Release of the National Autism Strategy 2025-2031
The Federal Government has released Australia's first ever national autism strategy, aiming to enhance the lives of approximately 300,000 autistic Australians. Developed through a comprehensive co-design process, the strategy is a seven-year plan that sets out the vision for a safe and inclusive society for all Autistic people, one where we support and empower Autistic people to thrive in all aspects of life.
The strategy focuses on actions and enabling change in four key outcome areas:
- social inclusion
- economic inclusion
- diagnosis, services and supports
- health and mental health
Each outcome area covers a broad range of issues. The strategy includes commitments under the first three outcome areas. The Autism Health Roadmap will address the fourth key outcome area, to improve health and mental health. The Department of Health and Aged Care leads the development of the Autism Health Roadmap. This is through a separate process, connected to the strategy.
About the resource
The National Autism Strategy 2025-2031 is a framework for improving outcomes for all Autistic people in the years ahead. It includes a vision, goal, guiding principles and commitments.
The strategy has also been summarised in a collection of snapshots:
- National Autism Strategy General Snapshot (including language translations)
- National Autism Strategy First Nations Snapshot
- National Autism Strategy CALD/CARM Snapshot
- National Autism Strategy LGBTQIA+ Snapshot
- National Autism Strategy Older Autistic People Snapshot
Plus there is an Easy Read version that helps explain the information in a more clear and simple way.
Advocates champion ‘historic’ national autism strategy
Disability advocate and researcher Ebe Ganon, who participated in the consultation process for the strategy, told ABC NewsRadio’s Sarah Morice it is one of biggest developments in autism rights in history. Listen to the ABC NewsRadio interview with Ebe.