autism Strategy and its impact, check out these resources:

• DSS: National Autism Strategy Overview – Access the full Strategy, the first action plan, and accessible formats (Easy Read, Auslan).
• Autistic Voices: Real-Life Experiences – Hear directly from Autistic individuals on why this matters.
• ABC News: Breakdown of the National Autism Strategy – A detailed look at key reforms.
• National Autism Health Roadmap Updates – Stay informed about upcoming healthcare initiatives.
• Accessible Formats – Explore resources available in multiple formats on the DSS website.

How Can Ability Assist Help?

At Ability Assist, we’ve been supporting Autistic children and young people for over 30 years, helping them achieve their goals and improve their social inclusion, economic participation, and health outcomes.

If you’d like to learn more about how we support Autistic individuals, reach out to our friendly team: Contact Us.

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