A first-of-its-kind national strategy to improve the lives of people living with autism will be underpinned by better identification, assessment and diagnosis of the condition.
The National Autism Strategy 2025-2031 published by the Federal Government this week outlines commitments that address social and economic inclusion, and diagnosis, services and support.
GPs are often the first point of contact for people at the beginning of their diagnosis journey before being referred to specialists for further assessment.
But the strategy notes that often autistic people, their families and carers “can experience difficulties at all stages of the identification, assessment, and diagnosis process. Particularly the time it can take to receive a diagnosis, and the associated cost”.
It also highlights difficulties in finding, accessing and navigating appropriate support services post-diagnosis.
To improve this the strategy makes a number of commitments, including the development of standardised co-designed training and professional development materials to support those involved in the identification and diagnosis of autism; exploring ways to make diagnosis and assessment more affordable; and the development of best practice materials for people providing supports and services to autistic people.
Consideration will also be given to early screening and developmental monitoring to promote early identification and diagnosis, and improved access to health and other professionals.
Overall health and mental health outcomes will be addressed in an autism health roadmap, which is still under development.
Autism Association of WA chief executive Joan McKenna Kerr welcomed the strategy.
“We applaud the strategy for not shying away from the extent of work that needs to be undertaken to make its vision of a more inclusive community for autistic Australians a reality,” she said.
“The focus on social and economic participation, as well as access to diagnosis and health and mental health services will be enthusiastically received by our community.
“We are also very heartened that the strategy focused on the diversity of the autistic community and acknowledged the pivotal role of families in the lives of people with high support needs.”
The strategy was developed with guidance from the National Autism Strategy Oversight Council and involved extensive consultation with autistic people, their families and carers, and the broader autism and disability sectors, researchers and experts.
The first action plan includes $42.3 million in funding and outlines practical steps over the next two years including:
- $445,000 in 2025-26 for resources to support autistic people and their families with pre- and post-diagnosis information
- $12.2 million over five years for a dedicated knowledge translation body to ensure academic research into neurodiversity informs and improves the policies and services affecting autistic people’s lives
- $3.7 million over two years to work with autistic people and the autism community to evaluate existing programs aiming to improve their lives, to identify what works, where there are gaps and opportunities for improvement
- $2.8 million over four years for a comprehensive epidemiological study to identify the true prevalence of autism in Australia.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the government wanted to ensure autistic people in Australia were understood, empowered and supported.
“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,” she said.
The National Autism Strategy 2025-2031 can be found here.